RoadVitals

2004 Ducati 749

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
3
Latest Dec 21, 2004
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 2, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 3 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Ducati 749, most frequently naming the engine, interior & seats and tires & wheels categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 22 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine133.3%
  • Interior & seats133.3%
  • Tires & wheels133.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

May 2, 2006
1,611 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CRG FRONT BRAKE LEVERS, MODEL RB-511 DESIGNED FOR USE ON 2004-2006 YAMAHA YZF-R1 MOTORCYCLES, AND 2005-2006 YAMAHA YZF-R6 MOTORCYCLES. MODEL RB-512 IS DESIGNED FOR USE ON 2003-2006 DUCATI 749 AND 999 MOTORCYCLES, AND ON 2004-2006 APRILIA MILLE R MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE PIVOT BORE, THE BRAKE LEVER COULD BECOME SEIZED IN THE BRAKE ENGAGED POSITION, THEREBY PREVENTING THE FRONT BRAKE FROM DISENGAGING.
The risk: A NON-RELEASE CONDITION COULD CAUSE DRAG ON THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: CRG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ROCKER FOR THE FRONT LEVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONCACT CRG AT 831-763-7811.
CONSTRUCTORS RACING GROUP, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Jul 8, 2004
1,800 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, A SIGNIFICANT QUANTITY OF OIL LUBRICANT CAN LEAK ON TO THE REAR WHEEL AND TIRE FROM THE OIL COOLER.
The risk: OIL LEAKAGE CAN CAUSE DANGEROUS RIDING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE OIL COOLER AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DUCATI AT 408-343-4411.
DUCATI NORTH AMERICAView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Tires & wheels
Filed Dec 21, 2004

I AM REPORTING THIS INCIDENT AS HAVING INVOLVE 0 DEATHS, BUT IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MOTORCYCLES, OIL SPILLING OUT TO THE REAR TIRES AS A RESULT OF A BLOWUP WITHIN THE FIRST 700 MILES SINCE PURCHASED NEW SHOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE AND CAN BE POTENTIALLY FATAL FOR THE RIDER. I EXPERIENCED THIS ON MY 2004 DUCATI 749 DARK. AN OIL COOLER WAS PREVIOUSLY RECALLED ON THE MOTORCYCLE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR IT TO FAIL AND SPILL OIL INTO THE PATH OF THE REAR TIRE. I AM QUITE SURPRISED THAT HAVING A "BLOWUP" WHERE OIL FROM THE CRANKCASE SHOOTS OUT THE AIRBAG DUE TO INADEQUATE VENTILATION AND/OR BAD PISTONS FROM THE FACTORY HAS NOT YET BEEN ADDRESSED. AT WHAT POINT DOES THE NEGLIGENCE SHIFT FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY INVOLVED IN ENSURING OUR SAFETY AND PROTECTION FROM DEFECTIVE VEHICLES? I AM SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT REQUESTING YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER AS EVEN THE DEALER FROM WHERE I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE ADMITS THAT THIS HAPPENS ON OCCASION WITH THE YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF MY MOTORCYCLE AS WELL AS THE 999 MODEL SINCE THEY'RE SIMILARLY DESIGNED. IN THE INTEREST FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHER RIDERS OF THIS MOTORCYCLE, YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IS WARRANTED. I WOULD LIKE A CALL BACK TO VERIFY THAT SOMEONE FROM YOUR ORGANIZATION HAS ACCEPTED THIS CASE TO PURSUE AGAINST DUCATI. OTHERWISE, I WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO MAKE PUBLIC THE NEGLIGENCE OF NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS MATTER UNTIL AFTER SOMEONE DIES FROM IT. I ANXIOUSLY AWAIT YOUR CALL. *AK

NHTSA ID
10104287
Incident
Dec 9, 2004
Mileage
650 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 15, 2004

