The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·25V146000·Announced 2025-03-06

2024 Kawasaki Z500 and Ninja 500 Motorcycles Clutch Release Shaft

Kawasaki is recalling certain 2024 Z500 and Ninja 500 motorcycles due to improper welding of the clutch release shaft, which can cause the clutch lever to break and disable the motorcycle, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: This is a structural safety defect (improper welding of a critical clutch component) on a vehicle that can disable the motorcycle and increase crash risk. No injuries or deaths are reported in the source text, but the defect directly affects vehicle control and poses a clear risk of harm.

Plain-English summary

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2024 Ninja 500 models (ABS, KRT Edition, KRT Edition SE ABS, SE ABS, SE 40th Anniversary Edition ABS) and Z500 models (ABS and SE ABS). The clutch release shaft was not properly welded, which can cause the clutch lever to break apart.

A broken clutch release lever may not disengage, disabling the motorcycle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners should contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381 or contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171). Owner notification letters were mailed on March 24, 2025. Dealers will replace the clutch release shaft free of charge. KMC's recall number is MC25-04.

The recalled product

Product
2024 KAWASAKI Z500
Brand
KAWASAKI
Manufacturer
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
Category
Vehicle — Motorcycle
Hazard
  • defective-clutch
  • loss-of-control
  • crash-risk
Affected units
3,742

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 (2)

  • Z500
  • NINJA 500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · KAWASAKI

Same category