KAWASAKI has a significant number of reported safety issues and complaints, with 2784 complaints filed with regulatory agencies. The brand has been associated with 14 reported deaths across its vehicle lineup. Prospective buyers should thoroughly research specific models before making a purchase decision. These statistics underscore the importance of vehicle safety in the market.

2,784
Total Complaints
166
Total Recalls
263
Models
14
Reported Deaths

Complaints Over Time

All Kawasaki Models

Model Complaints Recalls Worst Year Best Year
KLR650 458 0 2008 1995
KAWASAKI 204 0 2002 1994
NINJA 300 154 1 2013 2015
NINJA ZX-6R 148 9 2025 2014
VULCAN 140 2 2005 2004
CONCOURS 14 128 21 2008 2014
NINJA 106 4 2000 2005
VULCAN 1500 62 0 1997 1994
KL650E 46 0 2008 2012
EX300 44 1 2013 2013
ZX-6R 40 0 2007 2023
ZX1100 38 0 1996 1990
VERSYS 36 0 2009 2011
VULCAN CLASSIC 32 0 1997 1996
VULCAN NOMAD 30 0 1999 1999
VN900D6F 26 0 2006 2006
VULCAN 900 26 1 2008 2015
ZX1200-A1 26 0 2000 2000
KL650A19 24 0 2005 2005
NINJA ZX-10R 24 4 2004 2022
VN1500 24 0 2001 1996
ZX600J7F 24 0 2007 2007
VULCAN 750 22 0 1994 1993
KL650A6F 20 0 2006 2006
VN1700BAF 18 0 2010 2010
VULCAN 1700 VAQUERO 18 5 2011 2009
ZX SERIES 18 0 1996 1998
ZX1400A6F 18 0 2006 2006
ZX600 18 0 1993 1999
CONCOURS 16 0 2004 2004
VN1700AAF 16 0 2010 2010
ZX14 16 0 2006 2011
KL650A 14 0 2006 2007
VN1600-A1 14 0 2003 2003
VN900B6F 14 0 2006 2006
ZX900 14 0 2000 1999
NINJA ZX-14R 12 0 2014 2013
VN1700A9FA 12 0 2009 2009
ZG1400A8F 12 0 2008 2008
ZX636C1 12 0 2005 2005
DRIFTER 10 0 1999 2000
EX250F19 10 0 2005 2005
EX250F7F 10 0 2007 2007
KRT750 10 0 2012 2012
VN1700 10 0 2010 2012
ZG1000A6F 10 0 2006 2006
ZX1000-C1 10 0 2004 2004
EX250F6F 8 0 2006 2006
NINJA 250R 8 0 2008 2008
NOMAD FL 8 0 2004 2004
VN1500N8F 8 0 2008 2008
VN1600B2 8 0 2005 2005
VN1600D1 8 0 2005 2005
VN1600D6F 8 0 2006 2006
VN1700CAF 8 0 2010 2010
VN2000 A1 8 0 2004 2004
Z125 PRO 8 2 2018 2017
ZX1000 8 0 2001 1986
EX250JAF 6 0 2010 2010
EX250JCF 6 1 2012 2012
EX500 6 0 1993 1994
K SERIES 6 0 1992 1978
KDX200 6 0 1998 1998
KE 100 TRAIL/ST 6 0 2000 2000
KL250D21 6 0 2004 2004
KL650 6 0 2022 1993
KL650E9F 6 0 2009 2009
KLR-650 6 0 2007 2007
KLX250 6 2 2012 2012
KLX250T9F 6 0 2009 2009
VERSYS 650 6 1 2016 2015
VN1500-E7 6 0 2004 2004
VN1600A7FA 6 0 2007 2007
VN1600A8F 6 0 2008 2008
VN1600G6F 6 0 2006 2006
VN1700G9F 6 0 2009 2009
VOYAGER XII 6 0 1999 1999
VULCAN 1700 VOYAGER 6 7 2015 2015
VULCAN 2000 6 0 2007 2004
Z SERIES 6 0 1993 1988
ZG1400 6 0 2008 2011
ZG1400A9F 6 0 2009 2009
ZX1000D6F 6 0 2006 2006
ZX1400A7F 6 0 2007 2007
ZX400 6 1 2023 2023
ZX600P7F 6 0 2007 2007
ZX600RAF 6 0 2011 2011
BAYOU 4 0 1996 1996
EN500 4 0 2007 2007
EN500C7F 4 0 2007 2007
EN500C9F 4 0 2009 2009
EX250J8FL 4 0 2008 2008
EX650ECFL 4 1 2012 2012
KL250G9F 4 1 2009 2009
KL650A14 4 0 2000 2000
KL650A17 4 0 2003 2003
KL650E8F 4 0 2008 2008
KLE650 4 0 2009 2009
KLX230 4 0 2020 2020
NINJA 400 4 1 2022 2022
VN1500-L4 4 0 2003 2003
VN1500G1 4 0 1999 1999
VN1600A1 4 0 2003 2003
VN1600A3 4 0 2005 2005
VN1600A6F 4 0 2006 2006
VN1600B6F 4 0 2006 2006
VN1700C9F 4 0 2009 2009
VN2000G8F 4 0 2008 2008
VN750A6F 4 0 2006 2006
VN800-A10 4 0 2004 2004
VN800-B8 4 0 2003 2003
VN900C 4 0 2008 2008
VN900D7F 4 0 2007 2007
ZG1000A17 4 0 2002 2002
