Recall 20V617 affects 483 2020-2021 Vespa Gtv 300 and GTS 300 scooters for excessive brake lever travel. Repair is free at any franchised Vespa dealer.
Vespa is recalling 483 2020-2021 Gtv 300 and GTS 300 scooters because improperly galvanized brake pipe terminals can cause excessive brake lever travel during braking. Reduced braking efficiency can lengthen stopping distance and increase crash risk; Vespa dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On 2020-2021 Vespa Gtv 300 and GTS 300 scooters, the hydraulic brake system uses brake fluid pressure to move force from the hand levers to the front and rear brakes. The brake pipe terminals are the metal end fittings on those brake lines. They help seal the system so lever pressure turns into braking force.
In recall 20V617, the problem is in the surface treatment on those brake pipe terminals. The zinc and nickel protective layer was applied with an incorrect plating process, which left hydrogen trapped in the treated surface. That hydrogen releases into the brake fluid and forms bubbles inside the braking system. Bubbles compress under pressure, so the brake lever travels farther before the brakes respond, reducing braking efficiency.
The warning sign is excessive play in the front brake lever, and in some cases the rear brake lever, after the scooter has been sitting for an extended period. If the lever feels longer or softer than usual, that is the symptom named in the recall.
Who's affected?
Covers both Gtv 300 and GTS 300 scooters across the 2020 and 2021 model years; each scope points to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2020 Vespa Gtv 300 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Vespa GTS 300 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2021 Vespa Gtv 300 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2021 Vespa GTS 300 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 483 |
| 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?
Reduced braking efficiency lengthens stopping distance and increases the risk of a crash. Excessive play in the brake levers or pedal after the scooter has been sitting is the warning sign to treat seriously. Schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Vespa dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Vespa Gtv 300 or GTS 300 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Vespa dealer to schedule the free brake-system inspection and repair that addresses excessive brake-lever travel.
- Bring the recall notice if Vespa mailed one. Reference recall number 20V617 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra stopping distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vespa technician tests the O-ring, replaces the brake fluid, and bleeds the brake system. Depending on the scooter's age, the technician also replaces the brake pipes. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid out of pocket for a related brake pipe, brake fluid, or brake system repair before the recall notice, Vespa's general reimbursement plan is the path for a claim. Bring dated repair paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 6, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 14, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 21, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 21, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V617?
Recall 20V617 covers 483 2020-2021 Vespa Gtv 300 and GTS 300 scooters with improperly galvanized brake pipe terminals. The defect can cause excessive front or rear brake lever travel during braking. Reduced braking efficiency can increase stopping distance and crash risk.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Vespa Gtv 300 or GTS 300 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific scooter is included in recall 20V617. If it is, contact a franchised Vespa dealer and ask for the brake system inspection and repair. The dealer will test the O-Ring, replace brake fluid, bleed the system, or replace brake pipes as needed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Piaggio's recall remedy states that dealers will complete the required brake system work free of charge. That includes testing the O-Ring, replacing brake fluid, bleeding the brake system, or replacing brake pipes based on the scooter's age.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance. Improperly galvanized brake pipe terminals can make the front or rear brake lever travel too far during braking. That reduced braking efficiency can increase crash risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your scooter is included.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for excessive front or rear brake lever travel when you brake. That symptom matches the defect described in recall 20V617. If your scooter feels harder to stop, contact a franchised Vespa dealer and reference this recall when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V617000 |
|---|---|
| Vespa customer service | 1-212-380-4433 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V617 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V617000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →