Menu

2008 Zap XebraProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 44 owner complaints about the 2008 Zap Xebra, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints445 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage4kService brakes, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 21, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Zap Xebra has problems

44 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 brakes332
Service brakes, hydraulic70
Electrical system21
Structure21
Fuel system, gasoline11
Power train11

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

4 recalls

2008 Zap Xebra 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

Foundation components: master cylinder

Recall 12V-363 · Jul 27, 2012 · 691 vehicles

Risk. Without a separate reservoir for each brake, having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device, fluid for one brake circuit may move to the other.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Foundation components: master cylinder

Recall 09V-385 · Oct 2, 2009 · 738 vehicles

Risk. WITHOUT A SEPARATE RESERVOIR FOR EACH BRAKE, HAVING ITS OWN COVER, SEAL, AND COVER RETENTION DEVICE, FLUID FOR ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT MAY MOVE TO THE OTHER.

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 Zap.

Best & worst years

2008 vs. every other Xebra 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 Xebra median. How we score

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

What Xebra owners report

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

HELLO, I'M WRITING ABOUT THE COURT DECREE ON 7/16/13 SIGNED MY JUDGE ROSEMARY COLLYER. ZAP IS SUPPOSED TO REPORT TO NHTSA REGULARLY ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE REFUND AND DISPOSITION OF EACH RECALLED VEHICLE FOR THREE YEARS. SOMEBODY FORM ZAP WORLD CONTACTED ME ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I STILL HAVE THE…
Complaint 10837385 · Feb 21, 2016
THIS VEHICLE IS ALREADY RECALLED, MY VEHICLE SUFFERED A COMPLETE LOSS OR BRAKE SYSTEMS AND FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO BE STEERED TO AN UPHILL AREA BEFORE HITTING A SMALL RETAINING WALL. ZAP PROVIDED DOT RECALL NOTICE FOR BRAKE FAILURES TO STOP, AND RULES FOR RECALL. I HAVE FOLLOWED THESE RULES WHICH…
Complaint 10579086 · Apr 11, 2014 · 1,905 miles
AS WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS, I WAS NOTIFIED BY ZAP THAT MY VEHICLE WAS ELIGIBLE FOR A RECALL DUE TO INCURABLE FAULTS IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I FILED ALL THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK AND RECEIVED A LETTER THAT I QUALIFIED FOR THE BUY BACK PROGRAM. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE…
Complaint 10573013 · Mar 17, 2014

Own a 2008 Xebra?

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