ZG1000A18 4 0 2003 2003
ZR1100A2 4 0 1993 1993
ZX10 4 0 2007 2007
ZX1000C2 4 0 2005 2005
ZX1000D7F 4 0 2007 2007
ZX1100-C 4 0 1992 1992
ZX1200-A2 4 0 2001 2001
ZX1200R 4 0 2002 2002
ZX1400 4 0 2012 2012
ZX14A6F 4 0 2006 2006
ZX636 B2 4 0 2004 2004
800B3 2 0 1999 1999
BN125-A5 2 0 2002 2002
BN125A5 2 0 2002 2002
BN125A7F 2 0 2007 2007
BRUTE FORCE 300 2 0 2016 2016
CSR750 2 0 1982 1982
ELIMINATOR EL450 2 0 2024 2024
EN500C6F 2 0 2006 2006
EN500CLTD 2 0 2007 2007
EX250F15 2 0 2001 2001
EX250F18 2 0 2004 2004
EX250J8F 2 0 2008 2008
EX650C9F 2 1 2009 2009
KL250D22 2 0 2005 2005
KL650A11 2 0 1997 1997
KL650A13 2 0 1999 1999
KL650A16 2 0 2002 2002
KL650A18 2 0 2004 2004
KL650A6 2 0 1992 1992
KL650A7F 2 0 2007 2007
KL650E8FL 2 0 2008 2008
KLE650A9F 2 0 2009 2009
KLE650CCFL 2 1 2012 2012
KLF300 2 0 1989 1989
KLX250H6F 2 0 2006 2006
KLX250S 2 0 2007 2007
KZ750 2 0 1994 1994
MEAN STREAK 2 0 2002 2002
MULE 610 2 0 2014 2014
NINJA 500 2 1 2024 2024
NINJA 650 2 0 2017 2017
NINJA H2 2 5 2017 2017
NOMAD 150CC 2 0 2002 2002
POLICE 1000 2 0 1981 1981
VN1500-E6 2 0 2003 2003
VN1500-E7L 2 0 2004 2004
VN1500-P2 2 0 2003 2003
VN1500N2 2 0 2001 2001
VN1500N4 2 0 2005 2005
VN1500N7F 2 0 2007 2007
VN1500T6F 2 0 2006 2006
VN1600-A2 2 0 2004 2004
VN1600A2 2 0 2004 2004
VN1600A7F 2 0 2007 2007
VN1600D7F 2 0 2007 2007
VN1600D8FA 2 0 2008 2008
VN1700B9FA 2 0 2009 2009
VN2000D1 2 0 2006 2006
VN2000D6F 2 0 2006 2006
VN700 2 0 1996 1996
VN800-A1 2 0 1999 1999
VN900 CUSTOM 2 0 2008 2008
VN900B7F 2 0 2007 2007
VN900B8F 2 0 2008 2008
VN900C7F 2 0 2007 2007
VN900C9F 2 0 2009 2009
VN900D6FL 2 0 2006 2006
VN900D8F 2 0 2008 2008
VOYAGER 2 0 1999 1999
VOYAGER 12 2 0 1998 1998
Z 650 2 0 2017 2017
ZG1000A10 2 0 1995 1995
ZG1000A16 2 0 2001 2001
ZG1000A20 2 0 2005 2005
ZG1400B8F 2 0 2008 2008
ZG1400B9F 2 0 2009 2009
ZG1400CAF 2 0 2010 2010
ZR1100C4 2 0 2000 2000
ZR1200-A2 2 0 2002 2002
ZR1200A1 2 0 2001 2001
ZR1200A3 2 0 2003 2003
ZR750K1 2 0 2005 2005
ZRX1200-A 2 0 2001 2001
ZX1000E8F 2 0 2008 2008
ZX10R 2 0 2017 2017
ZX1200-A1L 2 0 2000 2000
ZX1200C1 2 0 2002 2002
ZX1200C2 2 0 2003 2003
ZX1400C8F 2 0 2008 2008
ZX600 K1L 2 0 2003 2003
ZX600J1 2 0 2007 2007
ZX600J8F 2 0 2008 2008
ZX600R9F 2 0 2009 2009
ZX636 B1 2 0 2003 2003
ZX636 B1L 2 0 2003 2003
ZX636C6F 2 0 2006 2006
ZX6R 2 0 2009 2009
ZX900E1 2 0 2000 2000
BR125 0 1 2017 -
EX250JCFA 0 1 2012 -
EX250JCFAL 0 1 2012 -
EX250JCFL 0 1 2012 -
EX400G 0 1 2021 -
EX650CAF 0 1 2010 -
EX650ECF 0 1 2012 -
KLE650CCF 0 1 2012 -
LX230A 0 2 2020 -
LX230G 0 1 2022 -
NINJA 1000 0 7 2017 -
NINJA 7 HYBRID 0 2 2024 -
NINJA E-1 0 1 2024 -
NINJA H2 SX 0 9 2020 -
NINJA ZX-4RR 0 1 2024 -
W230 0 1 2025 -
W800 0 6 2021 -
Z E-1 0 1 2024 -
Z H2 0 2 2020 -
Z400 0 1 2021 -
Z500 0 1 2024 -
Z7 HYBRID 0 2 2024 -
Z900 0 3 2018 -
ZR1000DAF 0 1 2010 -
ZR1000K 0 4 2021 -
ZR1000L 0 3 2021 -
ZR1002L 0 1 2023 -
ZR900 0 1 2017 -
ZR900C 0 1 2024 -
ZR900E 0 1 2024 -
ZR900N 0 1 2024 -
ZX-10R 0 2 2011 -
ZX1000JBF 0 1 2011 -
ZX1000JBFL 0 1 2011 -
ZX1000KBF 0 1 2011 -
ZX1000KBFL 0 1 2011 -
ZX1002A 0 5 2020 -
ZX1002B 0 2 2020 -
ZX1002D 0 3 2019 -
ZX1002E 0 2 2019 -
ZX1002F 0 2 2020 -
ZX1002G 0 2 2019 -
ZX1002J 0 1 2022 -
ZX1002L 0 1 2021 -
ZX1002M 0 1 2021 -
ZX1002N 0 1 2021 -
ZX1002R 0 2 2022 -
ZX1400J 0 1 2021 -
ZX400P 0 2 2023 -
ZX400S 0 1 2023 -

Kawasaki Models to Avoid

The KLR650 has been the most problematic model from KAWASAKI, with 458 reported complaints. The KAWASAKI follows closely with 204 complaints. These models have accumulated a significant number of safety-related issues that warrant careful consideration. Owners have reported various concerns ranging from mechanical failures to structural defects. It is advisable to review specific complaint details and conduct pre-purchase inspections for these models.

Most Reliable Kawasaki Models

Among KAWASAKI's offerings, the VULCAN represents a more reliable option with 140 complaints on record. While this model still requires thorough inspection, it demonstrates comparatively better reliability than the brand's most problematic variants. However, buyers should still exercise caution and perform due diligence before purchasing any used vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints has KAWASAKI received?

KAWASAKI has accumulated 2784 complaints with regulatory agencies. This reflects the accumulated safety concerns across their entire product line.

Are KAWASAKI vehicles safe?

While some KAWASAKI models have good safety records, the brand has experienced 14 reported deaths across their lineup. Specific model research and independent inspections are strongly recommended before purchase.

How many recall campaigns has KAWASAKI had?

KAWASAKI has conducted 166 recall campaigns to address safety defects. This indicates proactive efforts to resolve identified issues, though the high number reflects significant product quality concerns.

Should I buy a used KAWASAKI vehicle?

Purchasing a used KAWASAKI vehicle requires careful consideration. Get a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection, review the vehicle's complaint history, and verify recall status. Focus on models with fewer complaints and longer ownership histories when possible.