Recall 18V441 affects 191 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM motorcycles for a brake stop lamp switch defect. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
Suzuki is recalling 191 2018 DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM motorcycles under recall 18V441 because resin inside the rear brake stop lamp switch can keep the brake light from turning on. If the lamp stays dark when the rider brakes, following traffic loses that signal and crash risk increases; Suzuki dealers will replace the switch free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake stop lamp switch on the 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM tells the brake light to turn on when you press the rear brake pedal. Inside the switch, electrical contacts close the circuit for the lamp. That signal lets traffic behind the motorcycle see that the rider is braking.
On affected motorcycles, the resin used to fill the terminal portion of the switch was mixed without curing agent during supplier production. Because the resin did not cure correctly, it flowed inside the switch and stuck to the contacts. That creates poor electrical conductivity, so pressing the rear brake pedal does not reliably complete the circuit for the brake lamp.
There is no warning sign before failure. The brake pedal can feel normal, but the rear brake lamp does not illuminate when the pedal is depressed, leaving following drivers without that braking signal.
Who's affected?
Includes DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM configurations, with brake-light switch and brake-light scope listed separately.
| 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S | Brake lights |
| 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM | Switch |
| 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400SM | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 191 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S or DR-Z400SM model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the brake lights fail to illuminate, drivers behind you lose the normal signal that the motorcycle is slowing or stopping. That raises the risk of a crash, especially in traffic. Ride cautiously and schedule the stop lamp switch repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S or DR-Z400SM is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to schedule the free stop-lamp-switch replacement that fixes the brake lamp failing to illuminate.
- Bring the recall notice if Suzuki mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V441 when you call.
- Avoid riding after dark or in traffic until the repair is complete if the brake lamp does not illuminate.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Suzuki technician installs a new rear brake stop lamp switch assembly on the affected motorcycle. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. This repair addresses the switch condition that can keep the brake lamp from illuminating when the rear brake is applied. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the Suzuki service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 29, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 9, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 9, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 16, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 16, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V441?
Recall 18V441 covers 191 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM motorcycles with a rear brake stop lamp switch defect. Resin from assembly can interfere with internal contacts and stop the brake lamp from illuminating. Suzuki dealers will install a new stop lamp switch assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S or DR-Z400SM is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V441. If it is, contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to schedule the stop lamp switch assembly replacement. Reference recall number 18V441 or Suzuki recall number 2A84 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 calls for dealers to install a new stop lamp switch assembly free of charge at a franchised Suzuki dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the brake lamp does not illuminate when you brake. Traffic behind you loses a key warning that the motorcycle is slowing or stopping, which increases the risk of a crash. The dealer repair replaces the affected switch assembly.
What if I bought this Suzuki motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 Suzuki DR-Z400S or DR-Z400SM is included, then give recall number 18V441 or Suzuki recall number 2A84 to the dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V441000 |
|---|---|
| Suzuki customer service | 1-800-934-0934 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V441 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V441000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - 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 →