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Kawasaki Ninja Recall 20V676: Gear Misengagement Can Lock Engine and Raise Crash Risk

NHTSA campaign 20V676, reported November 2, 2020, 799 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain Kawasaki motorcycles have engine control software that does not limit high engine RPM when the transmission fails to fully engage while shifting into 4th or 5th gear. In that situation, high RPM can fracture the output gears when they re-engage. Damaged gears can prevent shifting and cause the engine to lock up, which increases the risk of a crash.

Owners should not ride the affected motorcycle until the repair is complete. Kawasaki will notify owners, and an authorized dealer will reprogram the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) software free of charge. Check your VIN for open recalls, and contact Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. customer service at 1-866-802-9381 (recall number MC20-10) with any questions.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 20V676Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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
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.
Notes
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.

Affected vehicles

Kawasaki Ninja201820192020
Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX20182020
Kawasaki ZX1002A201820192020
Kawasaki ZX1002B20192020
Kawasaki ZX1002D2019