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2012 Ducati Diavel problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Ducati Diavel is brakes. It has 1.7 times the complaints of a typical Diavel model year.

Typical year1.7x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
35
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 2012 Ducati Diavel problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    3
  • Engine
    1
  • Steering
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    3
  • Engine
    1
  • Steering
    1

Recalls 1

Structure: motorcycle: kickstand/center standReported August 3, 2012 · 27 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ducati is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Diavel motorcycles manufactured from May 25, 2012, through June 28, 2012. The side stand may bend or break.
Risk
The side stand could bend or break in the pivot area, allowing the motorcycle to fall over, increasing the risk of personal injury to the operator or others near the motorcycle. Even without falling over, a bent sidestand may interfere with the proper operation of the sidestand safety switch, preventing the bike from starting or causing the bike to stall without warning.
Remedy
Ducati will notify owners, and authorized dealers will replace the side stand, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 13, 2012. Owners may contact Ducati at 1‑800‑231‑6696 or through their website at www.ducati.com.

Recall number 12V376000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2012 Ducati Diavel

Defect investigations

Extended Stopping DistanceOpened February 18, 2021, closed July 9, 2021

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) based on twenty-two (22) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) for soft rear brakes caused by air seeping into the rear brake lines of model year (MY) 2012-2020 Ducati Monster, Multistrada, SuperSport, Panigale, Scrambler and Diavel motorcycles.The consumers were alleging that the rear brakes would not properly function unless the rear brake pedal was applied several times or that there was a total loss of rear braking during normal applications, increasing the risk of a crash. In a March 2020 meeting, Ducati indicated that they were aware of certain models in which air may enter the motorcycles' rear braking system through the brake lines, due to exposure to heat from the exhaust system. Although this condition compromises rear braking performance, Ducati stated that they did not consider this to be a safety defect because the front and rear brake systems are hydraulically independent from each other, and a motorcycle's front brake system performs most of the stopping. Additionally, they believed that routine brake fluid replacement would resolve consumers' concerns, however complainants and dealership service technicians reported that, in some cases, after a dealer serviced the rear brake system, the rear brake pedal would feel soft and spongy again (indicating compromised brake performance) less than a year later--well before the recommended two-year brake fluid service interval. As a precaution, Ducati issued a series of technical service bulletins (TSBs) to replace the brake lines with redesigned ones, rerouting them away from the exhaust system.ODI's position is that all of the brakes on a motorcycle are considered necessary for safety. Analysis of the data identified that neither the entire model line nor the entire model year range of motorcycles covered by the investigation were affected, but rather certain sub-models or narrower model year ranges of motorcycles incorporated brake lines with a higher exposure to the heat from the exhaust system. Because of the unique routing of each model's brake line, some motorcycles are more susceptible to the condition than others. As these specific models and model years were most likely to exhibit an increased risk of a crash from the lengthened stopping distance, Ducati converted the previously issued TSBs into a safety recall.After receiving a total of 94 VOQs, ODI is closing this PE with Ducati's safety recall 21V‑315. With the recall action taken by Ducati, this investigation is closed. However, the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist on other models or MY vehicles outside of the recall scope. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE21003

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Ducati Diavel 35

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 35 bulletins for the 2012 Ducati Diavel

What 2012 Ducati Diavel owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 26, 2018 · Engine · MA

Ducati diavel motorcycle. Consumer writes in regards to sudden engine whining noises- discovers numerous metal particles within the crank case- erosion of the internal engine component. *ld the consumer stated the dealer was notified. The service manager stated the amount of debris was not enough to warrant an investigation and there was no cause for concern.

Filed Sep 18, 2014 · Brakes · IL

Cpsc: i1480595a. Ducati diavel motorcycle. Consumer stated the motorcycle had no working rear brakes.

Filed Aug 31, 2014 · Brakes · 2,500 miles · IL

When I received this motorcycle second hand, it was just about out of warranty. I did take it to a local dealer for service and noted to them that the rear brake was not working well at all. The said they would attempt to fix it but not to keep my hopes too high! I found out later from a sales manager that the rear brakes on ducati's are notoriously poor. I eventually had the rear brake line bled by another mechanic and that only helped slightly and for a short period. Although the front brakes are far more important on a motorcycle, the rear brake has safety implications as well. First, it can add 15% or more to pure stopping power. Also, being able to use a rear brake (feathering it) while making a turn helps control the bike. Using the front brake can cause a crash. Not having a usable rear brake therefore is not good. I have alerted ducati about the problem and they promised to have the USA division contact me, which has not happened in the past month since I complained. Since the bike is now out of warranty, I feel I would be wasting my time to keep bringing into a dealer to fix and unsolvable problem. I think this is a defect and that all motorcycles should have sufficient rear brake systems put into the manufacturing process. It appears that at least some high end european bikes do not put a lot of effort into making quality rear brakes. By the way, I also lodged a complaint with the cpsc.

Filed Jul 8, 2013 · Steering · 7,300 miles · TX

Handlebar was locking while driving. I took to the dealer and they should update the software but didn't work. They replaced the whole unit and now looks good.

Filed Nov 21, 2012 · Brakes · 56 miles · TX · fire

I just bought a ducati diavel 2012 and while driving the rear brakes locked, I almost went through traffic without brakes then flaming brake parts of the bike flew off and melted in the street. Then brake fluid sprayed all over the back of the bike. The rotors were scared and there were chips of the bike on the rear wheel. Brake fluid spayed everywhere and there was complete loss of brake pressure and the peddle was in a 5 o'clock position. The bike dropped because I was startled and gripped the front brake. I had to ride home with only the front brakes. I have a picture of the brake pad melted into the asphalt of the street.

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Questions about the 2012 Ducati Diavel

Is the 2012 Ducati Diavel reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2012 Ducati Diavel, 1.7 times a typical Diavel model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ducati Diavel?

Brakes, with 3 complaints. Next is engine (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 Ducati Diavel have?

1 recall, covering structure.

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