2018 Ducati Panigale V4 S

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) based on twenty-two (22) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) for soft rear brakes caused by air seeping into the rear brake lines of model year (MY) 2012-2020 Ducati Monster, Multistrada, SuperSport, Panigale, Scrambler and Diavel motorcycles.The consumers were alleging that the rear brakes would not properly function unless the rear brake pedal was applied several times or that there was a total loss of rear braking during normal applications, increasing the risk of a crash. In a March 2020 meeting, Ducati indicated that they were aware of certain models in which air may enter the motorcycles' rear braking system through the brake lines, due to exposure to heat from the exhaust system. Although this condition compromises rear braking performance, Ducati stated that they did not consider this to be a safety defect because the front and rear brake systems are hydraulically independent from each other, and a motorcycle's front brake system performs most of the stopping. Additionally, they believed that routine brake fluid replacement would resolve consumers' concerns, however complainants and dealership service technicians reported that, in some cases, after a dealer serviced the rear brake system, the rear brake pedal would feel soft and spongy again (indicating compromised brake performance) less than a year later--well before the recommended two-year brake fluid service interval. As a precaution, Ducati issued a series of technical service bulletins (TSBs) to replace the brake lines with redesigned ones, rerouting them away from the exhaust system.ODI's position is that all of the brakes on a motorcycle are considered necessary for safety. Analysis of the data identified that neither the entire model line nor the entire model year range of motorcycles covered by the investigation were affected, but rather certain sub-models or narrower model year ranges of motorcycles incorporated brake lines with a higher exposure to the heat from the exhaust system. Because of the unique routing of each model's brake line, some motorcycles are more susceptible to the condition than others. As these specific models and model years were most likely to exhibit an increased risk of a crash from the lengthened stopping distance, Ducati converted the previously issued TSBs into a safety recall.After receiving a total of 94 VOQs, ODI is closing this PE with Ducati's safety recall 21V-315. With the recall action taken by Ducati, this investigation is closed. However, the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist on other models or MY vehicles outside of the recall scope. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

The contact owns a 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V570000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the issue; however, the recall repair was not performed because the contact had previously replaced the part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the manufacturer agreed with the dealer and declined the repair. The failure mileage was 15,414.

NHTSA ID

11747102

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

Mileage

15,414 mi

Tips & Tricks Revision 07 Summary. Applicability: Hypermotard 698-Possible coolant leakage from the water distributor. All Models-Precaution for the use of the Hand-Free fuel tank cap part no. 96681021AA – part no. 96680491A. All V4 models-Possible lubrication problem on primary idle wheel.

New Breather Hose Fastening Kit for Panigale V4 Part no. 6992A001A. Applicability: Panigale V4 Model Year 2018 - 2021 (all versions). The purpose of this service repair bulletin is to inform dealers and service managers of an optional new breather hose mounting kit that facilitates fairing removal during maintenance. This document has been redacted for sensitive pricing information.

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.

Rear Brake System Update Summary. Applicability: All Models. This Service Bulletin replaces and cancels bulletin SRV-SRB-23-053 published on 10/17/2023. This service bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the availability of new rear brake hoses intended to address wear of the brake lever stroke, resulting from routine use, over time.

Tips & Tricks Summary Rev. 10 Summary. water radiator electric fan motors replacement, BBS fuse replacement and BBS software updates for the Diavel; new brake fluid reservoir bracket part number for the Panigale; water pump gear oil seal deficiency, and modifying the tightening torque of the foot peg holder plate and stand support fixing screws for a all models.

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.