Recall 12V455 affects 315 2012 Zero Ds and Zero S motorcycles for motor-controller power loss. Reprogramming is free at any franchised Zero dealer.
Recall 12V455 covers 315 2012 Zero Ds and Zero S motorcycles because the motor encoder position signal can drift after extended use, causing the motor controller to shut off and cut power while riding. Loss of power raises the risk of a crash, injury, or death, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The motor encoder position signal on affected 2012 Zero Ds and Zero S motorcycles tells the motor controller where the electric motor is in its rotation. The controller uses that position information to send power at the right time, so throttle input turns into steady drive from the motor.
On these motorcycles, the encoder signal drifts after extended use. Once that signal moves outside the controller's expected range, the controller shuts down instead of continuing to command the motor. That shutdown cuts power to the motorcycle while it is being ridden, which is the defect Zero reported under NHTSA campaign 12V455.
There is no warning sign before failure. The rider will not have a listed light, sound, or change in feel from the recall filing to rely on before the controller shuts off.
Who's affected?
The affected list includes the Zero Ds and Zero S, both tied to the Electrical component.
| 2012 Zero Zero Ds | Electrical |
|---|---|
| 2012 Zero Zero S | Electrical |
| Units affected | 315 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A sudden loss of power can lead to a crash and rider injury or death. Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. If power cuts out, move out of traffic as safely as conditions allow and contact a dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Zero dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Zero Ds or Zero S motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact Zero customer service at 1-888-786-9376 to confirm current repair scheduling for recall number 12V455.
- Contact a franchised Zero dealer about the free motor-controller reprogramming that fixes the drifting motor encoder signal and power-loss risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Zero mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V455 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Pull over safely if the motorcycle loses power.
What happens at the repair
The source remedy identifies the dealer repair as motor controller reprogramming. Once the repair is available, a Zero technician will reprogram the motorcycle's motor controller so it responds correctly to the motor encoder position signal. The dealer repair will be free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Call a Zero dealer with your VIN and ask whether campaign 12V455 is open for your 2012 Zero Ds or Zero S before bringing the motorcycle in for service.
Timeline
| September 17, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 28, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V455?
Recall 12V455 covers 315 2012 Zero Ds and Zero S motorcycles with a motor encoder position signal that can drift after extended use. Under NHTSA campaign 12V455, the motor controller can shut off and the motorcycle can lose power. Zero dealers reprogram the motor controller for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Zero Ds or Zero S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 12V455. If it is, contact a franchised Zero dealer to schedule the motor controller reprogramming. Reference recall number 12V455 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Zero dealers will reprogram the motorcycle's motor controller free of charge under NHTSA campaign 12V455.
Is it safe to ride my 2012 Zero Ds or Zero S before the repair?
The recall describes a loss-of-power risk. NHTSA campaign 12V455 says the motor controller can shut off if the encoder signal drifts outside its parameters, and loss of power can lead to a crash and injury or death. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free repair.
What if I bought my Zero motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the 2012 recall notice, check your VIN and call a franchised Zero dealer with recall number 12V455.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V455000 |
|---|---|
| Zero customer service | 1-888-786-9376 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V455 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V455000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →