Recall 15V550 affects 11,836 2009-2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager and Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles for ignition-wire chafing. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 11,836 2009-2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager and Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles under recall 15V550 because an ignition wire can rub against the fuel tank, short circuit, and stall the engine. An engine stall increases crash risk, and Kawasaki dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ignition switch wiring on the 2009-2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager and Vulcan 1700 Vaquero carries power from the key switch into the motorcycle's electrical system. When the key is on, that wiring helps keep the ignition circuit powered so the engine can run. It needs insulation around the wire so electrical current stays contained and away from nearby metal parts.
On affected motorcycles, an ignition switch wire sits too close to the bottom of the fuel tank. Normal vibration can rub the wire against the tank until the insulation wears through. Once bare wire contacts the tank, the circuit can short, cutting electrical power and stalling the engine.
There is no warning sign before failure. The motorcycle can run normally until the wire insulation has worn through enough to short against the fuel tank.
Who's affected?
Spans 2 Vulcan 1700 models across 7 model years, all tied to the ignition switch electrical system.
| 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager | electrical system |
| 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager | electrical system |
| 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager | electrical system |
| 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager | electrical system |
| 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager | electrical system |
| 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager | electrical system |
| 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero | electrical system |
| 2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero | electrical system |
| 2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero | electrical system |
| 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero | electrical system |
| 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero | electrical system |
| Units affected | 11,836 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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 shorted ignition wire can stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the repair soon and use extra care until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager or Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free ignition-wire shielding and padding repair that prevents chafing at the fuel tank.
- Bring any Kawasaki recall notice, and reference recall number 15V550 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the ignition switch wiring and replace damaged ignition switch wiring at no charge.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician installs additional shielding and padding so the ignition wire no longer rubs against the fuel tank and shorts. The technician also checks the ignition switch wiring and replaces any ignition switch with damaged wires. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Schedule the work through a Kawasaki dealer and ask the service desk to confirm the campaign number before the motorcycle is released.
Timeline
| September 1, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 15, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V550?
Recall 15V550 covers 11,836 2009-2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager and 2011-2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero motorcycles. The ignition wire can chafe against the fuel tank, create a short circuit, and cause an engine stall.
What should I do if my 2009-2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager or Vulcan 1700 Vaquero is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 15V550. If it is, contact a Kawasaki dealer to schedule the ignition-wire shielding and padding repair. Reference recall number 15V550 or Kawasaki recall MC15-10 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kawasaki dealers will install additional shielding and padding for free. If the ignition switch has damaged wires, the dealer will replace it free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V550?
The safety risk is engine stall while riding. Kawasaki reported that the ignition wire can rub against the fuel tank, short circuit, and stall the engine. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
When did Kawasaki start this recall repair?
Kawasaki began the recall on September 15, 2015. The repair is available now through Kawasaki dealers. Owners can also contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381 and reference Kawasaki recall number MC15-10.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V550000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V550 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V550000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →