Kawasaki's lineup has 57 recorded NHTSA recalls across 178 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.4/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Kawasaki's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Kawasaki — VIN decoder & full model lineup
KawasakI, originating in Japan, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance motorcycles and powersports vehicles, particularly known for their innovative engineering and sporty designs. These machines are favored by riders seeking a thrilling experience, often in the sportbike and off-road segments, and are prized for their reliability. At ForCar.org, we can help you unlock the complete story of your KAWASAKI by decoding any VIN to reveal detailed specifications, recall history, and much more.
Decode a Kawasaki VIN
Enter any 17-character Kawasaki VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Kawasaki models 178
Every Kawasaki model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Kawasaki Motorcycles 178
Kawasaki recalls
Across the Kawasaki lineup, ForCar tracks 57 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Kawasaki recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Kawasaki model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Concours 14 | 21 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki ZX-6R | 9 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R | 9 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R | 6 | 3.5 /5 |
| Kawasaki Vulcan 88 | 4 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 | 2 | 4.5 /5 |
| Kawasaki Ninja 500 | 1 | 3.5 /5 |
| Kawasaki KLR650 | 1 | 4.5 /5 |
| Kawasaki Ninja 300 | 1 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki Z900 | 1 | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Kawasaki: Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Kawasaki reliable?
Across rated models, Kawasaki averages a 4.4/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 172 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Kawasaki competes globally in motorcycles, ATVs and personal watercraft against Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, BMW, Ducati and KTM. The Ninja sportbike heritage and Z naked-bike series anchor street segments, while the KX motocross line wins major MX titles. Kawasaki's personal watercraft (Jet Ski) division dominates the PWC market with approximately 40-50% global market share. KHI's 2021 spin-off of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. as a standalone subsidiary positions the motorcycle business for greater commercial focus.
Kawasaki models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Kawasaki model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki KLR650 | 204 | 4.5 /5 |
| Kawasaki ZX-6R | 63 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R | 63 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki Concours 14 | 52 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki Ninja 300 | 45 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 | 29 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R | 12 | 3.5 /5 |
| Kawasaki Vulcan 900 | 11 | 3.5 /5 |
| Kawasaki CONCOURS | 7 | 4.0 /5 |
| Kawasaki Vulcan 88 | 6 | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Kawasaki models
Fuel-economy rankings for Kawasaki are being compiled — check back shortly.
Safest Kawasaki models
NHTSA safety rankings for Kawasaki are being compiled — check back shortly.
Get a Kawasaki window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Kawasaki's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Kawasaki window stickers →How to read a Kawasaki VIN
Every Kawasaki built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Kawasaki |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Kawasaki VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Kawasaki
Shozo Kawasaki founded the Kawasaki Tsukiji Shipyard in 1878 in Tokyo, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries was incorporated in 1896. The conglomerate produces ships, aircraft, helicopters, robots, gas turbines, locomotives and motorcycles. Motorcycle production began in 1953 as a small division building two-stroke engines for other manufacturers; the 1961 B7 was Kawasaki's first complete motorcycle. The 1969 Mach III H1 500cc two-stroke triple was famously fast and difficult to handle. The 1972 Z1 900 inline-four established Kawasaki as a top-tier four-stroke manufacturer, succeeded by GPZ900 Ninja (1984), ZX-10R, Ninja H2 supercharged (2015) and current Ninja ZX-10RR.
| Founded | 1896 |
| Headquarters | Akashi, Japan |
| Parent company | Kawasaki Heavy Industries |
| Slogan | "Let the good times roll" |
| Models tracked | 178 (1981–2026) |
Kawasaki — frequently asked
How do I decode a Kawasaki VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Kawasaki models are there?
ForCar tracks 178 Kawasaki models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Kawasaki made?
Kawasaki is headquartered in Akashi, Japan, founded in 1896. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Kawasaki recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Kawasaki model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Kawasaki is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Kawasaki warranty?
New Kawasaki vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Kawasaki dealer.