Recall 12V369 affects 4,170 2011-2012 Kawasaki ZX-10R motorcycles for engine oil leaking toward the rear tire. Repair is free at a franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 4,170 2011-2012 ZX-10R Ninja motorcycles because engine oil can leak at the starter mounting point and pool on top of the crankcase. Continued riding can send oil onto the rear tire, which raises crash risk and the risk of injury or death; the Kawasaki dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The crankcase on 2011-2012 Kawasaki ZX-10R motorcycles is the main engine housing that holds the crankshaft and engine oil. That oil lubricates moving parts inside the engine so metal surfaces do not run dry. The starter mounts to this engine case, and that mounting area is supposed to stay sealed while the engine runs.
On affected ZX-10R motorcycles, engine oil can leak from the crankcase at the starter mounting point. Instead of staying inside the engine, the oil pools on top of the crankcase. If the motorcycle keeps being ridden in that condition, the pooled oil can spill over and reach the rear tire. Oil on the rear tire interferes with tire grip and makes the motorcycle harder to control.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall summary does not list a rider-noticeable symptom before the leak creates the rear-tire risk.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| 2012 Kawasaki ZX-10R | Engine and engine cooling |
| Units affected | 4,170 |
Not every 2011-2012 Kawasaki ZX-10R motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Oil on the rear tire can reduce traction and increase the risk of a crash, leading to personal injury or death. Until the repair is handled, check for oil near the rear tire before riding and stop if you see any. Repair will be free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Kawasaki ZX-10R is included in this recall.
- Use the owner letter Kawasaki mailed for this recall, or contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381 if you never received it.
- Ask a franchised Kawasaki dealer about the free starter removal and crankcase sealing that stops engine oil from leaking from the crankcase onto the rear tire.
- Reference recall number 12V369 when you call the dealer.
- Avoid riding if engine oil is pooling on top of the crankcase or reaching the rear tire before the repair.
What happens at the repair
The planned dealer remedy is to remove the starter, seal the crankcase at the starter mounting point, and reinstall the parts needed to close the oil leak path. A Kawasaki technician handles the repair. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Kawasaki's filing does not give a separate reimbursement process, so this section does not list a claim path for owners who already paid for related work.
Timeline
| August 1, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 8, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V369?
Recall 12V369 covers 4,170 2011-2012 Kawasaki ZX-10R motorcycles with an engine-oil leak at the starter mounting point. Oil can pool on top of the crankcase and spill onto the rear tire, increasing crash risk. Kawasaki dealers seal the crankcase for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Kawasaki ZX-10R is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 12V369. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer and ask for the starter removal and crankcase sealing repair. Reference recall number 12V369 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Kawasaki dealers remove the starter and seal the crankcase free of charge, so parts and labor for the recall repair are covered.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is oil reaching the rear tire. Kawasaki reported that continued use with the crankcase leak can let oil spill over onto the tire, increasing the risk of a crash with personal injury or death. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Kawasaki ZX-10R used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your motorcycle is included, then contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer and reference recall number 12V369 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V369000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V369 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V369000 |
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 →