Recall 20V524 affects 123 2019-2020 Piaggio MP3 500 motorcycles for hydrogen-contaminated brake fluid. Repair is free at any franchised Piaggio dealer.
Piaggio is recalling 123 2019-2020 MP3 500 motorcycles under recall 20V524 because improperly galvanized brake lines can release hydrogen into the brake fluid. Hydrogen in the braking system can reduce brake lever response and raise crash risk, and Piaggio dealers will replace the affected brake lines free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake pipes on the 2019-2020 Piaggio MP3 500 are rigid metal lines that carry brake fluid through the hydraulic brake system. They connect the brake controls to valves and the ABS hydraulic control unit, the part that helps manage brake pressure during braking. The system needs clean fluid pressure so the front brake lever and rear brake pedal respond with normal travel.
On affected motorcycles, the brake pipe terminals went through an incorrect galvanization process. That means the zinc protective layer on the pipe ends formed with an irregular surface. Hydrogen trapped in that surface releases into the brake fluid and forms a bubble inside the braking system. A bubble in the fluid reduces how efficiently pressure moves through the brake lines, so the lever or pedal travels farther before the brakes respond.
Owners can notice excessive play in the front brake lever or rear brake pedal after the motorcycle has been sitting for an extended period. That extra travel is the warning sign to report to a Piaggio dealer.
Who's affected?
Both model years involve the same hydraulic brake system.
| 2020 Piaggio MP3 500 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Piaggio MP3 500 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 123 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA 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 scooter is included.
What's the safety risk?
Hydrogen in the braking system can keep the brake lever from activating the brakes properly, increasing crash risk. If the brake lever or pedal has excessive play after the vehicle has been sitting, stop riding and call a Piaggio dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Piaggio dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Piaggio MP3 500 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Piaggio dealer to schedule the free complete brake system flush for the brake-fluid hydrogen issue.
- Bring the recall notice if Piaggio mailed one. Reference recall number 20V524 and Piaggio recall PP2ZZQ1904_MP3 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking where traffic allows.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Piaggio technician performs a complete brake system flush to replace the brake fluid affected by the recall. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Piaggio has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid before the recall notice. If you have already paid for a related brake system repair, bring your receipts and repair documentation to the service desk or contact Piaggio customer service to ask how to submit a claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 28, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 10, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 10, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 10, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 24, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V524?
Recall 20V524 covers 123 2019-2020 Piaggio MP3 500 motorcycles with improperly galvanized brake lines that can release hydrogen into the brake fluid. Hydrogen in the brake system can reduce the brake lever's ability to activate the brakes, which increases crash risk. Piaggio dealers perform a complete brake system flush for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Piaggio MP3 500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 20V524. If it is, contact a franchised Piaggio dealer to schedule the complete brake system flush. Reference recall number 20V524 and Piaggio recall number PP2ZZQ1904_MP3 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Piaggio's remedy states that dealers perform the complete brake system flush free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Piaggio dealer.
Is it safe to ride my Piaggio MP3 500 before the repair?
Treat this as a brake-system safety recall until your VIN is checked and the dealer repair is complete. The defect can reduce the brake lever's ability to activate the brakes, which increases crash risk. If braking feels abnormal, stop riding and ask a Piaggio dealer about next steps.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V524000 |
|---|---|
| Piaggio customer service | 1-212-380-4433 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V524 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V524000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →