Recall 18V866 affects 1,173 2018 Kawasaki Z900 motorcycles for misrouted rear brake hose and wheel sensor wire. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 1,173 2018 Z900 motorcycles because the rear brake hose and rear wheel rotation sensor wire are routed where contact with the rear tire is possible. Tire contact can damage the brake hose or ABS sensor wire, which reduces rear braking performance or ABS function, so Kawasaki dealers will reroute the hose and wire free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake hose on the 2018 Kawasaki Z900 is a flexible line that carries brake fluid to the rear brake under pressure. When you press the rear brake pedal, that pressure helps clamp the rear brake and slow the motorcycle. The rear wheel rotation sensor wire runs near the same area and sends wheel-speed information to the motorcycle's brake electronics.
On affected motorcycles, the hose and sensor wire were routed incorrectly during assembly. That leaves them too close to the rear tire, where tire contact can rub through the hose or damage the sensor wire. A damaged brake hose can leak fluid or lose pressure, and a damaged sensor wire can interfere with wheel-speed readings.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the hose or wire has already touched the tire, the first visible clue can be rubbing, wear, fluid leakage, or a brake or ABS warning light.
Who's affected?
The affected Z900 motorcycles are tied to both the hydraulic brake system and hydraulic brake hose.
| 2018 Kawasaki Z900 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kawasaki Z900 | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 1,173 |
Not every 2018 Kawasaki Z900 motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Brake hose contact with the rear tire can damage the hose and reduce braking performance. Damage to the rear wheel sensor wire can also keep ABS from working properly. Either problem increases crash risk, so schedule the inspection and repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Kawasaki Z900 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free brake-hose and rear wheel rotation sensor wire routing repair.
- Bring the recall notice if Kawasaki mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V866 and Kawasaki recall MC18-06 when you call.
- Avoid hard braking until the dealer inspects the routing and replaces any damaged brake hose or sensor wire.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician inspects the rear brake hose and rear wheel rotation sensor wire routing. If either is routed incorrectly, the technician corrects the routing and replaces any damaged part. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Kawasaki has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair. Ask Kawasaki customer service or the service desk what documentation they need for a reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 6, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 14, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 14, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 17, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 17, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V866?
Recall 18V866 covers 1,173 2018 Kawasaki Z900 motorcycles with rear brake hose and rear wheel rotation sensor wire routing that can let those parts contact the rear tire. Kawasaki dealers will inspect the routing, correct it, and replace damaged parts for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Kawasaki Z900 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V866. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the inspection and routing correction. Reference recall number 18V866 or Kawasaki recall number MC18-06 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost to owners. Kawasaki dealers will inspect the rear brake hose and rear wheel sensor wire routing, correct the routing, and replace damaged components free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear braking performance or improper ABS operation. If the brake hose or wheel rotation sensor wire contacts the rear tire, the part can be damaged. Kawasaki says either condition can increase crash risk.
When did Kawasaki start this recall repair?
Kawasaki began this recall on December 17, 2018. The remedy is available now through franchised Kawasaki dealers, who inspect the rear brake hose and rear wheel sensor wire routing, correct the routing, and replace damaged components for free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V866000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V866 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V866000 |
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 →