2018 Kawasaki Ninja recalls and problems

The 2018 Kawasaki Ninja has 2 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is power train.

Do not drive warning. NHTSA and the manufacturer advise owners not to drive affected vehicles until the recall repair is done. Affected campaign: 20V676000.

Pictured: a 2019 model; the 2018 may differ in details. Photo: 2019 Kawasaki Ninja by MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How the 2018 compares

Average

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Average complaint count among 10 Ninja model years — 6th most.

2recalls

2complaints

0crashes

0fires

0injuries

4median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

2 recalls

Electrical System

Nov 2, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V676000 · 799 vehicles

Do not drive

Problem: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SXSE, and 2019-2020 Ninja H2 SXSE+ motorcycles. In the event of a gear misengagement the engine electronic control unit (ECU) programming doesn't have the capability to suppress high RPM during transmission. If the transmission gears are not properly engaged while shifting into 4th or 5th gear, high engine RPM can cause the output gears of 4th or 5th to fracture when the gears re-engage.

Risk: Damaged gears and the inability to shift can cause the engine to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

KMC will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair has been completed. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC's number for this recall is MC20-10.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Structure

Aug 30, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V580000 · 390 vehicles

Problem: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE (ZXT02BJ) motorcycles. The pin for the center stand spring may have been improperly welded, and, as a result, the pin may shift or fall off resulting in the spring detaching and the center stand dropping to the ground unexpectedly and dragging while riding.

Risk: The dragging center stand can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left center stand bracket, free of charge. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki's number for this recall is MC18-05.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Power Train2

Engine1

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

2018 vs. other Kawasaki Ninja years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2018. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja, the latest from Nov 2, 2020 (electrical system). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention power train (2), engine (1). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.

Is it safe to drive the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja?

1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" advisory. Only vehicles with the recall open are affected — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.