Recall 18V854 affects 1,502 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4 motorcycles for loose timing chain tensioner bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Ducati dealer.
Ducati is recalling 1,502 2018-2019 Panigale V4 motorcycles because the timing chain tensioner can loosen and let oil leak from the bottom of the adjustment bolt. An oil leak can increase the risk of a crash, and Ducati dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The timing chain tensioner on the 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4 keeps the engine's timing chain tight while the engine runs. That chain keeps the crankshaft and camshafts moving in sync, so the valves open and close at the right point. The tensioner holds steady pressure on the chain and is secured by adjustment bolts.
On affected motorcycles, the tensioner adjustment bolt can lose clamping force over time. When that happens, oil can leak from the bottom side of the tensioner adjustment bolt. Ducati's fix is tied to that fastener: the recall increases the torque value on the chain tensioner bolts so the tensioner stays clamped as intended.
The warning sign is a small oil leak near the tensioner adjustment bolt. If you see oil in that area, treat it as the sign this defect is present. If there is no oil leak, Ducati says the motorcycle can be ridden to the closest dealer at normal road speeds.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same engine component.
| 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 | Engine |
| Units affected | 1,502 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
An oil leak near the timing chain tensioner can increase the risk of a crash. Check for oil around the tensioner adjustment bolt before riding. If you see leakage, stop riding and call a Ducati dealer. If no leakage is present, ride only to the closest dealer at normal road speeds. Repair is free at any franchised Ducati dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ducati dealer to schedule the free timing-chain tensioner bolt tightening that stops oil leaking from the tensioner adjustment bolt.
- Bring the recall notice if Ducati mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V854 when you call.
- Stop riding if you see oil leaking from the engine area, and ask the Ducati dealer about transport before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ducati technician tightens the timing chain tensioner bolts to keep the tensioner secured and address the oil leak risk at the bottom of the adjustment bolt. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Ducati has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this related repair. Ask Ducati customer service or the dealer service desk what documentation they need before your appointment.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 30, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 26, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 2, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 24, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 25, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 25, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V854?
Recall 18V854 covers 1,502 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4 motorcycles with timing chain tensioner bolts that can loosen over time and allow oil to leak. An oil leak can increase crash risk. Ducati dealers will tighten the tensioner bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V854. If it is, contact a franchised Ducati dealer to schedule the timing chain tensioner bolt repair. Reference recall number 18V854 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Ducati will tighten the timing chain tensioner bolts free of charge at a franchised Ducati dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an oil leak from the timing chain tensioner area. If oil leaks from the bottom of the tensioner adjustment bolt, it can increase the risk of a crash. Have a Ducati dealer complete the free bolt-tightening repair.
When did Ducati begin this recall?
Ducati began this recall on January 24, 2019. If you own a 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4 and never received a notice, check your VIN and ask a franchised Ducati dealer about recall 18V854.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V854000 |
|---|---|
| Ducati customer service | 1-888-391-5446 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V854 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V854000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →