RoadVitals

2003 Kawasaki VN1500-E6

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 Sep 2, 2003
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.
3
Latest Jan 12, 2004
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 1 NHTSA owner-reported complaint for the 2003 Kawasaki VN1500-E6, most frequently naming the engine category. 3 safety recalls have 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

  • Engine1100.0%

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

3 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
04V023000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Jan 12, 2004
6,958 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN 2003 VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC, 1500 DRIFTER, 2003-2004 1500 MEAN STREAK, 2003 1600 CLASSIC, AND 2003-2004 NOMAD FL MODEL MOTORCYCLES, HIGH OIL PRESSURE UPON A COLD START-UP CAN DEFORM THE OIL FILTER CARTRIDGE.
The risk: THIS COULD CAUSE OIL TO LEAK FROM THE OIL FILTER, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OIL FILTER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-949-770-0400.
KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.Manufacturer number MC04-04View on NHTSA.gov
04V008000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Jan 6, 2004
2,082 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, ACCELERATOR PUMP DIAPHRAGMS MAY BE DAMAGED FROM EXCESSIVE ASSEMBLY CLAMPING PRESSURE, WHICH CAN ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE PUMP ACTUATING ROD AREA.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PUMP DIAPHRAGM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-949-770-0400.
KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.View on NHTSA.gov
03V255000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM

Jul 24, 2003
405 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, CONTAMINATED FUEL USED DURING THE FINAL ENGINE INSPECTION PROCESS MAY HAVE CAUSED DETERIORATION OF THE CARBURETOR ACCELERATOR PUMP DIAPHRAGM, WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE ACCELERATOR PUMP CHAMBER.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PUMP DIAPHRAGM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-866-802-9381.
KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Sep 2, 2003

WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLE THERE WAS SERIOUS VIBRATION RUNNING THROUGH THE HANDLE BAR AND FOOT REST. VIBRATION IN THE HANDLE BAR AFFECTED THE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE WHILE RIDING. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT MOTOR MOUNTS WERE DEFECTIVE. *AK

NHTSA ID
10038029
Incident
Aug 11, 2003
Mileage
5 mi