I WISH TO LODGE A COMPLAINT AGAINST DUCATI MOTORCYCLES BASED ON A RECENT EXPERIENCE I HAD WITH MY 2004 DUCATI 749 DARK. THE MOTORCYCLE ONLY HAD APPROXIMATELY 650 MILES ON IT WHEN I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE FROM THE OIL CRANK CASE, RESULTING IN OIL BEING DISCHARGED IN THE PATH OF MY REAR TIRE, AS WELL AS TO THE ENTIRE MOTOR, PRESENTING A VERY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. I ORIGINALLY SUSPECTED THE PROBLEM TO BE BASED ON AN OIL COOLER THAT WAS RECALLED BACK IN AUGUST DESPITE MY MOTORCYCLE BEING PURCHASED LAST MONTH (NOVEMBER). HOWEVER, IT TURNS OUT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS UNRELATED TO THE RECALL AND WAS BASED ON A DIFFERENT PART FAILING WHERE A CHANGE WAS MADE TO THE 2005 MODEL ADDRESSSING THIS ISSUE. DUCATI'S PROPOSED SOLUTION WAS TO HAVE THE DEALER FROM WHICH I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE DRILL HOLES INTO THE CRANK CASE TO MAKE IT SIMILAR TO THE 2005 MODEL RATHER THAN PROVIDING THEM WITH A REPLACEMENT PART. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE SOLUTION AS THIS CAUSES THE PART OF THE MOTORCYCLE TO NO LONGER BE "FACTORY" GRADE. WHAT'S EVEN MORE TROUBLING IN THIS MATTER IS THAT MY MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE THIS FAILURE FOR THE 2004 MODEL. DESPITE THIS, THERE IS NO RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THIS DEFECTIVE CRANK CASE DESIGN THAT COULD PRESENT FATAL RESULTS.*AK

NHTSA ID
10103022
Incident
Dec 9, 2004
Interior & seats
Filed Jul 21, 2004

EVERY TIME I HIT A BUMP WHILE RIDING MY 2004 DUCATI MONSTER S4R, THE SEAT COMES LOOSE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO HAVE HAPPEN WHILE RIDING A MOTORCYCLE. *LA

NHTSA ID
10082396
Incident
Jul 1, 2004

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SRV-SRB-24-001

SUSPENSION

Procedure for Assessing Front Fork Oil Leaks. Applicability: All Models. This service repair bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the assessment criteria for identifying front fork-related defects. The purpose is prevent technicians from mistaking oozing oil or assembly grease, for legitimate defects. The bulletin further provides examples and pictures for clarification.

SRV-SRB-23-036

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Guided Diagnosis for Front Brake System Bleeding. Applicability: All Models. This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels the previous bulletin SRV-SRB-20-014 published on 4/17/2020. It provides dealers and service managers with needed information to correctly bleed the front brake system of the various Ducati models. This bulletin further refers the reader to an attached diagnosis guide. The referenced guide/annex is available to NHTSA upon request.

SRV-SRB-23-037

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN

Finial Drive Chain Maintenance Precautions. Applicability: All Models and Model Years (except XDiavel). This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels the previous bulletins: SRV-SRB-18-030 published on 05/11/2018, SRV-SRB-19-046 published on 12/31/2019, SRV-SRB-20-050 published on 11/24/2020. It provides dealers and service managers additional final drive chain care to ensure optimum performance and longevity for the chain. this includes cleaning, lubricating, inspecting and tension guidelines.

SRV-SRB-23-018R1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Procedure for Analysis and Control of Oil and Coolant Leaks from Engine_Rev.01. Applicability: All Models. This service repair bulletin instructs dealers and service managers on authorized procedures for identifying and isolating coolant and engine oil leaks. The use of a prescribed leak trace powder is stressed. This bulletin includes service instructions.

SRV-SRB-23-031

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Precautions to Follow During Crankcase Cleaning. Applicability: All Models. This service bulletin informs dealers and service managers about precautions in using abrasive cleaners for engine component sealant, and in particular the crankcase covers. The bulletin further provides cleaning instructions with approved cleaning tools.

SRV-SRB-23-018

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Procedure for Analysis and Control of Oil and Coolant Leaks from Engine. Applicability: All Models. This service bulletin provides dealers and service managers with troubleshooting guidance for oil or coolant leaks. This bulletin includes service instructions.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ducati 749 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2006510
2005010
2004Viewing320
2003120

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.