Recall 11V253 affects 1,051 2010-2011 Ducati MTS1200 and Diavel motorcycles for a steering-lock software defect. Repair is free at any franchised Ducati dealer.
Ducati is recalling 1,051 2010-2011 MTS1200 and Diavel motorcycles because the electronic steering lock can stay engaged during the key-on process. A rider can start the engine and try to ride away with the steering still locked, raising the risk of a low-speed tip-over or collision; the Ducati dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electronic steering lock on 2010-2011 Ducati MTS1200 and 2011 Ducati Diavel motorcycles is meant to hold the handlebars in place when the motorcycle is parked. During the key-on process, the hands-free device software is supposed to release that lock before the rider starts and rides away.
On affected motorcycles, a specific software revision in the hands-free device does not release the steering lock correctly during key-on. The engine starts while the steering remains locked, leaving the rider able to start the motorcycle and attempt to move before the handlebars turn normally.
There is no warning sign before failure. When the fault occurs, the key-on process has not completed the release of the steering lock, so the rider has to catch the problem before trying to ride away.
Who's affected?
Covers the MTS1200 and Diavel across the 2010 and 2011 model years, with steering as the shared component.
| 2010 Ducati MTS1200 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Ducati Diavel | steering system |
| 2011 Ducati MTS1200 | steering system |
| Units affected | 1,051 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A steering loss can leave the rider unable to guide the motorcycle, raising the risk of a low speed tip over or collision and injury. If your VIN is included, limit riding and contact a Ducati dealer for repair timing. Repair will be free at any franchised Ducati dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2011 Ducati MTS1200 or 2011 Ducati Diavel is included in this recall.
- Contact Ducati customer service at 1-800-231-6696 or a franchised Ducati dealer to ask for the current repair path for recall number 11V253.
- Ask whether the hands-free control-unit software update is open for your VIN; the update addresses the electronic steering lock failing to disengage at key-on.
- Bring the recall notice if Ducati mailed one, and give the dealer recall number 11V253 when you call.
- Avoid riding the motorcycle until Ducati or the dealer confirms whether your VIN is included and what repair instructions apply.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ducati technician updates the hands free control unit software tied to the electronic steering lock. The update is meant to keep the steering lock from staying engaged during the key-on process after the engine starts. The dealer repair is free once the remedy is available, with parts and labor covered by the recall. Ask the Ducati service desk to confirm that the software campaign has been completed on your VIN before riding away.
Timeline
| April 21, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 13, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V253?
Recall 11V253 covers 1,051 2010-2011 Ducati MTS1200 and Diavel motorcycles with electronic steering lock software that can leave the steering lock engaged during key-on. Ducati dealers will update the hands free control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2011 Ducati MTS1200 or Diavel is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 11V253. If it is, contact a franchised Ducati dealer to schedule the hands free control unit software update. Reference recall number 11V253 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ducati will update the hands free control unit software free of charge at any franchised Ducati dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 11V253?
The risk is loss of steering control at startup or ride-away speed. If the electronic steering lock stays engaged after key-on, the rider can try to move with the steering still locked, increasing the risk of a low speed tip-over or collision.
What if I bought my Ducati MTS1200 or Diavel used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Ducati is included, then call a franchised Ducati dealer and reference recall number 11V253.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V253000 |
|---|---|
| Ducati customer service | 1-800-231-6696 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V253 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V253000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →