Kawasaki Ninja problems & recalls
NHTSA records for 1995–2021: 8 recall campaigns and 42 owner complaints. Pick a model year.
By year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 | 2 |
| 1998 | 0 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 | 2 |
| 2000 | 3 | 8 |
| 2001 | 1 | 7 |
| 2002 | 1 | 3 |
| 2003 | 1 | 5 |
| 2004 | 0 | 7 |
| 2005 | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 | 0 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 1 |
What owners complain about (all years)
Recent recalls
Electrical System, Power Train #20V676000 · 2020 · 799 units
Problem: Kawasaki motors corp., u.s.a. (kmc) is recalling certain 2018-2020 ninja h2 sx, ninja h2 sxse, and 2019-2020 ninja h2 sxse+ motorcycles. in the event of a gear misengagement the engine electronic control unit (ecu) programming doesn't have the capability to suppress high rpm during transmission. if the transmission gears are not properly engaged while shifting into 4th or 5th gear, high engine rpm can cause the output gears of 4th or 5th to fracture when the gears re-engage.
Risk: Damaged gears and the inability to shift can cause the engine to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kmc will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the fi-ecu software, free of charge. owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair has been completed. the recall began november 16, 2020. owners may contact kmc customer service at 1-866-802-9381. kmc's number for this recall is mc20-10.
Structure #18V580000 · 2018 · 390 units
Problem: Kawasaki motors corp., u.s.a. (kawasaki) is recalling certain 2018 kawasaki ninja h2 sx se (zxt02bj) motorcycles. the pin for the center stand spring may have been improperly welded, and, as a result, the pin may shift or fall off resulting in the spring detaching and the center stand dropping to the ground unexpectedly and dragging while riding.
Risk: The dragging center stand can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left center stand bracket, free of charge. owners may contact kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. kawasaki's number for this recall is mc18-05.
Electrical System #02V324000 · 2002 · 9,787 units
Problem: On certain 2000 zx1200-a1/a1-l, 2001 zx1200-a2/a2-l, and 2002-2003 zx1200-b1/b1-l motorcycles, oil leaking from the alternator lead electrical connector can be deposited onto the rear tire.
Risk: This can create the potential for a loss of traction for braking or cornering, and can lead to a crash.
Fix: Dealers will seal the alternator lead wires. owner notification began begin december 16, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
Fuel System, Gasoline #00V384000 · 2000 · 3,279 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the fuel gauge and low fuel warning system may not provide accurate indication of low fuel levels.
Risk: The operator could run out of fuel without warning, causing the operator to become distracted, or to slow unexpectedly in traffic, creating the risk of a crash.
Fix: dealers will replace the fuel gauge sending components.
Fuel System, Gasoline #00V365000 · 2000 · 4,506 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. a leaking vent pipe in the fuel tank can allow fuel to drain onto the ground.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will insert a supporting brace into the tank to dampen any effects of vibration on the vent pipe.
Power Train #99V337000 · 1999 · 3,504 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. the back torque limiter in the clutch could malfunction and allow the clutch to slip excessively, or not re-engage after a shift.
Risk: This sudden non-engagement of the clutch could cause the rider to lose control of the vehicle.
Fix: dealers will replace certain parts of the clutch.
Unknown Or Other #95V097000 · 1995 · 2,976 units
Problem: The tools may come out of the tool kit bag while riding, fall into the drive train area and possibly lodge in one of the moving parts.
Risk: This condition could cause the rear wheel to lock up resulting in a loss of control of the motorcycle and personal injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the tool kit bag and its retaining strap with a draw-string bag and new retaining band.
Power Train #95V096000 · 1995 · 12,322 units
Problem: The drive chains have been improperly heat-treated during the manufacturing process. exposure to corrosive conditions can cause the chain side plates to crack and ultimately fail.
Risk: This condition could result in a loss of control of the motorcycle.
Fix: Dealers will replace the drive chains on the motorcycles involved in this recall.
Want the full repair deets? Get the service manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Ninja.
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