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1997 Kawasaki VulcanProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints71 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem4Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 2, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan has problems

7 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
Engine and engine cooling41
Electrical system10
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic10

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

1 recall

1997 Kawasaki Vulcan 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 →

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 Vulcan 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 median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'09'10
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Vulcan owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE COUGHING ON ACCELERATION WHEN BACKFIRING, FLAMES SHOOT OUT 6-8 INCHES. DEALER CONTACTED AND REPAIRS DONE, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
Complaint 828819 · Oct 13, 1998

Own a 1997 Vulcan?

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