Update: Kawasaki Ninja 400 Recalled for Engine Stall Defect, Crash Hazard
Kawasaki is recalling the following motorcycles which were manufactured with a potentially defective camshaft chain tensioner that could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash:
- 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 (EX400H)
- 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS (EX400G)
- 2021 Kawasaki Z400 ABS (ER400D)
The strength of the camshaft chain tensioner on the above motorcycles may be insufficient due to improper heat treatment, potentially causing it to be damaged. A damaged camshaft chain tensioner can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
This recall began on December 21, 2020.
What’s the Problem?
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a recall for certain Kawasaki Ninja motorcycles over a potential electrical defect which could damage the gears, causing the motorcycle to lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash and severe personal injuries, including death.
This NHTSA Recall began on Nov. 16, 2020, and affects:
- 2018-2020 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX
- 2018-2020 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SXSE
- 2019-2020 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SXSE+
If gear misengagement occurs on the above motorcycles, the engine electronic control unit (ECU) programming doesn’t have the capability to suppress high RPM during transmission, NHTSA said. If the transmission gears are not properly engaged while shifting into 4th or 5th gear, high engine RPM can cause the output gears to fracture when they re-engage.
“Damaged gears and the inability to shift can cause the engine to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash,” NHTSA said.
Kawasaki is notifying owners and dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owners should not ride their Ninja until the repair is performed.
Kawasaki’s number for this recall is MC20-10.
2021 Kawasaki Ninja Brake Recall
The NHTSA on Dec. 4, 2020, announced that Kawasaki is recalling 2021 Ninja ZX-14R motorcycles which were manufactured with a front brake master cylinder that may be missing an internal component. This problem can cause inconsistent front braking force, increasing the risk of a crash. “Note: Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair is complete,” NHTSA said. Kawasaki’s number for this recall is MC20-11.
Do I Have a Kawasaki Ninja Class Action Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Kawasaki Ninja Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.