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Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r stalling problems

15 of the 64 owner complaints about the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2013 model year.

owner complaints
15
worst model year
2013
typical mileage
1,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Engine failure 3

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 Dec 29, 2025 · Engine · NC

Safety recall exists for engine stall risk but manufacturer has not provided parts or remedy for over two months. Motorcycle cannot be used.

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Engine · GA

I own a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. The motorcycle is subject to multiple safety recalls related to crankshaft bearing/bushing seizure that can cause sudden engine stall and crash risk. In June 2025, Kawasaki issued Recall 25V376 and instructed owners not to ride the motorcycle until an authorized repair was completed. My motorcycle underwent the recall repair, which resulted in an extended loss of use of approximately two months. In November 2025, Kawasaki issued a second safety recall (25V798) stating that the prior repair may not have properly addressed the defect and again instructed owners not to ride the motorcycle. Kawasaki further stated that parts are not currently available and no repair timeline has been provided. As a result, my motorcycle has now been rendered unsafe and unusable on two separate occasions for the same defect, despite prior recall repair. I am continuing to make payments on a vehicle I am prohibited from operating, with no clear resolution or response from the manufacturer. I am submitting this complaint due to repeated safety-related defects, failed recall remedy, extended loss of use, and lack of manufacturer response.

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 Jan 25, 2022 · Engine · MD

Cold starts it will idle rough for a few seconds and stall, sometimes when riding and at a stop it will stall , not safe just bought this bike only has 1,500 miles!

Filed Sep 5, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 900 miles · WA

Cold start stall problem. Motorcycle will typically stall on 1st 2 attempts to start it. Opening throttle on cold start does not help. Ecu numbers ending with 62 and 72 had been reported to fix this problem by replacing ecu number ending with 74. This is a life threatening problem. If engine shuts down while riding, in many instances it will result in an accident or death. 1000 miles on the motorcycle. Other people report after 2000 engine shot off while riding. So I have 1000 miles left to live ?

Filed Aug 11, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 2,000 miles · WY

My bike coming to a stop will stall out. Slowing down, engaging the clutch to downshift to first gear and the RPM will drop too low and stall the bike out while moving. It will also do it holding in the clutch coming to a stop if it doesn't dropping to first gear. I have read of the issue being resolved after putting in a newer kawasaki ecu. Zx6r made before june 2013 seem to have these issues and changing out the computer seems to be the fix but kawasaki will not recall it. Being on the move in traffic and your bike stalling because holding in the clutch at a slow speed seems to be a safety issue. It will do it almost overtime coming to a stop once you engage the clutch. Will not do it at higher speeds only downshifting to first or being in first and holding in the clutch. There are plenty of videos of the 2013 zx6r doing this online.

Filed Sep 8, 2016 · Engine · 3 miles · CA

Engine shut off while in use. Stalling. I was riding my motorcycle and almost crash due the motor stop working. It took a while for engine to start again.

Filed May 6, 2015 · Engine · 10 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kawasaki ninja zx-6r. While driving at approximately 15 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10.

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 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r stalling

Which Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r years have engine stalls while driving problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2013 (6 complaints), 2025 (5 complaints) and 2009 (2 complaints).

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