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2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r: engine failure

8 of the 24 complaints about the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r describe engine failure.

owner complaints
8
of this car's complaints
33%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

  • 2025
    8
  • 2024
    1
  • 2022
    1

What owners say

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Engine · NJ

My 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R ABS KRT Edition suffered a catastrophic engine failure at approximately 2,300 miles, resulting in a physical hole/breach in the engine crankcase and loss of engine oil. The motorcycle is currently at the selling Kawasaki dealer, Motorcycle Mall in [XXX]. This motorcycle is affected by Kawasaki/the federal safety agency safety recall campaigns involving the #5 crankshaft bushing and crankcase bolt loading, including the federal safety agency Recall 25V376 and the subsequent related recall 25V798 / Kawasaki MC25-11. Recall 25V376 had reportedly been performed before I purchased the motorcycle new on XXX. The motorcycle was subsequently subjected to the later recall remedy while I owned it. Kawasaki issued these recalls because insufficient oil clearance/excessive loading at the #5 crankshaft bushing could cause crankshaft seizure, engine stalling, and sudden loss of motive power. Despite the recall remedies, my engine suffered catastrophic internal failure and breached the crankcase. I am reporting this because the failure occurred after recall-related repairs and appears potentially related to the same engine/crankshaft defect addressed by the recalls. A sudden engine seizure or catastrophic engine failure on a motorcycle can cause loss of control, crash, serious injury, or death. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this as a possible post-recall remedy failure and evaluate the effectiveness of the recall repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Engine · SC

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.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · AZ

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.

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Engine · UT

My 2025 Kawasaki ZX-6R was recently included as a part of a federal recall concerning a defective crankshaft bearing. A critical engine component, the failure of which could lead to engine seizure, stalling or loss of power - posing a very serious risk and likelihood of a crash. After learning of this recall, I contacted my authorized dealer who confirmed that my VIN was affected, but advised me to CONTINUE RIDING, until I got a letter which would give more information on getting it repaired. I am currently unable to use the motorcycle as a mode of transportation or recreation, significantly affecting my mobility. Given the nature and severity of this defect, I do not accept any resolution that involves partial disassembly or reconstruction of the engine. That is not what I paid for when buying a new motorcycle. I believe the only fair and reasonable remedies are either: Option A: A full engine replacement with a new factory-built, unblemished engine installed by an authorized dealer, with a full reset of warranty coverage from the date of installation. Option B: A complete refund of the original purchase price of the motorcycle, including all dealer fees and taxes, while allowing me to retain title and possession of the bike given the substantial non-recoverable investment in modifications made in good faith." I have requested they confirm a resolution by July 10th and, according to '49 CFR Part 573', and whereby the federal safety agency interprets 'reasonable timeframe' as 60 days, that the remedy is completed by Aug 5th, 25.

Filed Jun 23, 2025 · Engine · OK

My 2025 Kawasaki ZX-6R was recently included as a part of a federal recall concerning a defective crankshaft bearing. A critical engine component, the failure of which could lead to engine seizure, stalling or loss of power - posing a very serious risk and likelihood of a crash. After learning of this recall, I contacted my authorized dealer who confirmed that my VIN was affected, but advised me to CONTINUE RIDING, until I got a letter which would give more information on getting it repaired. I contacted Kawasaki customer care on two separate occasions via their chat option, copies of these interactions is included hereto whereby they proceeded to give conflicting responses that provided little to no information. I have also sent them a letter containing the following: "I am currently unable to use the motorcycle as a mode of transportation or recreation, significantly affecting my mobility. In addition, I have made over $9,000 in aftermarket modifications, which are rendered useless unless I’m willing to endanger my safety by ignoring the recall." and "Given the nature and severity of this defect, I do not accept any resolution that involves partial disassembly or reconstruction of the engine. That is not what I paid for when buying a new motorcycle. I believe the only fair and reasonable remedies are either: Option A: A full engine replacement with a new factory-built, unblemished engine installed by an authorized dealer, with a full reset of warranty coverage from the date of installation. Option B: A complete refund of the original purchase price of the motorcycle, including all dealer fees and taxes, while allowing me to retain title and possession of the bike given the substantial non-recoverable investment in modifications made in good faith." I have requested they confirm a resolution by July 10th and, according to '49 CFR Part 573', and whereby the federal safety agency interprets 'reasonable timeframe' as 60 days, that the remedy is completed by Aug 5th, 25.

Filed Jun 19, 2025 · Engine · OH

I am the registered owner of a 2025 Kawasaki ZX-6R (VIN: [XXX] ), purchased in New Jersey and registered in Ohio. I am reporting a potentially dangerous engine defect related to the crankshaft bushing or internal bottom-end components. I have received credible information indicating that this model may suffer from premature crankshaft bushing failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure while riding. This poses an extreme safety risk to the rider, especially if it occurs at high speeds. I contacted a Kawasaki dealer, but they told me there are no active recall or service bulletins from Kawasaki regarding this issue. As a result, I cannot get the motorcycle inspected or repaired, and I am currently unable to ride it due to safety concerns. To make matters worse, it has come to my attention that Kawasaki has recently halted the sale of the 2025 ZX-6R in the U.S. market, which further suggests that there may be a serious defect the manufacturer is withholding from the public. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this matter and determine whether a safety recall is warranted before any serious injuries or fatalities occur. This issue affects not just mechanical integrity but rider safety at its core. Please advise on the next steps and acknowledge this report as soon as possible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported November 18, 2025 · 19,823 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ninja ZX-6R, ZX-6R KRT Edition, ZX-6R KRT 40th Anniversary Edition ABS, ZX-6R ABS, and ZX-6R KRT Edition ABS motorcycles. The motorcycles may lose engine power during operation due to seizure of a metal crankshaft bushing.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. Dealers will re-tighten the metal crankshaft bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2025. Motorcycles in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 25V376 will need to have the new remedy performed, once available. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at (855) 878-4217.

Recall number 25V798000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported June 4, 2025 · 17,792 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Ninja ZX-6R motorcycles. The motorcycles may lose engine power during operation due to seizure of a metal crankshaft bushing.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. The #5 metal crankshaft bushing must be inspected on all eligible units already in operation. If there is no abnormality with or damage to the bushing, the bolts holding the crankshaft together in the crank case must be re-tightened with proper torque. If there is any abnormality with or damage to the bushing, the parts must be replaced and the crankshaft properly tightened, or the engine must be otherwise repaired or replaced. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1‑866‑802‑9381. This recall was replaced by 25V798.

Recall number 25V376000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r?

8 of 24 owner complaints about the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r (33%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2025.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r?

There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r

Stalling 5

All model years of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r

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