Recall 12V081 covers 793 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250, Ninja 650, and Versys motorcycles for passenger footpeg circlip failure. Free repair at any Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 793 2012 EX250JCFAL, EX650ECFL, and KLE650CCF motorcycles because engine vibration or assembly damage can break the circlips on the footpeg mounting pins. If a footpeg detaches, it can distract the rider or create a road hazard, and the repair will be free at a Kawasaki dealer once available.
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What's wrong?
The footpeg mounting pins on these 2012 Kawasaki motorcycles hold each footpeg to its bracket. A small retaining clip, called a circlip, locks each pin in place so the footpeg stays attached while the motorcycle vibrates, leans, and carries the rider's weight. The footpeg is the rider's foot support and part of normal body control on the motorcycle.
In NHTSA campaign 12V081, Kawasaki says engine vibration and damage during assembly can break those circlips. Once a circlip breaks and falls off, the mounting pin is no longer retained. The footpeg can then loosen or detach from the motorcycle during use, leaving the rider without the expected foot support on that side.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat any loose footpeg, missing clip, or movement at the footpeg bracket as a reason to stop riding and have a Kawasaki dealer inspect the mounting hardware.
Who's affected?
Spans 8 Kawasaki model codes from the 2012 model year, all tied to the same body or structural component.
| 2012 Kawasaki EX250JCFAL | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2012 Kawasaki EX650ECFL | body or structural component |
| 2012 Kawasaki EX250JCF | body or structural component |
| 2012 Kawasaki EX650ECF | body or structural component |
| 2012 Kawasaki EX250JCFL | body or structural component |
| 2012 Kawasaki KLE650CCFL | body or structural component |
| 2012 Kawasaki KLE650CCF | body or structural component |
| 2012 Kawasaki EX250JCFA | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 793 |
A matching year and model code does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A detached passenger foot peg can fall into traffic, create a road hazard, and distract the rider, increasing crash risk. Until the circlips are replaced, drive cautiously and contact a Kawasaki dealer about the recall repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Kawasaki EX250JCFAL, EX650ECFL, EX250JCF, EX650ECF, EX250JCFL, KLE650CCFL, KLE650CCF, or EX250JCFA is included in this recall.
- Check for Kawasaki's owner notice mailed March 12, 2012, before you call the dealer.
- Contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to ask about the free passenger footpeg pin circlip replacement that keeps the footpeg attached.
- Reference recall number 12V081 when you call Kawasaki or the dealer.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if a passenger footpeg feels loose or detaches.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician replaces the passenger footpeg pin circlips. Those circlips secure the footpeg mounting pins, so the repair addresses the part that lets the passenger footpeg detach from the motorcycle. The dealer repair is free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Because the remedy status in this record is not marked available, confirm scheduling with a Kawasaki dealer before arranging service.
Timeline
| March 1, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 12, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V081?
Recall 12V081 covers 793 2012 Kawasaki EX250JCFAL, EX650ECFL, EX250JCF, EX650ECF, EX250JCFL, KLE650CCFL, KLE650CCF, and EX250JCFA motorcycles with passenger footpeg pin circlips that can break, fall off, and let the footpeg detach. Kawasaki dealers will replace the circlips for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Kawasaki EX250JCFAL, EX650ECFL, EX250JCF, EX650ECF, EX250JCFL, KLE650CCFL, KLE650CCF, or EX250JCFA is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 12V081. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule replacement of the passenger footpeg pin circlips. Reference recall number 12V081 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 Kawasaki's remedy says dealers will replace the passenger footpeg pin circlips free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that a passenger footpeg can detach from the motorcycle. A detached footpeg can create a road hazard for other traffic and distract the rider, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Kawasaki dealer repair.
What if I bought this Kawasaki motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the original owner. If you never received a Kawasaki notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012 motorcycle is included, then call a franchised Kawasaki dealer with recall number 12V081.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V081000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V081 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V081000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →