2004 Kawasaki Vulcan recalls and problems

The 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan has 1 recall and 1 owner complaint on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is engine.

2003 Kawasaki Vulcan
Pictured: a 2003 model; the 2004 may differ in details. Photo: 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan by Cupcub, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2004 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Lowest complaint count among 8 Vulcan model years — 8th most.

1recalls
1complaints
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
—median 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 →

1 recall

Engine

Jan 12, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V023000 · 6,958 vehicles

Problem: On certain 2003 vulcan 1500 classic, 1500 drifter, 2003-2004 1500 mean streak, 2003 1600 classic, and 2003-2004 nomad fl model motorcycles, high oil pressure upon a cold start-up can deform the oil filter cartridge.

Original NHTSA wording

ON CERTAIN 2003 VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC, 1500 DRIFTER, 2003-2004 1500 MEAN STREAK, 2003 1600 CLASSIC, AND 2003-2004 NOMAD FL MODEL MOTORCYCLES, HIGH OIL PRESSURE UPON A COLD START-UP CAN DEFORM THE OIL FILTER CARTRIDGE.

Risk: This could cause oil to leak from the oil filter, which could result in a crash.

Original NHTSA wording

THIS COULD CAUSE OIL TO LEAK FROM THE OIL FILTER, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will replace the oil filter. Owner notification began on February 2, 2004. Owners should contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.

Kawasaki recall no. Mc04-04.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Engine1

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

2004 vs. other Kawasaki Vulcan years

2000: 5 complaints20002001: 3 complaints20012002: 3 complaints20022003: 8 complaints200382004: 1 complaints20042005: 6 complaints20052006: 3 complaints20062009: 5 complaints20095

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2004. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan, the latest from Jan 12, 2004 (engine). 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 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan?

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