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2008 Kawasaki KL650eProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2008 Kawasaki KL650e, most often about the exterior lighting. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints120 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage2kExterior lighting, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 12, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Kawasaki KL650e has problems

12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Exterior lighting70
Engine and engine cooling20
Structure20
Electrical system10
Power train10
Visibility10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2008 Kawasaki KL650e recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical system: wiring

Recall 09V-062 · Feb 20, 2009 · 16,167 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE ENGINE CREATING A RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Recall 09V-059 · Feb 19, 2009 · 16,167 vehicles

Risk. IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN COMPLETELY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE MUFFLER TO SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE, CREATING A RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe

Recall 07V-486 · Oct 16, 2007 · 33,693 vehicles

Risk. IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN COMPLETELY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE MUFFLER TO SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE AND CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kawasaki.

Best & worst years

2008 vs. every other KL650e year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the KL650e median. How we score

'06'08'09'12
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What KL650e owners report

Recent exterior lighting complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

1. THREE (3) TURN SIGNAL MOUNTS HAVE FAILED TO DATE, DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. 2. FAILURES OCCURRED AT 1,800 MILES, 4,000 MILES, AND 7,300 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. MOUNTS FAIL IN NORMAL HIGHWAY OPERATION, LEADING TO TURN SIGNAL BULB/LENS/HALF-STALK DANGLING FROM THE WIRING. NO ACCIDENTS…
Complaint 10240480 · Aug 31, 2008 · 7,300 miles
TURN SIGNALS FALLING OFF NEWLY PURCHASED KAWASAKI KLR-650 MOTORCYCLE. RUBBER MOUNT IS THIN AND HAS BEEN REPORTED TO BREAK AT THE WEB SITE KLR WORLD.COM. *TR
Complaint 10235336 · Jul 22, 2008 · 3,985 miles
MY LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL FELL OFF THIS TIME. (MY SECOND COMPLAINT). I WAS ACTUALLY RETURNING FROM THE KAWASAKI DEALERSHIP HAVING MY RIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL REPAIRED WHEN THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL JUST FELL OFF AND STARTED FLOPPING IN THE WIND. I HAD TO TRAVEL 40+ MILES WITH NO TURN SIGNALS AFTER JUST…
Complaint 10235129 · Jul 21, 2008 · 1,200 miles

Own a 2008 KL650e?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.