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1997 Kawasaki VN1500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1997 Kawasaki VN1500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Power train

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 14, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Kawasaki VN1500 has problems

2 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
Power train10
Tires10

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

2 recalls

1997 Kawasaki VN1500 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

Power train: manual transmission

Recall 97V-233 · Dec 16, 1997 · 544 vehicles

Risk. GEAR BREAKAGE CAN RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, CAUSING THE OPERATOR TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

12v/24v/48v battery: cables

Recall 97V-007 · Jan 15, 1997 · 5,208 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD DISABLE THE BATTERY AND THE MOTORCYCLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE 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

1997 vs. every other VN1500 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 VN1500 median. How we score

'96'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What VN1500 owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP AFTER CHANGING INTO 2ND GEAR AFTER LEAVING A STOP... KAWASAKI HAD A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR CERTAIN BIKES THIS SAME YEAR BUT TELL ME THAT MY BIKE DOES NOT ONE OF THE BIKES UNDER THE RECALL. ONLY 25,600 MILES ON THE BIKE.
Complaint 11046043 · Nov 14, 2017

Own a 1997 VN1500?

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