Recall 12V363 affects 691 2008 Zap Xebra motorcycles for a brake-fluid-reservoir defect. Repair will be free at any franchised Zap dealer once available.
Zap is recalling 691 2008 Xebra motorcycles because the brake system lacks a separate fluid reservoir, cover, seal, and retention device for each brake circuit. A leak in one circuit can drain fluid from both reservoirs, reduce braking ability, and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake master cylinder on a 2008 Zap Xebra is the part that turns pedal pressure into hydraulic pressure. Brake fluid moves from the reservoir into the brake circuits, then that pressure applies the brakes at the wheels. Each brake circuit is supposed to have its own brake fluid reservoir opening with its own cover, seal, and retaining device.
On the recalled motorcycles, the brake system was built without a separate brake fluid reservoir for each circuit. That means the hardware does not match the motorcycle brake system requirement in NHTSA campaign 12V363. The issue is not a worn pad or a loose hose; it is the way the hydraulic brake system was configured at manufacture.
There is no warning sign before failure. A rider should not expect a dashboard light, noise, or pedal change to appear before the defect matters. If the brake system has not been corrected, have a Zap dealer inspect the brake reservoir setup and complete the recall repair.
Who's affected?
| 2008 Zap Xebra | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 691 |
Not every 2008 Zap Xebra is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Without separate brake reservoirs, covers, seals, and retention devices, brake fluid can move between circuits. A leak in one circuit can drain both reservoirs, reduce braking performance, and increase the risk of a crash. Schedule the remedy as soon as it opens. Repair will be free at any franchised Zap dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008 Zap Xebra is included in this recall.
- Contact Zap customer service at 1-800-251-4555 to ask about the brake-reservoir remedy kit.
- Reference recall number 12V363 when you call so Zap can match your vehicle to the correct repair path.
- Avoid riding until Zap confirms the brake-reservoir remedy is installed or the correct kit has been fitted.
What happens at the repair
The recall record says Zap will either install a remedy kit or send a kit to each owner so the Xebra brake system meets the required motorcycle brake-system standard. Because Zap has not provided a notification schedule, do not treat the final remedy as ready to book yet. Once the remedy opens, the installation or kit is covered under the recall. If the kit is installed through service, a Zap technician handles the compliance work described in campaign 12V363.
Timeline
| July 27, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 24, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V363?
Recall 12V363 covers 691 2008 Zap Xebra motorcycles built without the separate brake fluid reservoirs required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122. NHTSA campaign 12V363 states that this brake-circuit layout can compromise stopping ability and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2008 Zap Xebra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Xebra is included in recall 12V363. If it is, contact Zap Customer Service at 1-800-251-4555 or a Zap service contact for the compliance remedy kit. Reference recall 12V363 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy at no cost to the owner. For recall 12V363, Zap will install or send the remedy kit needed to bring the motorcycle into compliance with the brake-system standard.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking performance. NHTSA campaign 12V363 states that without separate brake fluid reservoirs, fluid from one brake circuit can move to the other, and a leak in one circuit can reduce fluid in both reservoirs, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Zap Xebra used?
The free recall remedy still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2008 Zap Xebra is included, then reference recall 12V363 when you contact Zap Customer Service at 1-800-251-4555.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V363000 |
|---|---|
| Zap customer service | 1-800-251-4555 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V363 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V363000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →