Recall 15V853 affects 2,404 2014-2015 Suzuki DL1000 motorcycles for poor battery ground conductivity. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
Suzuki is recalling 2,404 2014-2015 DL1000 motorcycles because the battery ground connection can have poor electrical conductivity from corrosion or contact with the painted engine case. The engine can stall and fail to restart, which raises crash risk, and Suzuki dealers will repair the ground connection free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The battery ground cable on the 2014-2015 Suzuki DL1000 gives the motorcycle's electrical system a return path back to the battery. It is bolted to the engine case, so starter current, charging current, and other electrical loads can complete the circuit through that connection. That ground point has to stay clean and tight for the bike to start reliably.
On affected DL1000 motorcycles, the ground connection is attached at an engine case surface that was painted, or it develops corrosion at the bolt area. Paint, corrosion, or acid film at that contact point raises electrical resistance. When resistance rises, the battery and starter no longer have a solid ground path, and the starter can fail to operate even when the battery itself has charge.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices is often a no-start condition, where the motorcycle does not crank because the ground connection cannot carry current properly.
Who's affected?
Both DL1000 model years in this recall involve the battery cable.
| 2015 Suzuki DL1000 | battery |
|---|---|
| 2014 Suzuki DL1000 | battery |
| Units affected | 2,404 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 17 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?
Poor battery-ground conductivity can cause the engine to stall and prevent restart, increasing crash risk if the motorcycle loses power while moving. If the engine stalls, move out of traffic when safe and call a Suzuki dealer for recall repair guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Suzuki DL1000 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to schedule the free battery-ground repair that moves the connection to bare metal and adds a heat-resistant protector.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 15V853 when you call.
- Avoid riding the motorcycle if it has stalled or failed to restart; ask the Suzuki dealer about pickup or towing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Suzuki technician moves the battery ground connection to an unpainted surface so it can make proper electrical contact. The technician also replaces the ground wire protector with a high heat resistance tube. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid out of pocket for repairs tied to this battery ground defect before recall notification, Suzuki's reimbursement plan covers documented costs. Bring your receipts or invoices to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 18, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 15, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| January 15, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 22, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 29, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V853?
Recall 15V853 covers 2,404 2014-2015 Suzuki DL1000 motorcycles with a battery ground connection problem. Corrosion or contact with the painted engine case can reduce electrical conductivity, stall the engine, and prevent restart, increasing crash risk. Suzuki dealers fix the ground connection for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Suzuki DL1000 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 15V853. If it is, contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to schedule the battery ground repair. Reference recall number 15V853 or Suzuki recall number 2A53 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Suzuki's remedy says dealers will relocate the battery ground connection and replace the ground wire protector free of charge.
Is it safe to ride my Suzuki DL1000 before the repair?
The recall warns that poor battery ground conductivity can stall the engine and prevent restart, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair. If the motorcycle stalls or shows electrical problems, stop riding and ask the Suzuki dealer about transport options.
What if I bought my Suzuki DL1000 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your DL1000 is included, then call a franchised Suzuki dealer and reference recall 15V853 or Suzuki recall number 2A53.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V853000 |
|---|---|
| Suzuki customer service | 1-714-996-7040 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V853 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V853000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →