Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r engine failure problems

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 27, 2025 · Engine · CO

The engine on my 2022 Kawasaki ZX6R suddenly failed while I was riding on the highway, which caused the motorcycle to lose power abruptly. The component that failed was the engine assembly, and Kawasaki later acknowledged that the failure was due to the same defect currently affecting the 2024–2025 models under an active recall. The engine is currently at a Kawasaki dealership waiting for Kawasaki corporate to figure out what to do with the recalls. This malfunction put my safety and the safety of others at serious risk. I was riding at highway speeds when the engine blew, and I could have been rear-ended or lost control due to the sudden loss of power. Thankfully, I was able to pull over without crashing, but the situation was extremely dangerous. The problem has since been confirmed by a Kawasaki dealer. Although the 2022 model is not officially listed in the current recall, the dealer and Kawasaki have admitted it is the same engine issue and have agreed to replace the components. However, they have not provided a timeline, and I am currently stuck without a working motorcycle. The bike has not been inspected by law enforcement or insurance because no crash occurred, but it has been inspected and diagnosed by the dealership, who is coordinating with Kawasaki. There were no warning lights or engine codes before the failure. The engine failed without warning, no check engine light, no oil light, and no unusual sounds beforehand. Everything seemed normal until the failure occurred on the highway.

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 20, 2025 · Engine · OR

I purchased a brand new 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R. At just 3,500 miles, the engine catastrophically failed while I was riding. The bike seized and shut off suddenly without warning. This was months before Kawasaki issued their official “do not ride” notice for this known issue. I received no prior warning and had no opportunity to prevent the failure. The dealership confirmed the failure and linked it to a known internal defect affecting this model, which has since triggered a recall. My bike has now been sitting at the dealership for over 7 months with no resolution, no ETA, and no support from Kawasaki. Despite this being a critical safety issue, Kawasaki has offered no compensation, replacement, or meaningful update. I’ve been forced to continue paying insurance on a bike that was brand new and is now completely unusable. Their “do not ride” letter arrived after the engine was already blown. This is a serious manufacturer defect with real safety consequences. The lack of accountability and customer support is unacceptable.

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)