The rear brake is ineffective at any speed. The bleeder screw is on the bottom of the caliper and it makes it impossible to properly bleed. The brake line leading to the caliper is too close to the catalytic converter causing the fluid in the line to boil. I've done everything I can think of to fix these issues but the brake is still ineffective.
The worst 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes10
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes10
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads
- What is wrong
- Ducati is recalling certain model year 2012 848, streetfighter, hypermotard, multistrada, and monster motorcycles. The friction material may detach from the backing plate of the rear brake pads.
- Risk
- If the friction material detaches, there would be a sudden loss of rear brake efficiency, increasing the stopping distance and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace, as necessary, the rear brake pads free of charge. The safety recall began on may 21, 2012. Owners may contact ducati at 1‑800‑231‑6696 or go to their website at www.ducati.com.
Recall number 12V188000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs
Defect investigations
Extended Stopping Distance
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 Multistrada 1200 Abs 29
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Procedure for Assessing Front Fork Oil Leaks
- Tips & Tricks Summary Rev. 13 Summary: Applicability: Incorrect evaluation of the wear condition of front...
- Guided Diagnosis for Front Brake System Bleeding
- Finial Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions
- Procedure for Analysis and Control of Oil and Coolant Leaks from Engine_Rev.01. Applicability: All Models
- Precautions to Follow During Crankcase Cleaning
- Procedure for Analysis and Control of Oil and Coolant Leaks from Engine
- Overview of Rear Brake System Updates (USA). Applicability: All Models
- Overview of Rear Brake System Updates
- CR235 –
See all 29 bulletins for the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs
What 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The rear brake becomes useless after bleeding by the dealer. They tested the system and reported it holds pressure with no issue yet after time typically within 12 months the brake failure occurs. The only reasoning given is design with location too close to the heat source. These bikes are not entry level so it only due to the experience of the riders there has not been a fatality due to no rear brake.
The rear brake has been a known issue among owners (and ducati mechanics). Ducati is also well aware of the problem but has not offered any type of fix. The problem is that no matter how often one bleeds the rear brake system, within just a few hundred miles, the rear brake no longer has any effect on the bike's speed. If one goes much past 700-800 miles, the brake pedal simply goes all the way down, doing nothing at all. I have had this issue since I bought the bike in december 2012. Ducati has replaced the rear master cylinder twice, but again, within just a few hundred miles, the brakes are gone. According to ducati mechanics and other riders who have this issue, the problem is that the brake lines are routed much too close to the catalytic converter. The very high heat causes the brake fluid to boil and greatly reduces the efficiency of the hydraulic pressure needed to force the brake calipers to "grab" the brake disc. I have owned at least 10 other motorcycles (including 4 ducatis) and none have ever had any braking issues like this. Additionally, because of the poor design of the rear brake system, the rear caliper must be removed and hung higher than its normal mounting point when bleeding the brakes. If this isn't done, the old fluid and any bubbles in the line will not be purged from the line. This makes bleeding the brakes a near futile exercise. I would like to see ducati come up with some sort of permanent fix so I will have reliable rear brakes.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ducati multistrada 1200 ABS. The contact stated when driving approximately 20 MPH the transmission pops out of first and second gear when under hard acceleration. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as the transmission shift drum. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 9,600. Mailed out 01/13/15
The rear brake does not function correctly. I have asked ducati to fix this problem, and after 4 separate repair sessions it is still not functioning correctly. This will cause no rear brakes needs a official recall!
Rear brake is ineffective, pedal has excessive travel and soft.
Rear brake system failed to function properly. Noted to be increasingly difficult to achieve stopping power with rear brake. Spongy feeling in pedal and pedal must be depressed all the way down with boot heel to engage. Rear brake fluid reservoir noted to be discolored with a black and dirty appearance. New motorcycle with very few miles, and just received initial 600 mile break in service at dealership.
Ducati multistrada 1200 - rear brakes fail to hold the motorcycle's position on an incline (hill). Motorcycle rolled backwards despite application of rear brake.
The rear brake on this motorcycle is non functional and this is extremely dangerous.
2012 ducati multistrada 1200 s touring. Has no rear brake. Ducati installed "the rear brake kit" which is some sort of upgrade. This provided a very temporary fix, the rear brake worked better than stock, but then quickly returned to the original state- no rear brake. This motorcycle was purchased in mid august 2012, the rear brake does not work. Ducati is aware of the issue, that is why they installed "the kit". The rear brake should work, it has less than 1500 miles on it, it's a new motorcycle. Thank you for your time.
Compare the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs
Other model years
20122013
Questions about the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs
Is the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs reliable?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs, close to a typical Multistrada 1200 Abs model year.
What is the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs year score?
The 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs?
Brakes, with 10 complaints, typically around 1,600 miles. Next is transmission (1).
How many recalls does the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs have?
1 recall, covering service brakes, hydraulic.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 12V188000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs have bad brakes?
The Ducati Multistrada 1200 Abs model years with the most brakes complaints are 2012 (10 complaints) and 2013 (10 complaints).
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