The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·12V369000·Announced 2012-08-01

Kawasaki Recalls 2011-2012 ZX-10R Motorcycles Due to Oil Leak Risk

Kawasaki is recalling 2011-2012 ZX-10R motorcycles because engine oil may leak onto the rear tire, increasing the risk of a crash.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the defect can lead to personal injury or death, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe rating involving significant injury reports or risks.

Plain-English summary

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 ZX-10R 'Ninja' motorcycles. The recall involves approximately 4,170 vehicles.

The defect involves engine oil potentially leaking from the crankcase at the starter mounting point and pooling on top of the crankcase. Continued use in this condition can allow oil to spill over onto the rear tire. If oil spills onto the rear tire, there is an increased risk of a crash, leading to personal injury or death.

Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will remove the starter and seal the crankcase, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 8, 2012. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KAWASAKI ZX-10R
Brand
KAWASAKI
Manufacturer
KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.
Category
Vehicle — Motorcycle
Hazard
Affected units
4,170

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • ZX-10R

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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