- Approximately 20,301 vehicles affected in the US
- Risk of possible engine failure due to damaged crankshaft bushing
- Repair solution still under development
A new recall affects owners of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R in the US. Models built between 2024 and 2026 are affected, regardless of whether they have already been part of a previous recall. According to the manufacturer, engine failure can cause the engine to stop abruptly.
Scope of the recall
On November 18, 2025, Kawasaki announced an immediate sales and delivery stop for several variants of the Ninja ZX-6R. The affected models include versions with and without ABS as well as various KRT editions. According to current information, approximately 20,301 motorcycles in the US could be affected by the problem, which corresponds to around one percent of the total inventory.
Possible cause of the problem
The manufacturer points to difficulties related to the crankshaft. Specifically, it concerns the #5 metal slide bushing, which can become stuck under unfavorable circumstances. According to Kawasaki, this risk is related to work carried out during a previous recall. The official report states:
“The axial force of the bolts holding the crank case together can be excessive due to variations in the tightening of these bolts during the repair process for the prior recall. As a result, the #5 metal crankshaft bushing can be damaged by improper oil clearance between the crankshaft and the bushing.”
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In other words, excessive axial forces can impair the necessary oil supply between the crankshaft and the bushing. In extreme cases, this can lead to engine blockage or failure, which increases the risk of an accident.
Recommended action for owners
Kawasaki urges all owners of the models mentioned to stop riding their machines until a technical solution is available. According to the manufacturer, a final repair plan is still in the works. Parts for the upcoming work are expected to be available from the beginning of December 2025. Only then will Kawasaki publish further information on the procedure and schedule.
Contact details and further information
Affected owners can contact Kawasaki USA customer service at 1-855-878-4217. Alternatively, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hotline is available at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171). The recall in question is listed under campaign number 25V798.
