Recall 18V033 covers 2,361 2015-2018 KTM motorcycles for front brake master cylinder piston failure. Repair is free at franchised KTM dealers.
KTM is recalling 2,361 2015-2018 1290 Super Duke GT and 1290 Super Duke R motorcycles because the piston inside the Brembo front brake master cylinder can fail. If that piston fails, the motorcycle can lose front braking ability and the risk of a crash increases; the KTM dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front brake master cylinder on affected 2015-2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and 1290 Super Duke R motorcycles turns hand-lever force into hydraulic pressure for the front brakes. Inside that cylinder, a piston moves when the rider pulls the lever, pushing brake fluid through the system so the front calipers clamp the rotors.
On these motorcycles, the Brembo piston inside the master cylinder can crack. The material used for the piston has uneven strength, and tiny voids from the injection process can line up in a weak pattern. Heavy stress, including track use, frequent ABS activation, or a ground fall, can generate cracks in the piston and lead to brake master cylinder failure.
KTM reported that the failure can happen without a warning sign. A significant loss of front brake effectiveness is the symptom to watch for before failure.
Who's affected?
Spans both 1290 Super Duke variants across the 2015-2018 model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke R | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke R | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 2,361 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed front brake master cylinder piston can take away front braking ability and increase the risk of a crash. The failure can happen without a clear warning sign; a major drop in brake effectiveness is a reason to stop riding and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised KTM dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or 1290 Super Duke R is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised KTM dealer and ask whether the free aluminum front brake master cylinder piston replacement is open for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if KTM mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V033 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance because a failed front brake master cylinder piston can reduce front braking ability.
- Call KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090 with questions about scheduling or recall coverage.
What happens at the repair
KTM's remedy calls for a KTM technician to replace the piston inside the Brembo front brake master cylinder with an aluminum piston. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered by the recall. If you already paid for the same front brake master cylinder piston repair before the recall work, contact KTM customer service and ask how to submit documentation under KTM's general reimbursement plan on file.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 10, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 12, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| February 12, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 21, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 9, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V033?
Recall 18V033 covers 2,361 2015-2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT and 1290 Super Duke R motorcycles with a Brembo front brake master cylinder piston defect. If the piston fails, front braking ability is lost, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2015-2018 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or 1290 Super Duke R is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V033. If it is, contact a franchised KTM dealer to schedule the front brake master cylinder piston replacement. Reference recall number 18V033000 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and KTM dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder piston with an aluminum piston free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of front braking ability. KTM's recall says the Brembo front brake master cylinder piston can fail, and that failure can increase the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair.
When did KTM begin this recall repair?
KTM began the recall repair on February 21, 2018. The remedy is a dealer replacement of the front brake master cylinder piston with an aluminum piston. Owners can contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V033000 |
|---|---|
| KTM customer service | 1-888-985-6090 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V033 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V033000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →