Recall 13V635 covers 667 2012-2013 Zero electric motorcycles for controller firmware that can cut motor power. Firmware update is free at Zero dealers.
Zero is recalling 667 2012-2013 motorcycles, including Zero Xu, Zero Ds, Zero S, and Fx models, because controller firmware can shut off power to the motor after certain system faults. A sudden loss of motor power can increase the risk of a crash, and the dealer repair will be free once Zero makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The controller firmware on 2012-2013 Zero Dsp, Fx, Xu, S, Ds, Zero Xu, Zero Ds, and Zero S motorcycles is the software that tells the motor controller how to manage power. It reads system conditions and controls the flow of electricity from the battery to the motor, so the motorcycle responds when the rider asks for power.
On affected motorcycles, the firmware reacts to certain system faults by shutting off power to the motor. That means the electric drive stops providing propulsion while the motorcycle is in use. The filing does not identify a damaged hardware part; the defect is in the software logic that controls motor power.
There is no warning sign before failure. A rider first notices the problem when motor power shuts off and the motorcycle no longer accelerates as expected.
Who's affected?
Spans 8 listed Zero motorcycle models across the 2012 and 2013 model years, all tied to electrical system software.
| 2012 Zero Dsp | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2013 Zero Fx | electrical system software |
| 2013 Zero Xu | electrical system software |
| 2013 Zero S | electrical system software |
| 2013 Zero Ds | electrical system software |
| 2012 Zero Zero Xu | electrical system software |
| 2012 Zero Zero Ds | electrical system software |
| 2012 Zero Zero S | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 667 |
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 to the motor can leave the vehicle slowing unexpectedly in traffic, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the controller firmware repair and ride with extra caution until the update is completed. Repair will be free at any franchised Zero dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Zero motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Call Zero customer service at 1-888-786-9376 to confirm repair timing and reference recall number 13V635.
- Contact an authorized Zero dealer about the free controller-firmware update that prevents system faults from shutting off motor power.
- Bring the recall notice Zero mailed on January 14, 2014, if you have it.
- Ride cautiously until the firmware update is complete, and stop riding if the motorcycle loses motor power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Zero technician updates the controller firmware so the motor controller handles the fault condition addressed by recall 13V635. Zero's remedy notice does not state that the repair is available now, so the dealer repair will be free once available. Ask the dealer to note the campaign number when you call and to confirm whether the firmware update is ready for your motorcycle before arranging service.
Timeline
| December 18, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 14, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V635?
Recall 13V635 covers 667 2012-2013 Zero motorcycles with controller firmware that can shut off power to the motor after certain system faults. A sudden loss of motor power increases crash risk. Zero dealers update the controller firmware for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Zero Dsp, Fx, Xu, S, Ds, Zero Xu, Zero Ds, or Zero S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 13V635. If it is, contact a franchised Zero dealer and ask for the controller firmware update. Reference recall number 13V635 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's remedy says dealers will update the controller firmware free of charge. That applies at a franchised Zero dealer for motorcycles included by VIN.
Is it safe to ride with recall 13V635 open?
The recall concerns a sudden loss of power to the motor, which increases crash risk. Check your VIN before you keep riding. If your motorcycle is included, ask the Zero dealer how soon the firmware update can be completed.
What if I bought my Zero motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the motorcycle, not the first owner. If you never received a Zero owner letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included, then reference recall number 13V635 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V635000 |
|---|---|
| Zero customer service | 1-888-786-9376 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V635 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V635000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →