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Campaign 18V502 Posted July 31, 2018 215 units

2018-2019 Alta Redshift Recall 18V502: Throttle Stall

Recall 18V502 affects 215 2018-2019 Alta Redshift Mxr and Redshift Exr motorcycles for throttle software stalling risk. Repair is free at any franchised Alta dealer.

Alta is recalling 215 2018-2019 Redshift Mxr and Redshift Exr motorcycles because throttle-control software is vulnerable to a fault when the throttle is rolled forward past the closed position. The fault can stall the motorcycle and increase crash risk; Alta dealers will update the software free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The throttle control software on the 2018-2019 Alta Redshift Mxr and Redshift Exr reads the rider's hand throttle input and tells the inverter how much motor power to deliver. On these electric motorcycles, that software also checks whether the throttle signal stays within the range Alta expects for closed and open throttle positions.

The problem is in the firmware range Alta set for a newer batch of throttles. Those throttles were slightly different electrically from earlier batches. If the rider rolls the throttle forward past the closed position, the signal falls outside the narrow firmware specification. The motorcycle registers a throttle fault and can shut down, which results in a stall.

When the fault occurs, the display shows "Inverter Throttle Fault." That message is the warning sign that the throttle signal has gone outside the accepted range and the motorcycle has entered the fault condition.

Who's affected?

Covers Redshift Mxr and Redshift Exr motorcycles across the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to electrical system software.

2018 Alta Redshift Mxr electrical system software
2019 Alta Redshift Exr electrical system software
2019 Alta Redshift Mxr electrical system software
Units affected215
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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 motorcycle stall increases the risk of a crash. If the display shows "Inverter Throttle Fault," stop riding, move to a safe place, and call an Alta dealer before using the motorcycle again. Schedule the throttle software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Alta dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Alta Redshift Mxr or Redshift Exr motorcycle is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Alta dealer to schedule the free throttle software update that fixes the throttle fault linked to motorcycle stalling.
  3. Call Alta customer service at 1-415-230-0755 with questions, and reference recall number 18V502 when you call.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Alta mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 18V502 when scheduling.
  5. Avoid rolling the throttle forward past the closed position until the update is installed.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Alta technician installs an update for the throttle software at no charge. The update addresses the throttle control fault described in recall 18V502, when the throttle is rolled forward past the closed position and the motorcycle stalls. The service visit is focused on software, not replacement of a mechanical throttle part, unless the dealer finds another issue during inspection. Parts and labor for the recall work are covered.

Timeline

July 31, 2018 NHTSA published the recall
July 31, 2018 Dealer notification began
August 6, 2018 Owner notification mailed
August 6, 2018 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
August 31, 2018 Dealer notification ended

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 18V502?

Recall 18V502 covers 215 2018-2019 Alta Redshift Mxr and Redshift Exr motorcycles with throttle control software that can fault when the throttle is rolled forward past the closed position. The fault can stall the motorcycle and increase crash risk.

What should I do if my 2018-2019 Alta Redshift Mxr or Redshift Exr is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V502. If it is, contact an Alta dealer or Alta customer service at 1-415-230-0755 to arrange the throttle software update. Reference Alta recall number SVC-ESB-18-004 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recalled safety defects at no cost. Alta dealers will install the throttle software update free of charge. Ask the service desk to reference recall 18V502 and Alta recall number SVC-ESB-18-004.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is a motorcycle stall. If the throttle is rolled forward past the closed position, the throttle control software can fault and stall the motorcycle. A stall while riding can increase the risk of a crash.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V502000
Alta customer service1-415-230-0755
NHTSA recall #18V502
NHTSA recall # (full)18V502000

Source documents

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 →