What was recalled
If you own or ride an off-road motorcycle from the brands KTM, GASGAS, or Husqvarna, it is important to know exactly which vehicles are part of this specific safety notice. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall affecting a wide range of model years spanning from 2022 through 2025. This is not limited to just one type of bike; the recall encompasses numerous models across three distinct but related lines of off-road motorcycles. Specifically, the affected units include KTM off-road motorcycles, GASGAS off-road motorcycles, and Husqvarna off-road motorcycles. The scope of this recall is significant because it touches on multiple popular series within each brand, meaning that riders who might assume their specific model is exempt could still be at risk.
To help you identify whether your motorcycle is included, we need to look closely at the visual identifiers and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For GASGAS motorcycles, you can typically identify them by their red bodywork featuring the white GASGAS logo on both sides of the shrouds. Husqvarna motorcycles are distinctively colored in white, blue, and yellow, with the Husqvarna logo visible on both sides of the shrouds. However, the most reliable way to confirm if your bike is part of this recall is by checking the VIN. The VIN is located on the right side of the steering head. The tenth character of the VIN indicates the model year: a "N" stands for 2022, a "P" for 2023, an "R" for 2024, and an "S" for 2025. Additionally, you can find specific model numbers and names located on the rear fender or the rear side panel of the motorcycle.
The list of affected models is extensive. For the 2022 model year, which has the letter "N" as the tenth VIN character, the recall includes GASGAS EC 250, EC 300, FE 350, FE 501, TE 150i, TE 250i, and TE 300i. Husqvarna models from 2022 are not explicitly listed with model names in the summary provided, but they fall under the same VIN structure. Moving to 2023 models (VIN tenth character "P"), the affected GASGAS units include the EC 250, EC 300, FE 450, FE 450 HERITAGE, MC 125 BT, MC 250 BT, MC 350F BT, MC 450F BT, EX 250 BT, EX 250F BT, EX 300 BT, EX 350F BT, EX 450F BT, FX 350 BT, FX 350 HERITAGE BT, FX 450, TE 150, TE 250, TE 300, TE 300 HERITAGE, and TX 300 BT and TX 300 HERITAGE BT. The 2024 models (VIN tenth character "R") include GASGAS EC 250, EC 300, EC 450F, FE 350w, FE 450, FE 501w, TE 150, TE 250, TE 300, MC 125, MC 250, MC 250F, MC 350F, MC 450F, EW 500F, EX 250, EX 250F, EX 300, and EX 350F. Finally, the 2025 models (VIN tenth character "S") include GASGAS EC 250, EC 300, EC 450F, MC 125, MC 150, MC 250, MC 250F, MC 300, MC 350F, MC 450F, EX 250, EX 250F, EX 300, and EX 350F. This recall was announced on May 15, 2025, and applies to these vehicles regardless of where they were originally purchased, though the manufacturer is contacting known purchasers directly.
The hazard, explained
When you are riding an off-road motorcycle, your ability to control speed and direction relies heavily on the front brake system. In this specific recall, the problem lies within a critical component called the front brake caliper. This part is responsible for squeezing the brake pads against the rotor to create friction and slow the wheel down. The issue identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is that these calipers can develop cracks.
A crack in a brake caliper is not just a cosmetic flaw; it compromises the structural integrity of the part. As you ride, especially over rough terrain common to off-road use, the caliper undergoes significant stress and vibration. If a crack is present, this stress can cause the crack to grow or allow hydraulic fluid to leak out if the seal is breached. Even without a leak, a cracked caliper may not apply consistent pressure to the brake pads. This results in reduced braking effectiveness, meaning the bike will not stop as quickly or predictably as it should.
The danger here is direct and immediate. If you are navigating a trail at speed and need to stop suddenly to avoid an obstacle, another rider, or a sharp turn, the compromised brakes may fail to provide the necessary stopping power. This loss of control can lead to a crash. In off-road environments, where riders often lack the protection found on paved roads, a crash can result in serious injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or abrasions.
It is important to note that while there have been no reported incidents at this time, the potential for harm exists because the defect is hidden. You cannot see a crack in a caliper just by looking at it from a distance, and you might not feel any difference in brake performance until the component fails completely under load. This is why the recall emphasizes immediate inspection by an authorized dealer. They have the tools and expertise to determine if the caliper is defective before it becomes a safety issue for you.
This type of hazard is particularly concerning for off-road motorcycles because riders often push their vehicles beyond normal limits, testing their skills and equipment on challenging terrain. The combination of high speeds, uneven ground, and physical exertion means that brake performance is not just a convenience but a vital safety feature. A failure in the braking system can turn a manageable situation into an emergency very quickly.
The recall covers models from 2022 through 2025, indicating that this issue may be widespread across recent production runs. Whether you ride a KTM, GASGAS, or Husqvarna motorcycle, the underlying mechanical principle remains the same: a cracked caliper reduces your ability to stop safely. By addressing this defect through a free inspection and repair, you ensure that your motorcycle’s braking system is restored to its original, safe condition.
Who is most at risk
When evaluating who is most vulnerable to this specific recall, we must look beyond just the manufacturer’s brand names and understand the nature of the equipment involved. This recall affects off-road motorcycles produced by KTM, GASGAS, and Husqvarna Motorcycles between model years 2022 and 2025. These are not casual commuter bikes or standard street-legal scooters; they are high-performance machines designed for rugged terrain, motocross tracks, and serious recreational riding. Consequently, the people most at risk are those who actively ride these vehicles in off-road environments where control is paramount and consequences of mechanical failure can be severe.
The primary group at risk includes owners and operators of the specific models listed in the recall notice. Because the defect involves the front brake caliper potentially cracking, any rider relying on precise braking to navigate trails, jumps, or steep inclines is directly exposed to the hazard. This includes professional motocross riders, competitive racers, as well as recreational enthusiasts who use these bikes for sport. The risk is not limited to beginners; even experienced riders depend entirely on the integrity of their braking system to manage speed and maintain stability during complex maneuvers. If the front brake effectiveness is reduced due to a cracked caliper, the rider may be unable to stop in time or control the bike’s trajectory, leading to a loss of balance or an uncontrolled slide.
While the recall announcement notes that no incidents have been reported to date, the potential for harm is significant because of the physics involved in off-road riding. Off-road motorcycles are lightweight and agile, allowing riders to perform aerial maneuvers and navigate rough ground at high speeds. In such conditions, a sudden reduction in braking power can be catastrophic. The rider might find themselves unable to slow down before hitting an obstacle, a drop-off, or another rider. This is particularly dangerous for younger riders or those who are still developing their skills, as they may not anticipate the reduced stopping distance required when the brake system is compromised. Furthermore, because these bikes are often used in remote areas far from immediate medical assistance, any crash resulting from mechanical failure carries a heightened risk of serious injury.
It is also important to note that the risk extends to anyone who might borrow or rent these specific models. If you are considering purchasing a used off-road motorcycle from 2022 through 2025, or if you are renting one for a day on a trail, you could be stepping into this hazard without knowing it. The defect is not visible to the naked eye until it has progressed significantly, meaning that even a seemingly perfect-looking bike could have a cracked caliper hiding inside. Therefore, the entire community of off-road motorcyclists—whether they own their bikes outright, lease them, or rent them for temporary use—is part of the at-risk population until they verify their specific unit’s status through the official VIN check process.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action, it is important to verify whether your specific motorcycle is part of this recall. Because the recall covers a wide range of model years and brands under the KTM umbrella—specifically GASGAS and Husqvarna motorcycles—the identification process requires checking a few distinct details. The first step is to determine which brand you own, as the visual cues differ slightly between them. GASGAS off-road motorcycles are typically red with a white GASGAS logo on both sides of the shrouds. In contrast, Husqvarna motorcycles feature a color scheme of white, blue, and yellow, with the Husqvarna logo visible on both sides of the shrouds.
The most reliable way to confirm if your bike is affected is by checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is located on the right side of the steering head. You need to look at the tenth character in this number, as it indicates the model year and determines inclusion in the recall. For 2022 model years, the tenth position will have the letter N. If your bike is a 2023 model, look for the letter P. For 2024 models, the letter R will be in that spot, and for 2025 models, you will find the letter S.
In addition to the VIN, you should check the model name and number located on the rear fender or the rear side panel of the motorcycle. This recall includes specific models from 2022 through 2025. For Husqvarna, affected models include various FE, EX, EC, TE, FX, and TX series bikes with suffixes like BT or HERITAGE where applicable. For GASGAS, the list includes MC, EC, EX, EW, and other specific configurations across these years. Because the list of model numbers is extensive, cross-referencing your VIN letter with the model year is the quickest method to rule out your vehicle.
If you prefer not to dig through physical labels, you can verify your status online. Both GASGAS and Husqvarna provide digital tools where you can enter your Vehicle Identification Number to determine if your unit is affected. Visit https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-us/service/Service-and-safety-check.html or https://www.gasgas.com/en-us/service/service-and-safety-check.html to run this check. This step ensures you have accurate information before proceeding to the next stage of the remedy process.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the affected KTM, GASGAS, or Husqvarna off-road motorcycles, your immediate priority is to ensure personal safety by taking a few specific actions. The recall process is designed to be straightforward, but it requires you to act decisively before riding the vehicle again. Please follow these steps carefully to resolve the issue and get your motorcycle back in safe working order.
- Stop Riding Immediately. The very first thing you must do is cease using the recalled motorcycle right away. The front brake caliper on these units has a defect that can cause it to crack over time. When this happens, your braking system will not work as effectively as it should, which significantly increases the risk of a crash while you are riding. Do not attempt to test the brakes or ride the bike even for short distances to "check" it. The potential danger is too great, so treat the vehicle as unsafe until an authorized dealer has inspected it.
- Contact an Authorized Dealer. You need to schedule a free inspection and repair service. This work must be performed by an authorized GASGAS Motorcycles or Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer. Do not take the motorcycle to a generic repair shop or a different brand’s dealership, as they may not have the specific tools or knowledge required for this official remedy. You can reach out to these dealers directly using the toll-free number provided by KTM Mobility, which is 888-985-6090. The customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit the official websites for GASGAS (https://www.gasgas.com/en-us.html) or Husqvarna Motorcycles (https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-us.html). On these sites, scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the link labeled "Safety Recall Information" to find nearby dealerships and schedule your appointment.
- Verify Your Vehicle Status. Before you go to the dealer, or if you want to confirm whether your specific unit is part of this recall, you should check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is located on the right side of the steering head. Depending on the model year, the 10th character of the VIN will be a specific letter: 'N' for 2022 models, 'P' for 2023 models, 'R' for 2024 models, and 'S' for 2025 models. You can use online VIN checkers available on the Husqvarna or GASGAS service pages to determine if your motorcycle is affected. This step helps you prepare for your dealer visit with confidence.
- Allow for a Full Inspection and Repair. When you bring your motorcycle to the authorized dealer, they will perform a thorough inspection of the front brake caliper. It is important to understand that the remedy involves determining whether the caliper is defective or not. Even if the caliper looks fine on the outside, the dealer must inspect it to ensure it is safe. If it is found to be defective, the repair will be performed at no cost to you. This includes both the inspection and any necessary repairs or part replacements. The goal is to restore your braking system to its original, safe condition without charging you for the defect that was manufactured into the bike.
By following these steps, you are not only protecting yourself from a potential crash hazard but also ensuring that your motorcycle is fully compliant with safety standards. The companies involved are contacting all known purchasers directly, but taking proactive action on your part ensures there are no delays in getting your bike fixed.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the affected KTM, GASGAS, or Husqvarna off-road motorcycles, the remedy for this recall is straightforward and entirely free of charge to you. The manufacturer has determined that the issue lies specifically with the front brake caliper, which can crack over time and compromise your ability to stop safely. Because this is a safety defect that affects the core operation of the vehicle, the company is not offering a partial fix or a temporary workaround. Instead, they are providing a comprehensive free inspection and free repair service.
It is important to understand that you cannot simply mail in a part or replace the caliper yourself with an aftermarket component without first going through their authorized network. The recall notice specifies that you must contact an authorized GASGAS Motorcycles or Husqvarna Motorcycles dealer. This requirement exists because the process begins with a professional inspection. An authorized technician needs to physically examine your front brake caliper to determine definitively whether it is defective or if it remains intact. Only after this verification can the appropriate free repair be scheduled and executed. This step ensures that every unit is handled according to the specific safety standards set by the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
To initiate this process, you should call the dedicated toll-free number at 888-985-6090. The line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. During this call, or by visiting the official websites at https://www.gasgas.com/en-us.html or https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-us.html, you can locate the "Safety Recall Information" section, typically found at the bottom of the page. These online portals also allow you to verify your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm if your specific motorcycle is part of this recall before you make a trip to the dealership.
The manufacturer is currently contacting all known purchasers directly regarding this recall, so keep an eye on your mail or email for official notifications. However, do not wait for that contact to take action. If your VIN matches the criteria for model years 2022 through 2025 (identifiable by letters N, P, R, or S in the 10th position), you are eligible for this free service. There is no cost to you for the inspection, nor is there any charge for the repair if a defective caliper is found. The goal here is to restore your braking system to its original, safe specification without imposing any financial burden on you, the consumer. By adhering to these steps and using only authorized dealers, you ensure that the safety risk is fully mitigated.
What can happen if you ignore it
Ignoring this recall is not merely a matter of delaying a repair; it is an active decision to ride with a known mechanical failure that directly compromises your safety on the trail. The core issue here is deceptively simple but potentially catastrophic: the front brake caliper can develop cracks. In the high-stakes environment of off-road motorcycling, where terrain changes in milliseconds and speed is often managed through precise braking inputs, losing even a fraction of your braking power can be the difference between a controlled stop and a serious accident.
When a brake caliper cracks, it does not always fail completely all at once. More commonly, it fails intermittently or progressively. You might notice that your brake lever feels spongy, travels further than usual before engaging, or requires significantly more force to achieve the same stopping power. This gradual reduction in effectiveness is particularly dangerous because it can create a false sense of security. You may believe you are still in control until a critical moment arrives—such as hitting a patch of loose gravel, navigating a sharp blind corner, or attempting to stop for an obstacle—and find that your bike does not respond as expected.
The consequences of this failure are severe because off-road riding involves unique risks that differ from street riding. Unlike paved roads, where you might have more room to skid out, off-road terrains like dirt, mud, sand, and rocky paths offer less predictable traction. If your front brake fails during a high-speed descent or while cornering at speed, the motorcycle may continue its trajectory regardless of your input. This can lead to loss of control, causing you to be thrown from the bike. Off-road crashes often result in significant physical trauma, including fractures, concussions, and other serious injuries, because riders are frequently exposed without the protective cage of a car.
While the official recall notice states that no incidents have been reported at the time of this announcement, this silence does not imply safety. It simply means that no one has yet reached out to report an injury or crash related specifically to this defect. In the world of product safety, "no reported incidents" is a baseline status, not a guarantee. The potential for harm exists every time you ride with a compromised brake system. By ignoring the recall, you are essentially gambling with your physical well-being on the hope that the crack will not propagate at the worst possible moment.
Furthermore, continuing to ride a motorcycle with a known defect can void certain aspects of your warranty coverage and may complicate any future insurance claims if an accident occurs. Manufacturers and insurers generally expect owners to maintain their vehicles according to safety directives. If you choose to ignore a direct safety alert from the manufacturer, you risk being held partially responsible for damages that could have been prevented by a simple, free inspection.
The remedy offered here is straightforward and cost-free: a free inspection and potential repair at an authorized dealer. There is no financial barrier to fixing this problem, only a temporary inconvenience of scheduling a service appointment. The risk of ignoring it—potential severe injury or death—far outweighs the minor hassle of taking your bike in for a check-up. Do not wait for the brakes to fail completely. The silence of the defect now does not mean it will remain silent when you need your brakes the most.