2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 25V798000Nov 18, 202519,823 vehiclesDo not drive
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Ninja ZX-6R, ZX-6R KRT Edition, ZX-6R KRT 40th Anniversary Edition ABS, ZX-6R ABS, and ZX-6R KRT Edition ABS motorcycles. The motorcycles may lose engine power during operation due to seizure of a metal crankshaft bushing.

  Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. Dealers will re-tighten the metal crankshaft bushing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2025. Motorcycles in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 25V376 will need to have the new remedy performed, once available. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at (855) 878-4217.

• Recall 25V376000Jun 4, 202517,792 vehiclesDo not drive
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Ninja ZX-6R motorcycles. The motorcycles may lose engine power during operation due to seizure of a metal crankshaft bushing.

  Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. The #5 metal crankshaft bushing must be inspected on all eligible units already in operation. If there is no abnormality with or damage to the bushing, the bolts holding the crankshaft together in the crank case must be re-tightened with proper torque. If there is any abnormality with or damage to the bushing, the parts must be replaced and the crankshaft properly tightened, or the engine must be otherwise repaired or replaced. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. This recall was replaced by 25V798.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 30, 2026NJEngine

   My 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R ABS KRT Edition suffered a catastrophic engine failure at approximately 2,300 miles, resulting in a physical hole/breach in the engine crankcase and loss of engine oil. The motorcycle is currently at the selling Kawasaki dealer, Motorcycle Mall in [XXX]. This motorcycle is affected by Kawasaki/NHTSA safety recall campaigns involving the #5 crankshaft bushing and crankcase bolt loading, including NHTSA Recall 25V376 and the subsequent related…

   NHTSA complaint #11760728 · source
2. Filed Jan 13, 2026TXEngine

   GMy name is Duane Willett and I filed a Lemon Law claim Dec 8th and was referred to make a complaint to NHTSA by the Texas DMV.The vehicle is coming up on three months of non use due to the Manufacturer issued stop ride which was issued on two separate occasions. I purchased the 2025 Kawasaki ZX-6R vin number [XXX] brand new with zero miles [XXX] and its been subject to NHTSA's recall campaign number for this issue is 25V376 which the vehicle was not available to operate…

   NHTSA complaint #11710644 · source
3. Filed Jan 5, 2026SCEngine

   There has been two recalls on my motorcycle. My bike passed the first inspection, i took my bike in two weeks ago for the 2nd inspection, per my Kawaskai dealer my bike did not pass. They informed me that my bike required a new engine. On saturday I call my dealer and was told that Kawasaki re worded the recall fix solution and that my bike passed. My dealer said that the reworded statment makes no sense and that they would not trust the motor on this bike. So if the techs…

   NHTSA complaint #11708753 · source
4. Filed Dec 29, 2025NCEngine

   Safety recall exists for engine stall risk but manufacturer has not provided parts or remedy for over two months. Motorcycle cannot be used.

   NHTSA complaint #11707424 · source
5. Filed Dec 18, 2025GAEngine

   I own a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. The motorcycle is subject to multiple safety recalls related to crankshaft bearing/bushing seizure that can cause sudden engine stall and crash risk. In June 2025, Kawasaki issued Recall 25V376 and instructed owners not to ride the motorcycle until an authorized repair was completed. My motorcycle underwent the recall repair, which resulted in an extended loss of use of approximately two months. In November 2025, Kawasaki issued a second…

   NHTSA complaint #11705934 · source
6. Filed Nov 20, 2025TXEngine

   Was notified by my local motorcycle store Classic Powersports of Rockwall TX that my motorcycle has been recalled for the second time in less than 3 months for possible engine failure and the manufacture has not remedy. I've requested a buy back of the vehicle to purchase another model and I haven't received no response from the manufacture. I'm making payments on a brand new motorcycle that has possible engine ceasing while riding.

   NHTSA complaint #11700538 · source
7. Filed Nov 20, 2025TXEngine

   Was notified by my local motorcycle store Classic Powersports of Rockwall TX that my motorcycle has been recalled for the second time in less than 3 months for possible engine failure and the manufacture has not remedy. I've requested a buy back of the vehicle to purchase another model and I haven't received no response from the manufacture. I'm making payments on a brand new motorcycle that has possible engine ceasing while riding.

   NHTSA complaint #11700535 · source
8. Filed Jul 1, 2025AZEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   While riding at normal speed, I heard a loud popping noise from the engine, followed by immediate power loss. The motorcycle shut off without warning and coolant began leaking heavily near the front wheel. There were no warning lights or symptoms beforehand. The bike had fewer than 3,000 miles on it and was well maintained. I had to tow the motorcycle to the dealership, where a teardown revealed catastrophic engine failure—including internal damage to the crankcase, pistons,…

   NHTSA complaint #11670668 · source
9. Filed Jul 1, 2025CACrash1 injuredTowedEngine

   The contact's son owned a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he was involved in a collision with two other vehicles; the cause of the collision was still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the owner's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries as…

   NHTSA complaint #11670532 · source
10. Filed Jul 1, 2025OKEngine

    Currently the bike is under a "Do not ride" and is inoperable and will continue to be for an extended period of time for myself and many others, with no compensation or alternative during the downtime. Myself and many other riders are stuck with loan payments and/or insurance payments on a bike that is not even a year old in many cases with no word from the manufacturer other than the recommended fix we will be waiting in queue for. This fix is extremely damaging to our…

    NHTSA complaint #11670447 · source
11. Filed Jun 26, 2025UTEngine

    My 2025 Kawasaki ZX-6R was recently included as a part of a federal recall concerning a defective crankshaft bearing. A critical engine component, the failure of which could lead to engine seizure, stalling or loss of power - posing a very serious risk and likelihood of a crash. After learning of this recall, I contacted my authorized dealer who confirmed that my VIN was affected, but advised me to CONTINUE RIDING, until I got a letter which would give more information on…

    NHTSA complaint #11669555 · source
12. Filed Jun 25, 2025TXEngine

    2days after I bought this bike Kawasaki issued a stop sale and DNR due to faulty #5 crank bushing, and refused to buy the bike back but instead expected me to sit and pay payments and insurance on a bike that I can’t ride for possibly a year with no fix in mind so I had to trade it in and take a big loss on a brand new bike, kiss off Kawasaki that will be my last purchase from you.

    NHTSA complaint #11669333 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology