Recall 25V873 affects 3,003 2025-2026 Suzuki DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM motorcycles for loose brake reservoir screws. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
Suzuki is recalling 3,003 2025-2026 DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM motorcycles under recall 25V873 because reservoir tank cap fixing screws were incorrectly tightened, allowing brake fluid to leak. A leak can reduce braking ability and increase the distance required to stop, which raises the risk of a crash; Suzuki dealers will inspect and tighten the screws free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake master cylinder assembly on affected Suzuki DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM motorcycles holds brake fluid for the rear brake and helps turn pedal pressure into hydraulic pressure. Its reservoir cap is held down by small fixing screws. Those screws need the right torque so the cap seal stays tight and the fluid stays inside the reservoir.
In this recall, the cap fixing screws were not tightened enough during production. Suzuki traced the problem to a torque tool setting that did not account for torque loss. Over time, the loose screws can let the cap seal open enough for brake fluid to leak. If the reservoir level drops too far, the rear brake loses normal performance and stopping distance increases.
What you can see before failure is brake fluid on the outside of the brake master cylinder cap seal and reservoir. Treat any visible fluid around that rear brake reservoir as the warning sign.
Who's affected?
Both DR-Z variants use the same recalled rear brake master cylinder assembly.
| 2026 Suzuki DR-Z400S | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2025 Suzuki DR-Z400S | hydraulic brake system |
| 2025 Suzuki DR-Z400SM | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 3,003 |
| 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 brake fluid leak reduces braking ability, lengthens stopping distance, and increases the risk of a crash. Check the area around the brake master cylinder cap seal and reservoir for visible fluid. If you see leakage or weaker braking, park the motorcycle and call a Suzuki dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025-2026 Suzuki DR-Z400S or DR-Z400SM motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to schedule the free reservoir-tank-cap screw tightening that keeps the brake fluid reservoir sealed.
- Reference recall number 25V873 when you call, and bring the owner letter Suzuki mailed if you have it.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra stopping distance and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
- Call Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934 with questions about scheduling or the recall repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Suzuki technician tightens the reservoir tank cap fixing screws covered by recall 25V873. The repair is free, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. Suzuki submitted a separate customer reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for the same screw tightening or related brake fluid leak repair before the recall notice. Contact Suzuki customer service with prior repair paperwork to ask how that plan handles documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 17, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 17, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| December 17, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 20, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 9, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V873?
Recall 25V873 covers 3,003 2025-2026 Suzuki DR-Z400S and 2025 Suzuki DR-Z400SM motorcycles with reservoir tank cap fixing screws that were not tightened correctly. Brake fluid can leak, reducing braking ability and raising crash risk. Suzuki dealers will tighten the screws for free.
What should I do if my 2025-2026 Suzuki DR-Z400S or DR-Z400SM is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 25V873. If it is, contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to schedule the reservoir tank cap screw repair. Reference recall number 25V873 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 Suzuki dealers will tighten the reservoir tank cap fixing screws free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
Is it safe to ride before the Suzuki brake repair?
Suzuki has not issued a stop-riding instruction for this recall. The safety concern is still real: a brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability and increase stopping distance. Check your VIN, look for fluid near the reservoir tank cap, and call a Suzuki dealer before riding if braking feels reduced.
When were owners notified about recall 25V873?
Suzuki mailed owner notification letters on January 9, 2026. VINs became searchable for this recall on December 20, 2025. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall number 25V873 when you contact a Suzuki dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V873000 |
|---|---|
| Suzuki customer service | 1-800-934-0934 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V873 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V873000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →