Recall 20V704 affects 659 2020 Zero Sr/F and Sr/S motorcycles for front brake switch failure. Repair is free at any franchised Zero dealer.
Zero is recalling 659 2020 Sr/F and Sr/S motorcycles because water can enter the front brake switch and make it fail. That failure leaves drivers behind the motorcycle without a brake-light warning when the rider uses the front brake and prevents cruise control from shutting off with the front brake, which increases crash risk; Zero dealers will replace the switch free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front brake switch on 2020 Zero Sr/F and Sr/S motorcycles is part of the front master cylinder brake control. When the rider pulls the front brake lever, the switch closes an electrical circuit and turns on the rear brake light. That light tells traffic behind the motorcycle that the rider is slowing or stopping.
On affected motorcycles, the switch was built with improper glue. Water can get into the switch and damage the electrical path inside it. As resistance builds over time, the switch stops sending the signal that turns on the rear brake light when only the front brake is used.
The warning sign is visible from outside the motorcycle: the rear brake light does not illuminate when the front brake is applied. A rider checking the light before a trip, or another person watching from behind, can spot the failure before riding.
Who's affected?
Covers both Zero Sr/F and Sr/S motorcycles with the same front brake-light switch.
| 2020 Zero Sr/F | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2020 Zero Sr/S | Switch |
| Units affected | 659 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Zero Sr/F or Sr/S motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An inoperable front brake switch leaves following traffic without the normal brake-light warning when you use the front brake. It also prevents cruise control from shutting off from front-brake use, which increases crash risk. If the brake light stays dark during a front-brake check, ride cautiously and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Zero dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Zero Sr/F or Sr/S motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Zero dealer to schedule the free front brake switch replacement that restores brake-light operation and front-brake cruise-control shutoff.
- Reference recall number 20V704 and Zero recall SV-ZMC-021-020 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Zero mailed one, and ask the dealer whether the switch is in stock before riding in.
- Avoid cruise control until the switch is replaced, because the front brake will not shut it off if the switch fails.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Zero technician replaces the front brake switch, the part that tells the motorcycle when the front brake is applied. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Zero also has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible front brake switch repairs paid before the recall repair. Keep any repair invoice, proof of payment, and related service paperwork so Zero customer service or the dealer can review the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 13, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 16, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 27, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 30, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 30, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V704?
Recall 20V704 covers 659 2020 Zero Sr/F and Sr/S motorcycles with a front brake switch that can fail after water enters the switch. When it fails, the brake light does not turn on during front-brake use, and cruise control does not shut off. Zero dealers replace the switch for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Zero Sr/F or Sr/S is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 20V704. If it is, contact a franchised Zero dealer to schedule the front brake switch replacement. Reference Zero recall number SV-ZMC-021-020 or call Zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Zero's remedy states that dealers will replace the front brake switch free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Zero dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced brake-light signaling and cruise-control disengagement from the front brake lever. If the switch fails, traffic behind the motorcycle does not get the brake-light warning when the rider applies the front brake, and cruise control does not shut off from front-brake use. Both increase crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V704000 |
|---|---|
| Zero customer service | 1-888-841-8085 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V704 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V704000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →