- Recall for Ducati Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4, including S versions
- Model years 2025 and 2026 affected
- Risk of rear brake failure due to heat exposure
Italian manufacturer Ducati has to recall V4 models to the workshops again. Following a recall already carried out in 2025, the issue will resurface in 2026. The reason is a rear brake line that can become very hot under certain conditions. As a result, the brake pressure on the rear wheel can decrease significantly or fail completely.
Another recall after measures already taken
Ducati had already recalled the Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S at the beginning of 2025. At that time, an additional heat shield was installed to protect the brake line from the waste heat of the rear exhaust manifold. However, according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this measure was not sufficient in all cases.
In February 2025, Ducati reported another incident involving a motorcycle that was already equipped with the new heat shield. According to documents, internal investigations revealed that a combination of high exhaust gas temperature and high hydraulic pressure in the brake line can still cause damage.
Which models are affected
The current recall covers the 2025 and 2026 model years of the Ducati Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S, as well as the Streetfighter V4 and Streetfighter V4 S for the first time. According to the NHTSA, a total of 1,440 motorcycles are affected.
The affected Streetfighter V4 and V4 S models were produced between March 13 and April 28, 2025, and between June 4 and July 7, 2025. The additional affected Panigale V4 models were produced between June 23 and July 1, 2025. Motorcycles built after September 2025 are said to be equipped with the revised solution ex works.
Technical background to the problem
The rear brake line runs from the ABS block to the brake caliper in the immediate vicinity of the rear exhaust manifold. Under high thermal stress, the hose can become damaged or, in extreme cases, melt. In this case, brake fluid can leak out, leading to a sudden loss of rear brake function.
Ducati points out that the V4 models do not use a combined braking system. The front brake therefore remains functional even if the rear brake fails. Nevertheless, the manufacturer considers the risk to be safety-relevant.
New solution with larger heat shield
In response to the new findings, Ducati has developed a heat shield that is even larger and positioned differently. This is intended to better insulate the brake line from the waste heat of the exhaust. The new shield will not only be installed on currently affected vehicles, but also on motorcycles that have already been retrofitted as part of the 2025 recall.
Dealers in the US have already been informed. Owners are to be notified in March. The retrofit is free of charge and, according to Ducati, should only take around 30 minutes.
Situation in the US and Germany
The recall was initially announced for the US market. According to the NHTSA, the estimated damage rate is around 1.8 percent. So far, there have been no reports of accidents or personal injury in connection with the current recall.
Since all affected V4 models are manufactured at the Bologna plant, it can be assumed that the recall also affects Europe and Germany. At the time of publication, however, the current recall is not listed by either the EU or the German Federal Motor Transport Authority. Ducati Germany has yet to issue a statement.
Classification
Ducati is responding to new findings from the field with this renewed recall. The fact that even motorcycles that have already been retrofitted need to be checked again shows how complex the interaction between heat generation and brake components is in powerful superbikes. For owners of the affected models, the recall primarily means an additional workshop appointment.
