Kawasaki Kawasaki Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 27, 2004 · 73 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 73 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Kawasaki Kawasaki, across 9 model years (1995–2003). The 2002 model year has the most complaints (14). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.

Peak: 2002, with 14 complaints
1995: 6199561996: 6199661997: 6199761998: 4199841999: 111999112000: 112000112001: 6200162002: 142002142003: 920039

n = 73 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Kawasaki Kawasaki years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Kawasaki year: 2002. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2002 Kawasaki: 14 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2000 Kawasaki: 11 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 1999 Kawasaki: 11 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 1998 Kawasaki: 4 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 1995 Kawasaki: 6 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 1996 Kawasaki: 6 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Kawasaki Kawasaki problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine and Engine Cooling1981
Electrical System1060
Power Train961
Suspension950
Vehicle Speed Control974
Fuel System, Gasoline630
Steering431
Fuel System, Other330
Visibility330
Exterior Lighting220
Structure220
Wheels220
Equipment111
Service Brakes, Hydraulic110
Tires110

All Kawasaki Kawasaki model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2003 Kawasaki90—Engine and Engine Cooling
2002 Kawasaki140—Engine and Engine CoolingFar more complaints than other years
2001 Kawasaki60—Engine and Engine Cooling
2000 Kawasaki110—Electrical SystemMore complaints than other years
1999 Kawasaki110—Electrical SystemMore complaints than other years
1998 Kawasaki40—Fuel System, Gasoline
1997 Kawasaki60—Suspension
1996 Kawasaki60—Engine and Engine Cooling
1995 Kawasaki60—Engine and Engine Cooling

More from Kawasaki: all Kawasaki models · VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Kawasaki Kawasaki years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2002 (14) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Kawasaki year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Kawasaki Kawasaki?

Engine and Engine Cooling, with 19 complaints across 8 model years.

How many recalls does the Kawasaki Kawasaki have?

0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.