Recall 16V279 affects 1,238 2015-2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles for a rear shock oil leak. Repair is free at any franchised KTM dealer.
KTM is recalling 1,238 2015-2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles because the rear shock absorber can leak oil from the rebound damping plug and lose shock function. A failed rear shock affects handling and increases crash risk; KTM dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear shock absorber on the 2015-2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure controls the back of the motorcycle after the rear wheel hits a bump or the rider loads the suspension. Inside the shock, oil flows through damping passages so the rear wheel returns in a controlled way instead of bouncing back sharply. The rebound damping plug is part of that oil-control path.
On affected motorcycles, the suspension control unit, or SCU, was not calibrated correctly. That faulty software calibration can allow oil to leak from the rebound damping plug. Once oil leaves the shock, the unit loses the fluid it needs to damp rear suspension movement, and the rear shock no longer works as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not rely on a warning light, sound, or early handling change to know that the shock has started losing function.
Who's affected?
Both model years use the same rear suspension component in this recall.
| 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 1,238 |
The year and model narrow the recall, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of rear shock function can change how the motorcycle handles and increases the risk of a crash. If the bike feels unstable, rides unevenly, or reacts strangely over bumps, avoid further riding and contact a KTM dealer for inspection. Repair is free at any franchised KTM dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised KTM dealer to schedule the free rear-shock inspection, shock replacement if leaking, and suspension control unit software update.
- Bring the recall notice if KTM mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V279 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid rough roads, heavy loads, and aggressive cornering because rear shock function affects handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a KTM technician inspects the rebound damping plug for oil leaks. If the plug is leaking, the technician replaces the rear shock absorber. The dealer also installs the updated suspension control unit software. Parts and labor are free under the recall. KTM has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for related repairs. Keep repair orders and payment records, and contact KTM customer service or ask the service desk how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 10, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| June 2, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 30, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V279?
Recall 16V279 covers 1,238 2015-2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles with a rear shock absorber that can leak oil from the rebound damping plug and lose shock function. KTM dealers will inspect the plug, replace the shock absorber if needed, and install updated suspension control unit software for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 16V279. If it is, contact a franchised KTM dealer to schedule the rear shock inspection and software update. Reference recall number 16V279 and KTM recall TB1611 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. KTM's recall remedy states that dealers will inspect the rebound damping plug, replace the shock absorber as needed, and install new suspension control unit software free of charge. Federal recall law also requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of rear shock function. If the rear shock loses function, the motorcycle's handling can be affected, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, and if it is included, arrange the free KTM dealer inspection and repair.
What if I bought this KTM 1290 Super Adventure used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the motorcycle's VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2015-2016 KTM 1290 Super Adventure is included, then contact a franchised KTM dealer and reference recall 16V279.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V279000 |
|---|---|
| KTM customer service | 1-888-985-6090 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V279 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V279000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →