Recall 24V221 affects 1,579 2023-2024 Kawasaki ZX400P, ZX400S, and Ninja ZX-4RR motorcycles for damaged spark plugs. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 1,579 2023-2024 ZX400P, ZX400S, and Ninja ZX-4RR motorcycles because spark plug damage from manufacturing can cause unstable idling, hesitation, and engine stalling. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and Kawasaki dealers will replace the spark plugs free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The spark plugs on the Kawasaki 2023-2024 ZX400P, ZX400S, and Ninja ZX-4RR motorcycles are part of the ignition system. Each plug fits into the engine and creates the spark that lights the fuel-air mixture inside a cylinder. The engine depends on that spark arriving cleanly so it can idle and respond to the throttle.
On affected motorcycles, the spark plugs were damaged during assembly. Kawasaki traced the problem to a spark plug tightening tool that was tilted during installation, which pushed sideways on the plugs and cracked them. A cracked plug does not fire correctly, so the engine can idle roughly, hesitate when the rider opens the throttle, or stall.
Owners can notice unstable idle or hesitation before the engine stalls. Those are the warning signs Kawasaki identified for this defect.
Who's affected?
Spans the ZX400P, ZX400S, and Ninja ZX-4RR across the 2023 and 2024 model years. All use the same spark plug part.
| 2023 Kawasaki ZX400P | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2023 Kawasaki ZX400S | electrical system |
| 2024 Kawasaki ZX400P | electrical system |
| 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR | electrical system |
| Units affected | 1,579 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, especially if the motorcycle loses power in traffic. Unstable idle or hesitation is a warning sign to call the dealer before the next ride and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2024 Kawasaki ZX400P, ZX400S, or Ninja ZX-4RR is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free spark-plug replacement that addresses unstable idling, hesitation, and engine stalling.
- Bring the recall notice if Kawasaki mailed one. If not, reference recall number 24V221 when you call.
- Avoid riding until the repair if the motorcycle is stalling, hesitating, or idling unevenly.
- Call Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381 with questions and reference Kawasaki recall MC27-04.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician replaces all 4 spark plugs covered by recall 24V221. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid to correct the same spark plug failure, Kawasaki directs you to apply for full or partial reimbursement by sending current owner and VIN information, repair orders, and payment confirmation to Kawasaki Customer Care.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 21, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 1, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V221?
Recall 24V221 covers 1,579 2023-2024 Kawasaki ZX400P, ZX400S, and Ninja ZX-4RR motorcycles with spark plugs that were damaged during manufacturing. The defect can cause unstable idling, hesitation, and engine stalling, which increases crash risk.
What should I do if my 2023-2024 Kawasaki ZX400P, ZX400S, or Ninja ZX-4RR is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 24V221. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the spark plug replacement. Reference recall number 24V221 or Kawasaki recall number MC27-04 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kawasaki dealers will replace the spark plugs free of charge. The free repair applies at franchised Kawasaki dealers regardless of where the motorcycle was purchased.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for unstable idling, hesitation, or engine stalling. Those signs match the spark plug problem described in recall 24V221. If your motorcycle shows these symptoms, confirm your VIN and contact a Kawasaki dealer before riding again.
When did Kawasaki notify owners about recall 24V221?
Kawasaki mailed owner notification letters on April 1, 2024. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN and give the dealer recall number 24V221.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V221000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V221 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V221000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →