Motorcycle Defects and Recalls

Motor vehicle safety recalls, which include motorcycles, are typically instigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), or by the makers of the vehicles. These recalls usually occur after a defect has been discovered, sometimes following a series of collisions that brings the defect to light.

How do you know if a recall occurs?

The process involved in vehicle recalls is important to understand. The vehicle manufacturer must file a report that describes the nature of the defect, the vehicles and equipment involved, the events that led up to identifying the safety issue, a description of the remedy, and a schedule for the recall.

Motorcycle manufacturers are required to try to notify owners of recalled vehicles or equipment. Manufacturers analyze their own records of vehicle purchasers, along with current vehicle registration information on file with each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. For equipment recalls, manufacturers are required to notify their distributors and known purchasers of the recalled equipment.

NHTSA also releases monthly lists of motor vehicle safety recalls, which identify the make and model of the vehicle or equipment involved, and include a description of the safety issue.

Getting Recall Information

Consumers can get up-to-date information on safety recalls by calling the NHTSA's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, or by accessing NHTSA on the Internet at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov.