Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Complaints

41 consumer complaints on file.

#11722245March 5, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint. The undersigned is legal counsel representing XXXXXXXXXXX in the above-mentioned matter. Please be advised that XXXXXXXXXX purchased a new Kawasaki 2024 motorcycle model ZX636JRFBN on May 9, 2024 with total purchase price of $13,981.92. On or about April of 2025, XXXXXXXXXXX received a recall notice with follow up notice in June of 2025 NHTSA Recall No. 25V376 “Crankshaft Bearing Seizure” causing the engine to potentially “lose engine power unexpectedly due to a seizure of the #5 crankshaft bearing” that may lead to an increased risk of a crash. Given the nature of the recall, the notice is marked with a “DO NOT RIDE” advisory until the repair is made and that the customer is to contact a dealer for such repair. Sometime on or about late August of 2025, the motorcycle was inspected at a Kawasaki dealership in an effort to address the recall. This was the earliest that the dealership could address the recall nearly three months after getting the “DO NOT RIDE” notice. The mechanic who examined the motorcycle indicated that it did not appear that the bike had the defect. In November of 2025, an additional recall notice “Crankshaft Bushing Seizure” was issued under Recall # 25V798 since the notice acknowledges that a prior repair on the vehicle may not have addressed the defect. A second letter was issued in November of 2025 under the same recall notice indicating the parts needed for the repair are not available. Finally, another notice was issued under the same recall, 25V798. Again a “DO NOT RIDE” warning is issued on this notice. The letter advises that the “method used to torque the crankcase bolts will be different than the one used in the prior recall “and that the recall applies to “vehicles already remedied under recall campaign MC25-08 (NHSTA Recall #25V376). Once again there are instructions to contact a dealer for repairs. It is presumed that parts are now available to attempt another repair. Due to the critical safety issue relating to the recalls, the unreasonabl
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711424January 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am worried about my safety while riding this bike. There has been two different recalls associated with this bike. The first recall my bike passed and was deemed safe to ride. The second recall my bike failed and the dealer was in contact with kawasaki for a week. The dealership is now stating that since so many bikes were being failed, kawasaki had changed the spec numbers for the crank bearing. My bike is now passing the second recall after it already had failed. I do not feel safe getting on this bike. How is the consumer supposed to feel about this?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711417January 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This motorcycle has been recalled twice. The first recall my bike passed and was good to go. I received another letter about a 2nd recall. Was told it did not pass recall and is out of spec. I am now being told that my bike is passing kawasaki's new spec numbers for the recall. I do not feel safe riding a bike that was deem unsafe to ride and failing a recall. Now all of the sudden new numbers come up and is just aye okay to ride. How would is the consumer supposed to feel about this? A motorcycle is life or death.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710644January 13, 2026
ENGINE
GMy name is Duane Willett and I filed a Lemon Law claim Dec 8th and was referred to make a complaint to NHTSA by the Texas DMV.The vehicle is coming up on three months of non use due to the Manufacturer issued stop ride which was issued on two separate occasions. I purchased the 2025 Kawasaki ZX-6R vin number [XXX] brand new with zero miles [XXX] and its been subject to NHTSA's recall campaign number for this issue is 25V376 which the vehicle was not available to operate safely for over 30 days due to the #5 metal crankshaft bushing failure. Kawasaki is advised all owners of these bikes to immediately stop riding their affected 2024 through 2026 Ninja ZX-6Rs until the repairs could be completed. The manufacturers solution was not successful, failures continued and another recall was issued for the same problem. NHTSA's campaign number for this recall is 25V798. Bike was take to Family Powersports and the following are the technicians notes. 25-11 CRANKSHAFT BEARING SEIZURE INSPECTION Description SMC 25-11 CRANKSHAFT BEARING SEIZURE INSPECTION Resolution:E FAILED INSPECTION 3 SUPPOSED TO MEASURE 11. SMM BIKE MEASURED AT 1.7MM CALLED KAWI AND THEY SAID IT WAS FINE AND THAT IS A PASS BIKE IS GOOD TO GO Respectfully, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709006January 6, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I need help dealing with Kawasaki, how am I supposed to take my bike into the shop to get the recall checked when there is a do not ride recall and it’s winter where I live on 30 degree roads and the shop is 40 minutes away. Is Kawasaki suppose to pay for the transport of my bike to Purcellville.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708753January 5, 2026
ENGINE
There has been two recalls on my motorcycle. My bike passed the first inspection, i took my bike in two weeks ago for the 2nd inspection, per my Kawaskai dealer my bike did not pass. They informed me that my bike required a new engine. On saturday I call my dealer and was told that Kawasaki re worded the recall fix solution and that my bike passed. My dealer said that the reworded statment makes no sense and that they would not trust the motor on this bike. So if the techs at the dealer are saying that this bike is unsafe to ride why should I just take that this bike is not affected by the recall when I was told it was. I request that Kawaskai replace the engine if they want replace it they can buy the motorcycle back from me for what I owe on it. I will not ride this bike untill the engine is replaces and a notorized letter stating that if I die my wife can sue Kawasaki if related to the recall and they will not dispute the lawsuit.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707475December 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is a follow-up to my prior complaint regarding my 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (VIN [XXX] ). In December 2025 I received another recall notice for Recall 25V798 stating that the prior recall repair may not have properly addressed the crankshaft bushing defect and again instructing that the motorcycle not be ridden. I attempted to schedule the repair but the dealer stated parts are unavailable with no timeline. The motorcycle remains unsafe and unusable despite prior recall remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707424December 29, 2025
ENGINE
Safety recall exists for engine stall risk but manufacturer has not provided parts or remedy for over two months. Motorcycle cannot be used.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705934December 18, 2025
ENGINE
