Zero DS recalls
7 NHTSA safety recalls cover the Zero DS, across model years 2009–2018. Every recall repair is free at any Zero dealer.
Is yours affected? Check your DS by VIN — or pick your model year below for every recall, complaint and fix.
Recalls and owner complaints by model year
Of the Zero DS model years, the 2011 has the most recalls (2); the 2012 drew the most owner complaints (2).
Recalls: NHTSA campaigns covering each Zero DS model year on this page. Complaints: owner reports filed with NHTSA for that model year, including trims and variants sold under the model name (e.g. an F-150 page counts F-150 Raptor). Separate scales: compare the shape, not the heights across panels.
| Model year | Recalls | Owner complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | no data |
| 2010 | 1 | no data |
| 2011 | 2 | no data |
| 2012 | 0 | 2 |
| 2013 | 1 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | 1 | 1 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | no data |
| 2023 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
Zero DS recalls by model year
Most common Zero DS problems
What these recalls fix, grouped by the vehicle system NHTSA files them under:
Latest Zero DS recalls
- ZERO S (2018) recall — Equipment
Zero is recalling certain 2018 motorcycles with misstated model years on emission labels, which may cause non-compliance with federal safety regulations. Owners should contact Zero for a corrected label.
- ZERO SR (2015) recall — Exterior Lighting
Zero is recalling 2015 SR motorcycles with faulty DC-DC converters that may cause lights to stop during ABS braking, increasing crash risk. Owners can get free repairs.
- ZERO SR (2014) recall — Engine And Engine Cooling
Zero recalls certain 2014 SR, S, DS, and FX motorcycles due to motor rotor contacting the stator. Check if your bike is affected.
- ZERO S (2013) recall — Electrical System
Zero Motorcycles recalls certain 2012-2013 motorcycles due to firmware faults that may cause sudden loss of motor power. Free dealer repair available.
- ZERO ZERO S (2012) recall — Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Zero Motorcycles recalls 2011-2012 S and DS models due to front caliper bolts that may fracture, potentially causing wheel lockup and crash risk.
Recall timeline
When the Zero DS recalls were issued, by year — a cluster usually means one defect recalled in stages or across a platform.
Zero DS problems & complaints
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the Zero DS; the most reported area is electrical system. These are reports, not recalls: they are how NHTSA spots defects.
- Owner complaints
- 5
- Service bulletins (TSBs)
- 8+
- Crashes / fires reported
- 1 / 0
- Defect investigations
- 0
What to do if your Zero DS is recalled
- Confirm it’s yours. Recalls cover ranges of VINs, so check your VIN and confirm open recalls at NHTSA.gov.
- Heed any warning. A do-not-drive or park-outside recall applies until the repair is done.
- Call a Zero dealer with your VIN and book the repair. It’s free by law, whatever the vehicle’s age.
- Ask about a loaner or tow if parts are back-ordered or the vehicle isn’t safe to drive.
- Paid for the same fix already? Keep the receipt and ask Zero about reimbursement.
Zero DS recall questions
How many recalls does the Zero DS have?
We have 7 NHTSA safety recalls on record for the Zero DS, covering model years 2009–2018. The most recent was issued Nov 28, 2017 (Equipment).
Which Zero DS model year has the most recalls?
The 2011 Zero DS has the most, with 2 recalls on record. Every model year with a recall is listed on this page with links to each one.
What are the most common Zero DS recall problems?
By system: Exterior Lighting (2), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2), Equipment (1), Engine and Engine Cooling (1).
Is it safe to drive a recalled Zero DS?
None of these recalls carries an NHTSA do-not-drive or park-outside warning, but each fixes a safety defect, so book the free repair promptly.
How do I check if my Zero DS has an open recall?
Run a VIN recall check: enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact year, then confirm at NHTSA.gov which are still unrepaired on your vehicle. Any Zero dealer can also look it up.
Are Zero DS recall repairs free?
Yes. Federal law requires Zero to fix safety recalls free of charge at any authorized Zero dealer, regardless of the vehicle’s age or how many owners it has had.