The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·20V774000·Announced 2020-12-11

Kawasaki Recalls 2021 Ninja 400 and Z400 Motorcycles for Engine Defect

Kawasaki is recalling 2021 Ninja 400 and Z400 motorcycles because a weak camshaft chain tensioner could cause the engine to stall, increasing crash risk.

NHTSA safety advisory

Do not drive this vehicle

NHTSA advises owners to stop driving this vehicle until the recall repair has been completed.

This is the agency’s own advisory, not our assessment. Contact the manufacturer or a dealer, and see the official NHTSA notice for the current guidance.

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 recall involves a structural vehicle defect (engine component) that can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury risk.

Plain-English summary

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is recalling certain 2021 Z400 ABS, Ninja 400, and Ninja 400 ABS motorcycles. The recall involves 1,770 vehicles where the camshaft chain tensioner may have insufficient strength due to improper heat treatment, which could cause the part to be damaged.

A damaged camshaft chain tensioner can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed.

Dealers will replace the camshaft chain tensioner free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KAWASAKI NINJA 400, EX400G, Z400
Brand
KAWASAKI
Manufacturer
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
Category
Vehicle — Motorcycle
Hazard
Affected units
1,770

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 (3)

  • NINJA 400
  • EX400G
  • Z400

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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