RoadVitals

2008 Kawasaki KL650E8F

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.
2
Latest Mar 3, 2015
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.
1
Latest Oct 6, 2008
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 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Kawasaki KL650E8F, most frequently naming the engine and powertrain (other) categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year.

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

  • Engine150.0%
  • Powertrain (other)150.0%

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

1 campaign 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
08V520000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Oct 6, 2008
5,804 units potentially affected
The defect: KAWASAKI IS RECALLING 5,804 MY 2008 KL650E8F AND KL650E8FL (CALIFORNIA) MOTORCYCLES. THE TURN SIGNAL STALK(S) CAN BREAK, RESULTING IN THE SIGNAL ASSEMBLY HANGING BY THE WIRE HARNESS.
The risk: THIS COULD CREATE A POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FOUR TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-866-802-9381.
KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Mar 3, 2015

THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE MACHINING OF THE OUTER LEFT SIDE ENGINE CASE. THE SOCKET IN THE CASE FOR SUPPORTING THE SHAFT FOR THE STARTER GEAR WAS MACHINED TOO DEEP THEREBY ALLOWING THE SHAFT TO MIGRATE INTO THE CASE FAR ENOUGH TO ALLOW THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SHAFT ON THE ENGINE SIDE TO BECOME COMPLETELY UNSUPPORTED CAUSING POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE. THIS CAN ALSO ALLOW THE THRUST WASHERS ON THE GEARS TO FALL OFF INTO MOVING PARTS OF THE ENGINE CAUSING SUDDEN SEIZURE OF THE ENGINE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH. *TR

NHTSA ID
10691918
Incident
Mar 1, 2014
Mileage
27,200 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 22, 2010

BALANCER CHAIN TENSIONER HAS FAILED ON MY KAWASAKI KLR 650 RESULTING IN A LOOSE AND PREMATURELY DAMAGED BALANCER CHAIN AND SPROCKETS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10356975
Incident
Sep 19, 2009
Mileage
8,400 mi