Recall 18V580 affects 390 2018 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycles because the center stand can drop and drag. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 390 2018 Ninja motorcycles under recall 18V580 because the center stand spring pin was improperly welded. If the pin shifts or falls off, the spring can detach and the center stand can drag while riding, causing loss of control and increasing crash risk; Kawasaki dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The center stand on the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja is the metal stand that supports the motorcycle upright when it is parked. A spring keeps that stand pulled up against the motorcycle while you ride. The spring depends on a welded mounting pin on the left center stand bracket to stay anchored.
On affected motorcycles, the welding setup for that pin was incorrect. Kawasaki's investigation found delayed cracking on the bracket surface, and the pin can shift or fall off. If the pin comes loose, the spring detaches and the center stand no longer stays fully retracted. The stand can drop down and drag on the road while the motorcycle is moving.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign can be the center stand dropping or scraping while riding, so a loose or missing spring should be treated as a recall related problem.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Kawasaki Ninja | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 390 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A dragging center stand can contact the road and lead to loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the bracket problem shows up, so take scraping or stand contact seriously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Kawasaki Ninja is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free left center stand bracket replacement that keeps the center stand spring attached and prevents the stand from dragging while riding.
- Bring the recall notice if Kawasaki mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V580 when you call.
- Ride only if the center stand stays secured. Stop riding and call the dealer if it drops, drags, or feels loose.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician replaces the left center stand bracket, the part tied to the center stand spring mount. The replacement part and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related center stand bracket or spring mount repair, Kawasaki's general reimbursement plan covers documented qualifying expenses. Ask Kawasaki customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit your repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 30, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 18, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 19, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 19, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 19, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V580?
Recall 18V580 covers 390 2018 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycles with a center stand spring pin weld issue. The pin can shift or fall off, letting the spring detach and the center stand drop and drag while riding. Kawasaki dealers will replace the left center stand bracket for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Kawasaki Ninja is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V580. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule replacement of the left center stand bracket. Reference recall 18V580 or Kawasaki recall MC18-05 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kawasaki dealers will replace the left center stand bracket free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 18V580.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of control while riding. In recall 18V580, Kawasaki reported that the center stand can drop to the ground and drag if the spring detaches, increasing the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free bracket replacement.
What if I bought my Kawasaki Ninja used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 Kawasaki Ninja is included, then contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer and reference recall 18V580 or Kawasaki recall MC18-05.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V580000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V580 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V580000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →