2012 Zero Zero S problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
No owner complaints are on file for the 2012 Zero Zero S yet. There are 6 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Median mileage
- — at time of problem
Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners not to drive it until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Key facts
- The 2012 Zero Zero S has 6 recalls on file, including at least one “do not drive” warning.
2012 Zero Zero S recalls (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY · HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Zero Motorcycles (Zero) is recalling all 2012 Zero S, Zero DS, and Zero DSP (Police) motorcycles. Cell pouches in the battery packs may wear from contact with the holders, allowing humidity to enter the pouch and cause an electrical short within the battery.
Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Zero Motorcycles will notify owners and offer them a choice of either the repurchase of their motorcycle or a financial trade-assist towards a newer model year Zero Motorcycles motorcycle. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. Zero's number for this recall is SV-ZMC-018-383. Note: Since owners are advised to no longer ride or charge the affected motorcycles, Zero Motorcycles dealers will arrange for the collection of the affected motorcycle at no charge to the owners.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Zero Motorcycles Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 XU, S, DS, and model year 2013 FX motorcycles. The affected motorcycles have controller firmware that, as a result of certain system faults, may shut off power to the motor.
Risk: A sudden loss of power to the motor may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will update the controller firmware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-January 2014. Owners may contact Zero at 1-888-786-9376.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Zero Motorcycles is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 S and DS motorcycles. On the affected motorcycles, the front caliper mounting bolts are susceptible to corrosion which could lead to their cracking and possible fracture.
Risk: If a front caliper bolt fractures, the caliper may come loose and interfere with the rotation of the front wheel. This could cause the front wheel to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Zero Motorcycles will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front caliper bolts. The recall BEGAN ON August 16, 2013. Owners may contact Zero Motorcycles at 1-888-841-8085.
- EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Zero Motorcycles, Inc. (Zero Motorcycles) is recalling certain model year 2012 S and DS motorcycles. These motorcycles are equipped with a motor encoder position signal that may drift over the extended use of the motorcycle. If the signal drifts outside of the given parameters, the motor controller may shut off, resulting in the motorcycle inadvertently losing power.
Risk: A loss of power could lead to a crash and potential injury or death of the rider.
Remedy: Zero Motorcycles will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the motorcycle's motor controller free of charge. The safety recall began on September 28, 2012. Owners may contact Zero Motorcycles, Inc. at 1-888-786-9376.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Zero motorcycles, inc. (zero) is recalling certain model year 2012 s, ds, x, xu, and xu-lsm motorcycles. Insufficient weatherproofing may cause a short circuit of the battery management system when subjected to wet conditions, resulting in the motorcycle inadvertently losing power.
Risk: Sudden loss of power can lead to a crash and potential injury or death to the rider.
Remedy: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on july 31, 2012. Owners may contact zero motorcycles, inc. At 1-888-786-9376.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Zero motorcycles, inc. (zero) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 s, xu, and ds motorcycles, model year 2011 mxd, and xd motorcycles and 2012 x motorcycles. The brake light switch at the front brake lever may not activate until significant brake lever travel occurs.
Risk: The brake light may not activate when a moderate amount of front brake is applied. As such, motorists traveling behind the motorcycle may not be alerted when an affected motorcycle is slowing down, which could lead to a possible crash and potential injury or death to the rider.
Remedy: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front brake system brake-light switch free of charge. The safety recall began on august 3, 2012. Owners may contact zero motorcycles at 1-831-438-3500.
Recent 2012 Zero Zero S complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
No narrative complaints on file.
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Other 2012 Zero models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. 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