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2020 Ktm 790 Adventure RProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2020 Ktm 790 Adventure R, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-304 the manufacturer reports only 71% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 71%Owner complaints61 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage2kService brakes, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 11, 2021. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2020 Ktm 790 Adventure R has problems

6 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
Service brakes40
Electrical system10
Fuel/propulsion system11

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

2 recalls

2020 Ktm 790 Adventure R 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.

71%repaired · 2026 Q3

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 21V-304 · Apr 30, 2021 · 3,707 vehicles · 2,620 repaired

Risk. A front brake with reduced functionality may increase the distance required to stop as well as the risk of a crash or injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2026 Q3

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 20V-198 · Apr 6, 2020 · 3,164 vehicles · 3,040 repaired

Risk. If the rear brake system fails, there would be reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

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 Ktm.

Best & worst years

2020 vs. every other 790 Adventure R 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 790 Adventure R median. How we score

'19'20'21'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 790 Adventure R owners report

Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Rear brakes: the line that leads from the fluid reservoir to the master cylinder has popped out twice (the 90degree fitting at the master cylinder) resulting in a loss of rear brake use.
Complaint 11432623 · Sep 11, 2021
FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP ON ITS OWN WHILE TRAVELLING AT 50MPH ON PAVEMENT. HAD BEEN RIDING 10 MINUTES, HAD USED THE FRONT BRAKE VERY LITTLE PRIOR TO IT LOCKING UP. TO GET THE BRAKE TO RELEASE, I HELD PRESSURE ON THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER AND OPENED THE BRAKE CALIPER BLEED NIPPLE TO RELEASE BRAKE FLUID.
Complaint 11391015 · Feb 1, 2021 · 1,650 miles
THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM BRAKES UNEVENLY AT SLOW SPEEDS. IT IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP DOWNHILL. IT FEELS AS IF THERE IS A STICKY OR UNEVEN AREA ON THE ROTORS. IT IS NOT FELT IN THE BRAKE LEVER. YOU FEEL IT IN THE WHOLE BIKE. THERE IS ALSO BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDER THE RESERVOIR…
Complaint 11374643 · Nov 14, 2020 · 1,000 miles

Own a 2020 790 Adventure R?

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