Recall 12V400 affects 2,411 2012-2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale motorcycles for steering damper screws with insufficient Loctite. Repair is free at any franchised Ducati dealer.
Ducati is recalling 2,411 2012-2013 1199 Panigale motorcycles because screws that secure the steering damper to the steering head can fall out after too little Loctite was applied to the threads. If the damper detaches, the rider can lose control and crash; the Ducati dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering damper on the 2012-2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale is a small stabilizing unit mounted near the steering head, the frame area where the front fork pivots. Its job is to calm sudden handlebar movement and help the front end stay settled while the rider steers, brakes, or rides over uneven pavement.
On affected motorcycles, the screws that fasten the steering damper to the steering head did not receive enough Loctite on the threads. Loctite is a thread-locking compound that helps keep a fastener from backing out under vibration. Without enough of it, normal riding vibration can loosen the screws until the damper is no longer held securely.
There is no warning sign before failure. A rider should not count on a noise, warning light, or change in steering feel before the screws loosen or fall out.
Who's affected?
The listing spans the 2012 and 2013 1199 Panigale, with the steering system named for both model years.
| 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale | steering system |
| Units affected | 2,411 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific motorcycle.
What's the safety risk?
If the steering damper detaches from the steering head, the rider can lose control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash. Ride with caution and arrange dealer service soon if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Ducati dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ducati's owner notice if you have not received one.
- Contact a franchised Ducati dealer and ask whether the free steering-damper screw repair is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 12V400 when you call, and ask the dealer to clean the threads, apply the proper Loctite, and torque the screws so the steering damper stays secured to the steering head.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if the steering feels loose or unstable.
What happens at the repair
Ducati's repair instructions call for an authorized Ducati dealer to remove both steering damper screws, clean the threads, apply the correct amount of Loctite, and tighten the screws to the proper torque. The repair is free under the recall once it is available for your VIN. Ducati began the safety recall on October 15, 2012, so ask the dealer to confirm campaign 12V400 and check whether the work has already been completed on this motorcycle.
Timeline
| August 10, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 15, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V400?
Recall 12V400 covers 2,411 2012-2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale motorcycles with steering damper screws that lack enough Loctite. If the screws fall out, the steering damper can detach from the steering head, leading to loss of control and higher crash risk.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 12V400. If it is, contact an authorized Ducati dealer and ask for the steering damper screw service. The dealer removes both screws, cleans the threads, applies Loctite, and tightens them to specification for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Ducati's remedy for recall 12V400 is free of charge. An authorized Ducati dealer handles the steering damper screw service.
Is it safe to ride my Ducati 1199 Panigale before the recall repair?
This recall involves a steering component, so treat it seriously. Ducati's filing for recall 12V400 says the steering damper can detach from the steering head, leading to loss of control and higher crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair before normal riding.
When did Ducati start the recall repair?
Ducati began the safety recall on October 15, 2012. If your 2012-2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale is included in recall 12V400 and the repair is still open, an authorized Ducati dealer can perform the steering damper screw service for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V400000 |
|---|---|
| Ducati customer service | 1-800-231-6696 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V400 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V400000 |
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 →