Recall 21V819 affects 574 2020-2021 Kawasaki W800 motorcycles for loose exhaust pipe hardware. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 574 2020-2021 W800 motorcycles because exhaust pipe nuts were not tightened properly, which can let the nuts and collar fall off while riding. Those parts create a road hazard that increases crash or injury risk, and Kawasaki dealers will inspect and tighten the exhaust pipe nuts free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The exhaust pipe holder on the 2020-2021 Kawasaki W800 helps clamp the exhaust pipe in place where the pipe leaves the engine and routes hot exhaust gases through the muffler. The exhaust pipe nuts and collar apply the clamping force that keeps that joint tight while the motorcycle vibrates, heats up, and cools down during normal riding.
On affected W800 motorcycles, Kawasaki traced the problem to an installation error during muffler assembly. The muffler body bolts needed temporary tightening before the exhaust pipe nuts were tightened to the specified torque. When that order was skipped, the torque on the exhaust pipe nuts dropped sharply after assembly, leaving the joint under-clamped. The nuts and collar can loosen and fall off the motorcycle.
The warning sign is an abnormal noise from around the exhaust pipe. If you hear that noise, the exhaust joint has started moving or loosening and needs dealer inspection.
Who's affected?
Both model years list the same exhaust pipe holder gasket, part number 11061-1421, tied to the exhaust manifold and tail pipe.
| 2021 Kawasaki W800 | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
|---|---|
| 2020 Kawasaki W800 | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| Units affected | 574 |
| 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 motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose exhaust pipe nuts and a collar can fall from the motorcycle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. An abnormal noise around the exhaust pipe is the warning sign. If you hear it, pull over when safe and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Kawasaki W800 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free exhaust-system repair that replaces the gaskets and collars, reinstalls the muffler, and secures the exhaust hardware.
- Bring the recall notice if Kawasaki mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V819 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if exhaust hardware feels loose or separates from the motorcycle.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician replaces the exhaust gaskets and collars, then reinstalls the muffler. The recall covers the replacement parts and labor at no charge. Kawasaki also provides a reimbursement process for owners who paid to correct this exhaust issue before receiving the recall letter. To apply, send current owner and VIN information with copies of the repair order and payment confirmation to Kawasaki Customer Care, following the instructions in the owner notice.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 18, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 2, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 2, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 3, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V819?
Recall 21V819 covers 574 2020-2021 Kawasaki W800 motorcycles with exhaust pipe nuts that were not tightened properly. The nuts and collar can fall off the motorcycle and create a road hazard. Kawasaki dealers will replace the gaskets and collars, then reinstall the muffler for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Kawasaki W800 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 21V819. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the exhaust system repair. Reference recall 21V819 or Kawasaki recall number MC21-07 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Kawasaki dealers will replace the gaskets and collars, then reinstall the muffler free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is road debris from exhaust hardware falling off the motorcycle. Loose exhaust pipe nuts and a collar can detach, creating a hazard for the rider or other road users and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
When did Kawasaki notify owners about recall 21V819?
Kawasaki mailed owner notification letters on November 2, 2021. If you never received a letter, check your VIN, then call a franchised Kawasaki dealer or Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381 with recall number 21V819.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V819000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V819 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V819000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →