2018 Ducati Panigale V4

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 DUCATI PANIGALE V4 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE MIRROR'S PLASTIC HOUSING FRACTURED. EACH TIME THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ADJUST THE MIRRORS, THE PLASTIC ASSEMBLY FAILED AND THE MIRRORS FRACTURED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO GO AZ MOTORCYCLES (15500 NORTH HAYDEN ROAD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260, (480) 609-1800) WHERE THE MIRRORS AND PLASTIC COVERS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE MIRROR COVERS THAT WERE USED WOULD NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. ATTACHED ARE PICTURES OF THE DEFECTIVE MIRRORS THAT BREAK EASILY ON THE 2018 DUCATI PANIGALE V4, V4S, AND V4 SPECIALE.*JB

NHTSA ID

11267087

Incident

Dec 1, 2018

Mileage

2,000 mi

THE REAR VIEW SIDE MIRRORS ARE VERY FRAGILE AND BREAK VERY EASILY, EITHER WHILE RIDING ON A ROUGH ROAD, ADJUSTING THE MIRROR WHILE STATIONARY, OR A LIGHT BUMP IN A PARKING LOT. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME ONE HAS BROKEN ON ME AND IT HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE.

NHTSA ID

11205425

Incident

Apr 20, 2019

Mileage

4,000 mi

THE REAR VIEW SIDE MIRRORS ARE VERY FRAGILE AND BREAK VERY EASILY, EITHER WHILE RIDING ON A ROUGH ROAD, ADJUSTING THE MIRROR WHILE STATIONARY, OR A LIGHT BUMP IN A PARKING LOT. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME ONE HAS BROKE FOR ME AND IT HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE.

NHTSA ID

11205424

Incident

Apr 20, 2019

Mileage

4,000 mi

THE REAR VIEW SIDE MIRRORS ARE VERY FRAGILE AND BREAK VERY EASILY EITHER WHEN RIDING ON A ROUGH ROAD OR WHILE TRYING TO ADJUST THE MIRROR WHILE STATIONARY OR EVEN A SLIGHT BUMP IN A PARKING LOT.

NHTSA ID

11205420

Incident

Apr 20, 2019

Mileage

4,000 mi

THE REAR VIEW SIDE MIRRORS ARE VERY FRAGILE AND BREAK EASILY, DURING RIDING ON A BUMPY ROAD OR ADJUSTMENT WHILE STATIONARY.

NHTSA ID

11205414

Incident

Apr 20, 2019

Mileage

4,000 mi

POTENTIAL OIL COOLER FAILURE AT THE "B" NUT JOINT AS OBSERVED ON THREE MOTORCYCLES WORLDWIDE. VEHICLES IN HUNGRY AND THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE IN MOTION WHEN FAILURES OCCURRED. OWNER THAT SUBMITTED THIS INCIDENT INFORMATION HAS PHOTOS OF WHAT APPEARS TO BE AN OIL COOLER JOINT THAT IS ABOUT TO FAIL. PHOTO SHOWS OIL RESIDUE IN THE JOINT AREA

NHTSA ID

11143599

Incident

Oct 28, 2018

Mileage

1,540 mi

THIS NEW BIKE IS CUTTING OFF AND ON THE FUEL LEADING TO ONE BUCKING MOTORCYCLE THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS OR DEATH VERY BAD ON DECELERATION. NOT ON ACCELERATION EXTREME DANGER FOR THIS TYPE OF MACHINE IT'S A NEW ENGINE NEW BIKE BY DUCATI

NHTSA ID

11110135

Incident

Jul 8, 2018

Mileage

3,960 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-23-060 published on 12/19/2023. 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.

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.

CR256 – Replacement of ABS to Rear Brake Master Cylinder Hose. Applicability: Panigale V4 Model Year 2018-2021 (all model versions). This technical service bulletin informs dealers and service managers of the availability of a new hose intended to prevent slackening . It addresses potential client concerns regarding slight slackening of the rear brake pedal, as a consequence of routine use over time. Additionally, it emphasizes this is not a mandatory service, but optional and contingent upon client complaint. This bulletin has been redacted for sensitive pricing information.