Recall 20V307 covers 1,529 2019-2020 Kawasaki ZX1002G, ZX1002F, and ZX1002E motorcycles with ECU programming that damages air suction valves. Free Kawasaki dealer repair.
Kawasaki is recalling 1,529 2019-2020 ZX1002G, ZX1002F, and ZX1002E motorcycles because ECU programming can make the engine backfire when quick shift is used under high engine load. Damaged air suction valves can let high temperature exhaust gas blow back and melt surrounding parts, increasing fire risk; Kawasaki dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ECU on the 2019-2020 Kawasaki ZX1002G, ZX1002F, and ZX1002E motorcycles is the engine computer. It controls fuel, ignition, and quick shift behavior, which lets the rider change gears without the normal clutch and throttle sequence.
On affected motorcycles, the ECU program handles high engine load quick shifts incorrectly. That setting can create an unusually strong combustion force in the exhaust path, causing an engine backfire. The pressure from that event can deform or break the air suction valves, which help route fresh air into the exhaust system for emissions control. Once those valves are damaged, hot exhaust gas can blow back and melt nearby parts.
Kawasaki lists no warning before the failure. There is no warning sign before failure, so owners should not wait for a light, sound, or change in engine feel before checking whether their VIN is included.
Who's affected?
Spans ZX1002G, ZX1002F, and ZX1002E motorcycles across the 2019 and 2020 model years, tied to electrical system software and gasoline engine components.
| 2019 Kawasaki ZX1002G | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2019 Kawasaki ZX1002G | Gasoline |
| 2020 Kawasaki ZX1002F | electrical system software |
| 2020 Kawasaki ZX1002F | Gasoline |
| 2019 Kawasaki ZX1002E | electrical system software |
| 2019 Kawasaki ZX1002E | Gasoline |
| 2019 Kawasaki ZX1002F | electrical system software |
| 2019 Kawasaki ZX1002F | Gasoline |
| 2020 Kawasaki ZX1002G | electrical system software |
| 2020 Kawasaki ZX1002G | Gasoline |
| 2020 Kawasaki ZX1002E | electrical system software |
| 2020 Kawasaki ZX1002E | Gasoline |
| Units affected | 1,529 |
| 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?
High temperature exhaust gas can blow back through damaged air suction valves and melt nearby parts, increasing the risk of a fire. There is no warning sign before this failure, so schedule the recall repair soon instead of waiting for a symptom. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Kawasaki ZX1002G, ZX1002F, or ZX1002E is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free ECU reprogramming and air-suction-valve inspection that fixes the quick-shift backfire problem.
- Ask the dealer to replace damaged air suction valves and surrounding parts during the recall repair if the inspection finds heat damage.
- Bring the recall notice if Kawasaki mailed one, or reference recall number 20V307 when you call.
- Avoid using the quick shift function under high engine load until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician reprograms the ECU, inspects the air suction valves and nearby parts, and replaces any damaged air suction valves or related parts that need replacement. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Kawasaki has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented repairs paid before the recall notice. If you already paid for this repair, contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381 and ask what paperwork is required for campaign MC20-02.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 27, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 5, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| June 5, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 8, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 8, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V307?
Recall 20V307 covers 1,529 2019-2020 Kawasaki ZX1002G, ZX1002F, and ZX1002E motorcycles with ECU programming that can make the engine backfire when quick shift is used under high engine load. Kawasaki dealers will reprogram the ECU, inspect affected parts, and replace damaged parts for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Kawasaki ZX1002G, ZX1002F, or ZX1002E is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 20V307. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the ECU reprogramming and inspection. Reference recall number 20V307 or Kawasaki recall MC20-02 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 Kawasaki states that dealers will reprogram the ECU, inspect the air suction valves and surrounding parts, and replace damaged parts as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the ECU programming causes a backfire during quick-shift use under high engine load, the air suction valves can be damaged. Damaged valves allow high-temperature exhaust gas to blow back through and melt nearby parts.
When did Kawasaki start this recall repair?
Kawasaki began this recall on June 8, 2020. The remedy is available now through franchised Kawasaki dealers. If your VIN is included, schedule the ECU reprogramming and inspection, and ask the service desk to check the air suction valves and surrounding parts.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V307000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V307 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V307000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →