Home/ Recalls/ Vespa/ 19V826
Campaign 19V826 Posted November 18, 2019 1,328 units

2019-2020 Vespa GTS/GTV 300 Recall 19V826: Brakes

Recall 19V826 affects 1,328 2019-2020 Vespa GTV 300, GTS 300, and GTS 300 Hpe scooters for a brake-line defect. Free repair at a franchised Vespa dealer.

Vespa is recalling 1,328 2019-2020 Gtv 300, GTS 300, and GTS 300 Hpe scooters under recall 19V826 because the brake lines were improperly galvanized, releasing hydrogen into the brake fluid. The trapped gas can weaken the brake lever's ability to stop the scooter and raise the risk of a crash. Vespa dealers will replace the brake lines free of charge.

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?

The brake lines on these Vespa scooters carry pressurized brake fluid from the lever on the handlebar to the caliper at the wheel. When you squeeze the front or rear brake lever, fluid flows through the line and clamps the pads onto the rotor. The metal terminals at the ends of those lines are coated with a thin zinc layer to protect them from corrosion.

On affected scooters, the zinc coating was applied with an irregular surface during the factory galvanization process. That irregular surface traps hydrogen, which then releases into the brake fluid over time. As hydrogen builds up inside the hydraulic system, it acts like a soft pocket of gas where solid fluid should be, and the lever travels farther before the brakes bite.

The warning sign shows up after the scooter has sat unused for a while. You squeeze the front or rear lever and feel more play than usual before the brakes engage.

Who's affected?

Covers three Vespa 300-class scooters (GTV 300, GTS 300, GTS 300 HPe) built across a narrow 2018-2019 production window, all sharing the same hydraulic brake system issue.

2019 Vespa Gtv 300 hydraulic brake system
2020 Vespa GTS 300 Hpe hydraulic brake system
2019 Vespa GTS 300 hydraulic brake system
Units affected1,328
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific scooter is included in this recall.

What's the safety risk?

Hydrogen trapped in the braking system reduces how well the brake lever activates the brakes, which lengthens stopping distance and raises the risk of a crash. After the scooter has been parked for a while, the brake levers feel loose with extra play before pressure returns. Treat that looseness as a reason to stop riding and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Vespa dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Vespa GTV 300, GTS 300, or GTS 300 Hpe scooter is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Vespa dealer to schedule the free brake-system flush and master-cylinder flush-fitting installation that clears the hydrogen contamination from the brake lines.
  3. Reference recall number 19V826 (Vespa's internal number PP2ZZQ1904_GTS) when you call the dealer, and bring the owner notice if Vespa has mailed one.
  4. Call Vespa customer service at 1-212-380-4433 with any questions about scheduling or parts availability.
  5. Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Test the brake lever before each ride, leave extra stopping distance, and avoid hard braking.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Vespa technician installs brake flush fittings on the front and rear master cylinders, then performs a complete flush of the brake system. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you have already paid out of pocket for related brake work since the affected production date, Piaggio's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring your receipts and any prior repair paperwork to the service desk when you arrive, and ask the advisor to file the reimbursement claim alongside the recall repair.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

November 18, 2019 NHTSA published the recall
November 25, 2019 Dealer notification began
November 25, 2019 Dealer notification ended
November 27, 2019 Owner notification mailed
November 27, 2019 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 19V826?

Recall 19V826 covers 1,328 2019-2020 Vespa GTV 300, GTS 300, and GTS 300 HPE scooters with improperly galvanized brake lines that can release hydrogen into the brake fluid. The hydrogen reduces brake lever effectiveness and increases crash risk. Vespa dealers will flush the brake system free of charge.

What should I do if my 2019-2020 Vespa GTS 300 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific scooter is included in recall 19V826. If it is, contact a franchised Vespa dealer to schedule the brake system flush and master cylinder fitting installation. Reference recall number 19V826 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform the recall repair at no cost. Vespa dealers will install front and rear master cylinder brake flush fittings and perform a complete brake system flush free of charge, regardless of where the scooter was originally purchased.

What warning signs should I watch for?

Watch for a brake lever that feels soft, spongy, or slow to engage the brakes. Hydrogen trapped in the brake lines reduces the lever's ability to activate the brakes, so any change in lever feel or stopping response is reason to stop riding and contact a Vespa dealer.

What if I bought my Vespa used?

The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If Piaggio never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific scooter is included, and reference recall number 19V826 when you call the dealer.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V826000
Vespa customer service1-212-380-4433
NHTSA recall #19V826
NHTSA recall # (full)19V826000

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 →