MotorDeets

Zero DS problems & recalls

NHTSA records for 2009–2025: 12 recall campaigns and 5 owner complaints. Pick a model year.

2009201020112012201320142015201720182021202320242025

By year

YearRecallsComplaints
200910
201010
201120
201202
201311
201410
201511
201710
201810
202110
202301
202430
202510

What owners complain about (all years)

Engine2
Electrical System2
Suspension1

Recent recalls

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #26V048000 · 2026 · 118 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles inc. (zero) is recalling certain 2024-2025 dsr/x, ds, dsr, and dsrp motorcycles. the front brake hose may be twisted and become damaged, which can cause a brake fluid leak and a loss of brake pressure.

Risk: A loss of brake pressure can reduce braking ability and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hose as necessary, free of charge. owner notification letters were mailed february 23, 2026. owners may contact zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. zero's number for this recall is sv-rcl-025-017.2. vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall will be searchable on nhtsa.gov on february 27, 2026.

Electrical System #25V587000 · 2025 · 319 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles inc. (zero) is recalling certain 2023-2024 dsr/x, 2024 ds, dsr, and dsrp motorcycles. improperly routed key switch signal wires may break, causing a loss of drive power.

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: The firmware will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (ota) update, free of charge. owner notification letters were mailed september 26, 2025. owners may contact zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. zero's number for this recall is sv-rcl-025-018.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #25V459000 · 2025 · 44 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles inc. (zero) is recalling certain 2024 dsr/x, ds, dsr, and dsrp motorcycles. the front brake hose may be twisted and become damaged, which can cause a brake fluid leak and a loss of brake pressure.

Risk: A loss of brake pressure will reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hose as necessary, free of charge. owner notification letters were be mailed july 28, 2025. owners may contact zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. zero's number for this recall is sv-rcl-025-017.

Electrical System #20V640000 · 2020 · 64 units

Problem: Zero motorcycle inc. (zero) is recalling certain 2021 sr, s, dsr, ds, fx, and fxs motorcycles. the dc-dc converter has an insufficient power output margin to operate the anti-lock braking system (abs), instruments, lights, indicators, and any accessories that are connected to the accessory outlet at once.

Risk: The dc-dc converter can shut off when its power capacity is exceeded, shutting off the abs, instruments, and lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will replace the dc-dc converter, free of charge. the recall began october 26, 2020. owners may contact zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. zero's number for this recall is sv-zmc-021-019.

Equipment #17V762000 · 2017 · 36 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles inc. (zero) is recalling certain 2018 s zf13.0, s zf7.2, sr zf14.4, ds zf13.0, dsr zf14.4, fx zf7.2, and fxs zf7.2 motorcycles. the information on the vehicle emission control information (veci) label may indicate the wrong model year. as such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 cfr part 567, "certification."

Risk: If the affected 2018 motorcycles are ever subject to a recall, the owner may not realize the safety risk because of the misstated model year.

Fix: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incorrect label with a corrected label, free of charge. the recall is expected to begin in december 2017. owners may contact zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. zero's number for this recall is sv-zmc-017-380.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #17V145000 · 2017 · 61 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles inc. (zero) is recalling certain 2017 s, ds, and fxs motorcycles. the anti-lock braking system (abs) hydraulic control unit (hcu) may have the wrong vehicle model information, possibly causing the abs to function improperly.

Risk: If the abs does not function properly in a braking event, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Zero will notify owners and dealers will reconfigure the hcu, or replace it as needed, free of charge. the recall began on march 13, 2017. owners may contact zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. zero's number for the recall is sv-zmc-017-363.

Exterior Lighting, Electrical System #16V610000 · 2016 · 96 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles inc. (zero) is recalling certain model year 2015 sr, s, ds, and fx motorcycles. the affected motorcycles have a dc-dc converter that may have insufficient output power. during high power demand, the anti-lock brake system (abs) may not function properly.

Risk: If the converter power output is insufficient, during an abs activated event, the abs and all vehicle lights would temporarily stop functioning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Zero has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the dc-dc converters, replacing ones of a specific type as necessary, free of charge. the recall began on september 16, 2016. owners may contact zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. zero's number for this recall is sv-zmc-016-356.

Engine And Engine Cooling #14V119000 · 2014 · 94 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles, inc. (zero) is recalling certain model year 2014 zero sr motorcycles manufactured december 30, 2013, through february 20, 2014, 2014 zero s motorcycles manufactured december 26, 2013, through february 18, 2014, zero ds motorcycles manufactured january 24, 2013, through february 4, 2014, and 2014 zero fx motorcycles manufactured january 14, 2014, through january 27, 2014. due to a possible manufacturing defect, the motor rotor may contact the stator while riding.

Risk: If the rotor contacts the stator, the motor could seize, locking up the rear wheel which could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will test the motor and if it fails testing, replace it, free of charge. the recall began in april 11, 2014. owners may contact zero at 1-888-786-9316 (1-888-run-zero).

Electrical System #13V635000 · 2013 · 667 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles inc. (zero) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 xu, s, ds, and model year 2013 fx motorcycles. the affected motorcycles have controller firmware that, as a result of certain system faults, may shut off power to the motor.

Risk: A sudden loss of power to the motor may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will update the controller firmware, free of charge. the recall is expected to begin in mid-january 2014. owners may contact zero at 1-888-786-9376.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #13V329000 · 2013 · 268 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 s and ds motorcycles. on the affected motorcycles, the front caliper mounting bolts are susceptible to corrosion which could lead to their cracking and possible fracture.

Risk: If a front caliper bolt fractures, the caliper may come loose and interfere with the rotation of the front wheel. this could cause the front wheel to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Zero motorcycles will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front caliper bolts. the recall began on august 16, 2013. owners may contact zero motorcycles at 1-888-841-8085.

Exterior Lighting #12V307000 · 2012 · 450 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles, inc. (zero) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 s, xu, and ds motorcycles, model year 2011 mxd, and xd motorcycles and 2012 x motorcycles. the brake light switch at the front brake lever may not activate until significant brake lever travel occurs.

Risk: The brake light may not activate when a moderate amount of front brake is applied. as such, motorists traveling behind the motorcycle may not be alerted when an affected motorcycle is slowing down, which could lead to a possible crash and potential injury or death to the rider.

Fix: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front brake system brake-light switch free of charge. the safety recall began on august 3, 2012. owners may contact zero motorcycles at 1-831-438-3500.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic #11V282000 · 2011 · 160 units

Problem: Zero motorcycles is recalling certain model year 2009 zero s motorcycles built from september 2, 2009 through december 22, 2009; model year 2009 zero ds motorcycles built from july 27, 2009 through december 28, 2009; model year 2010 zero s motorcycles built from february 1, 2010 through march 31, 2011; and model year 2010 zero ds motorcycles built from january 20, 2010 through march 31, 2011. the front brake caliper bracket may experience permanent deformation when subjected to high braking loads. this condition could induce misalignment of the front brake pads with respect to the front brake rotor.

Risk: Misalignment of the brake pads in relation to the rotor may cause reduced front braking performance, which could lead to a possible crash and potential injury or death of the rider.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake caliper bracket with a re-designed component, and replace the front brake pads in case the existing pads experienced abnormal wear. the front brake fluid will also be inspected and, if signs of overheating are noted, it will be replaced and the system will be flushed. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall began on may 31, 2011. own

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