Home/ Recalls/ Moto Guzzi/ 19V561
Campaign 19V561 Posted July 26, 2019 1,701 units

2013-2019 Moto Guzzi Models Recall 19V561: Brake Drag

Recall 19V561 covers 1,701 2013-2019 Moto Guzzi motorcycles for a front brake master cylinder defect. Repair is free at any franchised Moto Guzzi dealer.

Moto Guzzi is recalling 1,701 2013-2019 motorcycles, including California, Dorsoduro, Eldorado, Audace, Shiver, Mana 850, and Mgx 21 Bagger models, because a front brake master cylinder problem can make the front brakes drag or apply. The motorcycle can slow or stop without activating the rear brake light, which increases crash risk; Moto Guzzi dealers will complete the free repair.

Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?

The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.

Check my VIN at NHTSA

RecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.

What's wrong?

On the 2013-2019 motorcycles in recall 19V561, the front brake master cylinder is the hand-lever part that starts front braking. When the rider squeezes the lever, the master cylinder pushes brake fluid through the hydraulic system so the front brake caliper clamps the rotor. The lever also needs a small amount of empty travel at the start, before braking pressure builds.

On affected motorcycles, that empty travel is not sufficient. The master cylinder can begin creating brake pressure too early, even when the rider is not trying to brake. That can make the front brake drag or apply on its own, which slows the motorcycle or brings it to a stop without turning on the rear brake light.

An owner can notice this before a full self-braking event. If the motorcycle is stopped, it will be hard to push by hand while the gearbox is in neutral. If it is moving, it will progressively slow down or need more throttle to hold speed.

Who's affected?

Covers 7 motorcycle lines across the 2013-2019 model years, all using the same hydraulic brake master cylinder.

2017 Moto Guzzi California hydraulic brake system
2018 Moto Guzzi California hydraulic brake system
2014 Aprilia Dorsoduro hydraulic brake system
2018 Moto Guzzi Eldorado hydraulic brake system
2019 Aprilia Dorsoduro hydraulic brake system
Units affected1,701
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents 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?

The defect can make the vehicle slow down or stop unexpectedly while traffic behind has no warning, increasing crash risk. If it resists rolling in neutral, slows while running, or needs more throttle to hold speed, ride cautiously and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Moto Guzzi dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2019 Moto Guzzi motorcycle is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Moto Guzzi dealer to schedule the free front brake master cylinder inspection and replacement, which fixes front brakes that can drag or apply without the rear brake light.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Piaggio mailed one. Reference recall number 19V561 and Piaggio recall PA2ZZQ1904 when you call.
  4. Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and watch for front-brake drag or unexpected slowing.
  5. Call Moto Guzzi customer service at 1-212-380-4433 with questions about the repair or dealer scheduling.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Moto Guzzi technician inspects the front brake master cylinder for the recall condition. If the part is affected, the technician replaces the front brake master cylinder at no charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm that the brake system is checked before the motorcycle is returned, since this defect involves the front brakes dragging or applying with no rear brake light.

Timeline

July 26, 2019 NHTSA published the recall
August 13, 2019 Dealer notification began
August 13, 2019 Dealer notification ended
August 13, 2019 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
August 13, 2019 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
August 16, 2019 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 19V561?

Recall 19V561 covers 1,701 2013-2019 Moto Guzzi motorcycles with a front brake master cylinder problem. The front brakes can drag or apply, causing the motorcycle to slow down or stop without activating the rear brake light. Dealers will inspect and replace the master cylinder as needed for free.

What should I do if my 2013-2019 Moto Guzzi California, Dorsoduro, Eldorado, Audace, Shiver, Mana 850, or Mgx 21 Bagger is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 19V561. If it is, contact a franchised Moto Guzzi dealer to schedule the front brake master cylinder inspection. Reference recall number 19V561 and Piaggio recall number PA2ZZQ1904 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 19V561, the dealer will inspect the front brake master cylinder and replace it as needed free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is unexpected slowing or stopping without a rear brake light warning following traffic. That condition increases crash risk because drivers behind the motorcycle do not get the normal brake-light signal before the motorcycle slows or stops.

When did owner notices begin for recall 19V561?

Owner notices began on August 16, 2019. The recall repair is available, so included owners can contact a franchised Moto Guzzi dealer now for the free front brake master cylinder inspection and replacement as needed.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V561000
Moto Guzzi customer service1-212-380-4433
NHTSA recall #19V561
NHTSA recall # (full)19V561000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →