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1996 Kawasaki Vulcan ClassicProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Power train

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 19, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 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 train20

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

1 recall

1996 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 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

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

1996 vs. every other Vulcan Classic 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 Vulcan Classic median. How we score

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

What Vulcan Classic owners report

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

MOTORCYCLE GRINDS WHEN SHIFTED FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND JUMPS BACK INTO NEUTRAL. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON THE LATER MODELS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED*AK.
Complaint 870866 · Sep 19, 2000
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ACCELERATING OUT OF FIRST GEAR, THE MOTORCYCLE WILL JUMP OUT OF FIRST GEAR INTO NOWHERE. THE DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. *AK
Complaint 825000 · Jul 6, 1998

Own a 1996 Vulcan Classic?

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