Recall 25V146 affects 3,742 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 and Z500 motorcycles for an improperly welded clutch release shaft. Free repair at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
Kawasaki is recalling 3,742 2024 Ninja 500 and Z500 motorcycles because the clutch release shaft was not properly welded, which can make the clutch lever break apart. A broken clutch release lever can keep the clutch from disengaging, disable the motorcycle, and increase crash risk; Kawasaki dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The clutch release shaft on the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 and Z500 is part of the hand-clutch mechanism. When you pull the clutch lever, that shaft transfers the lever movement into the clutch assembly, separating engine power from the transmission so the rider can shift gears or stop without stalling.
On affected motorcycles, the weld between the clutch release shaft and the clutch release lever was not made properly. The joint can separate under normal lever use, leaving the clutch lever feeling inconsistent or breaking apart instead of moving the clutch release parts as designed. If that happens while riding, the rider loses normal clutch control.
Kawasaki's filing describes field reports of inconsistent clutch feel and clutch failure, but it does not give owners a reliable symptom to watch for before the part fails. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
The shared part is Kawasaki's clutch release shaft, listed as RELEASE-COMP-CLUTCH.
| 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2024 Kawasaki Z500 | powertrain |
| Units affected | 3,742 |
| 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?
A broken clutch release lever can keep the clutch from disengaging, which can disable the motorcycle and increase the risk of a crash. Because no warning sign is identified, treat clutch trouble as a reason to stop riding and call a Kawasaki dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kawasaki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 or Z500 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the free clutch-release-shaft replacement that fixes the improperly welded part behind the clutch lever.
- Bring the recall notice if Kawasaki mailed one, or reference recall number 25V146 and Kawasaki recall MC25-04 when you call.
- Ride only if the clutch lever works normally until the repair is complete; stop riding and contact the dealer if the clutch lever separates or will not disengage the clutch.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kawasaki technician replaces the clutch release shaft, the part tied to clutch lever operation. The recall replacement and labor are covered. If you paid before the owner letter for the clutch release shaft failure described in this recall, Kawasaki's reimbursement plan lets you apply for full or partial repayment of documented repair costs. Send current owner and VIN information, repair orders, and proof of payment to Kawasaki Customer Care.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 6, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 20, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| March 20, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 24, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 24, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V146?
Recall 25V146 covers 3,742 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 and Z500 motorcycles with a clutch release shaft that was not properly welded. The clutch lever can break apart, leaving the clutch unable to disengage, disabling the motorcycle and increasing crash risk. Kawasaki dealers will replace the clutch release shaft for free.
What should I do if my 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 or Z500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 25V146. If it is, contact a franchised Kawasaki dealer to schedule the clutch release shaft replacement. Reference Kawasaki recall MC25-04 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
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 clutch release shaft free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for motorcycles included in recall 25V146.
Is it safe to ride before the clutch recall is fixed?
The recall risk is a clutch lever that breaks apart and leaves the clutch unable to disengage. That can disable the motorcycle and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free repair with a Kawasaki dealer before relying on the motorcycle for regular riding.
When did Kawasaki notify owners about recall 25V146?
Kawasaki mailed owner notification letters on March 24, 2025. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then reference recall 25V146 or Kawasaki recall MC25-04 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V146000 |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki customer service | 1-866-802-9381 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V146 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V146000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →