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

2024 Kawasaki Z500 motorcycles recalled for clutch release shaft defect

Kawasaki Motors Corp. is recalling certain 2024 Z500 and Ninja 500 motorcycles due to a defective clutch release shaft that can fail and increase crash risk. Free replacement available from dealers.

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 motorcycle defect that could lead to loss of control and crash risk. However, no injuries or crashes have been reported, and the hazard remains theoretical. Per the severity rubric, recalls with no reported injuries and theoretical hazards are scored at most 3 (High).

Plain-English summary

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is recalling certain 2024 Kawasaki Z500 and Kawasaki Ninja 500 motorcycles, including ABS, SE, and special edition variants.

The clutch release shaft in these motorcycles was not properly welded during manufacturing. This defect can cause the clutch release lever to break apart. A broken clutch lever that fails to disengage properly can disable the motorcycle, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

Approximately 3,742 units are affected by this defect. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 24, 2025. Owners should contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381 (recall number MC25-04) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 to arrange the free repair. Dealers will replace the clutch release shaft free of charge.

The recalled product

Product
2024 KAWASAKI Z500
Brand
KAWASAKI
Manufacturer
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
Category
Vehicle — Motorcycle
Hazard
  • clutch-failure
  • 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