I own a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. The motorcycle is subject to multiple safety recalls related to crankshaft bearing/bushing seizure that can cause sudden engine stall and crash risk. In June 2025, Kawasaki issued Recall 25V376 and instructed owners not to ride the motorcycle until an authorized repair was completed. My motorcycle underwent the recall repair, which resulted in an extended loss of use of approximately two months. In November 2025, Kawasaki issued a second safety recall (25V798) stating that the prior repair may not have properly addressed the defect and again instructed owners not to ride the motorcycle. Kawasaki further stated that parts are not currently available and no repair timeline has been provided. As a result, my motorcycle has now been rendered unsafe and unusable on two separate occasions for the same defect, despite prior recall repair. I am continuing to make payments on a vehicle I am prohibited from operating, with no clear resolution or response from the manufacturer. I am submitting this complaint due to repeated safety-related defects, failed recall remedy, extended loss of use, and lack of manufacturer response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702943December 4, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V376000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and 25V798000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the motorcycle backfired. The local Oasis Outdoors - Powersports dealer was contacted and informed the contact that they did not repair Kawasaki motorcycles. The contact stated that the dealer was a Kawasaki dealer. The contact stated that the nearest Kawasaki dealer was 100 miles away. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700538November 20, 2025
ENGINE
Was notified by my local motorcycle store Classic Powersports of Rockwall TX that my motorcycle has been recalled for the second time in less than 3 months for possible engine failure and the manufacture has not remedy. I've requested a buy back of the vehicle to purchase another model and I haven't received no response from the manufacture. I'm making payments on a brand new motorcycle that has possible engine ceasing while riding.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700535November 20, 2025
ENGINE
Was notified by my local motorcycle store Classic Powersports of Rockwall TX that my motorcycle has been recalled for the second time in less than 3 months for possible engine failure and the manufacture has not remedy. I've requested a buy back of the vehicle to purchase another model and I haven't received no response from the manufacture. I'm making payments on a brand new motorcycle that has possible engine ceasing while riding.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700482November 20, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Recall was issued for crankshaft bearing failure and recall was performed and completed. Kawasaki performed the inspection and repair, however kawasaki had failed to adequately fix the issue causing prolonged headaches and paying for something that is unsafe to opperate. All kawasaki is telling people is dont ride but not providing an adequate fix to make the bike safe again or theyre also refusing to buy the bikes back.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699340November 14, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Motorcycle. The contact stated that the motorcycle was making an abnormal sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received a notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V376000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the bearing on the crankshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and extended the warranty, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689033September 22, 2025
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown. Fatal motorcycle accident. Based on the police report, one witness said he blew a tire and all witnesses state that he and the bike went airborn. The motorcycle was part of the group of ZX6R's recalled by Kawasaki though its since been salvaged. The officer at the scene confirmed the bikes tire was intact so there's some suspicion that something else happened such as other parts coming off of the bike or the wheel smoking such as if it had locked up.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
1
#11675679July 23, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V376000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, inspected the vehicle, and informed the contact that the bearing for the crankshaft was damaged. The dealer had taken the engine out but had not repaired the vehicle. The motorcycle had not been returned. The dealer kept the motorcycle for 11 days, even though the recall repair stated that the repair should take approximately 11 hours. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670799July 2, 2025
ENGINE
A recall has been issued and the motorcycle deemed unsafe to ride. My local dealership has been told to expect at minimum 3 weeks to receive the kit required to conduct the inspection. This issue has been so widespread that the wait time will be substantial. Even then, there will be a substantial loss of resale value as well as risk of further malfunctions after having a local mechanic disassemble and reassemble the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670668July 1, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While riding at normal speed, I heard a loud popping noise from the engine, followed by immediate power loss. The motorcycle shut off without warning and coolant began leaking heavily near the front wheel. There were no warning lights or symptoms beforehand. The bike had fewer than 3,000 miles on it and was well maintained. I had to tow the motorcycle to the dealership, where a teardown revealed catastrophic engine failure—including internal damage to the crankcase, pistons, and transmission holder. The issue was later confirmed to be related to a manufacturer-issued recall, which had never been disclosed to me prior to the failure. Despite the severity of the issue and the recall connection, the dealership was unable to complete the repair for over two months due to parts delays and poor communication. The vehicle was non-operational the entire time. This failure created a serious safety risk and resulted in over $1,900 in financial losses due to towing, alternate transportation, and financing costs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670532July 1, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's son owned a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he was involved in a collision with two other vehicles; the cause of the collision was still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the owner's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries as well as a fatality were reported. The contact's son was transported to an area hospital by EMT but was unfortunately pronounced deceased as a result of the accident. Though it was unknown at the time if a specific failure had occurred, upon investigation, the contact concluded that the accident may be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V376000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the accident. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
1
#11670523July 1, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V376000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and refused to accept the motorcycle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R