RoadVitals

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500

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.
1
Latest Jul 29, 2025
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 Mar 6, 2025
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.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 1 NHTSA owner-reported complaint for the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500, most frequently naming the brakes category. 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

  • Brakes1100.0%

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
25V146000

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)

Mar 6, 2025
3,742 units potentially affected
The defect: Kawasaki Motor Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2024 Ninja 500 (ABS, KRT Edition, KRT Edition SE ABS, SE ABS, SE 40th Anniversary Edition ABS), Z500 ABS, and Z500 SE ABS motorcycles. The clutch release shaft was not properly welded, which can cause the clutch lever to break apart.
The risk: A broken clutch release lever may not disengage, disabling the motorcycle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch release shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2025. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC's number for this recall is MC25-04.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.Manufacturer number MC25-04View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Brakes
Filed Jul 29, 2025
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owned a 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a turn downhill on a mountain, the contact applied the front brakes, but the front brake lever travelled to the grip, and the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact applied the rear brakes, which engaged, but the vehicle failed to complete the turn. The vehicle drove straightforward over dirt, drove on a cliff, over the edge of an embankment, and crashed onto the ground. No police report was filed. The motorcycle was towed and totaled. The contact sustained injuries, sought medical assistance, and was still being evaluated. The contact was currently aware of injuries on left shoulder, ribs, heart, right knee, left elbow, neck, and head. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

NHTSA ID
11676966
Incident
Jul 26, 2025
Mileage
500 mi