Recall 13V329 covers 268 2011-2012 Zero S and Ds motorcycles for front caliper bolts that can fracture. Repair is free at Zero dealers.
Zero is recalling 268 2011-2012 S, Ds, Zero S, and Zero Ds motorcycles because corrosion can crack the front caliper mounting bolts. If a bolt fractures, the caliper can come loose and interfere with front wheel rotation, increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front brake caliper on these 2011-2012 Zero S, Ds, Zero S, and Zero Ds motorcycles is the brake assembly that squeezes the brake pads against the front disc. Its mounting bolts hold the caliper in the correct position on the fork so the pads meet the disc squarely when you pull the brake lever.
On affected motorcycles, those front caliper mounting bolts are susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion weakens the bolt material, and a weakened bolt can crack or fracture. If a mounting bolt fractures, the caliper is no longer secured the way it was designed to be, which interferes with normal front brake operation.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not rely on sound, lever feel, or a dashboard alert to confirm whether the bolts have already weakened.
Who's affected?
Covers the S, Ds, Zero S, and Zero Ds motorcycles across the 2011-2012 model years, all using the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2012 Zero Zero Ds | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Zero S | hydraulic brake system |
| 2011 Zero Ds | hydraulic brake system |
| 2012 Zero Zero S | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 268 |
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?
If the front caliper bolt fractures, the caliper can come loose and interfere with front wheel rotation. That can make the front wheel stop suddenly and increase crash risk. Schedule the repair soon, and avoid riding until a dealer advises you if the front brake feels unsafe. Repair will be free at any franchised Zero dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Zero motorcycle, model Zero Ds, S, Ds, or Zero S, is included in this recall.
- Use the owner notice Zero mailed beginning August 16, 2013, or call Zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085 if you do not have it.
- Contact a franchised Zero dealer about the front-caliper-bolt replacement that prevents the caliper from coming loose.
- Reference recall number 13V329 when you call the dealer.
- Avoid riding the motorcycle until Zero or the dealer confirms the front caliper bolts have been replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Zero technician replaces the front caliper bolts that secure the brake caliper to the front wheel assembly. The repair path in the recall names bolt replacement, and the dealer repair will be free once available. Because the current repair status is not stated, call a Zero dealer before planning the visit and ask whether the front caliper bolt remedy is open for your VIN. If it is open, parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| July 30, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 16, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V329?
Recall 13V329 covers 268 2011-2012 Zero S, Ds, Zero S, and Zero Ds motorcycles with front caliper mounting bolts that are susceptible to corrosion, cracking, and fracture. Zero dealers replace the front caliper bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Zero S, Ds, Zero S, or Zero Ds is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 13V329. If it is, contact a franchised Zero dealer to schedule replacement of the front caliper bolts. Reference recall number 13V329 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, and Zero dealers replace the front caliper bolts free of charge. The recall repair began on August 16, 2013.
What is the safety risk?
A fractured front caliper bolt can let the caliper come loose and interfere with front wheel rotation. That can make the front wheel stop suddenly and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free bolt replacement with a franchised Zero dealer.
What if I bought my Zero motorcycle used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received a letter from Zero, check your VIN, then call a franchised Zero dealer or Zero Motorcycles at 1-888-841-8085 with recall number 13V329.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V329000 |
|---|---|
| Zero customer service | 1-888-841-8085 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V329 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V329000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (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 →