2008 Kawasaki KL650E recalls and problems

The 2008 Kawasaki KL650E has 3 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kawasaki dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Kawasaki KL650E vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Kawasaki KL650E recalls

Recall 09V-062: Electrical System

Reported Feb 20, 2009 · 16,167 vehicles affected · KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.

Problem: Kawasaki is recalling 16,167 my 2008-2009 klr 650 (Kl650e8f/l, kl650e9f/l) motorcycles. Wires in the wiring harness might be damaged due to rubbing contact with a portion of the motorcycle frame.

Risk: This could result in loss of electrical power to the engine creating a risk of a crash resulting in injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the main wiring harness free of charge. The recall began on february 24, 2009. Owners may contact kawasaki at 866-802-9381.

Recall 09V-059: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Feb 19, 2009 · 16,167 vehicles affected · KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.

Problem: Kawasaki is recalling 16,167 my 2008-2009 klr 650 (Kl650e8f/l, kl650e9f/l) motorcycles. The muffler assembly is secured to the frame of the motorcycle by two bolts. It is possible that heat expansion cycles of the muffler, combined with vibration from vehicle operation may cause loosening of the muffler mounting bolts.

Risk: If the bolts loosen completely, it is possible for the muffler to separate from the motorcycle, creating a risk of a crash resulting in injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will remove the paint from the muffler mount tabs and replace the mount bolts, nut, and washer free of charge. The recall began on february 23, 2009. Owners may contact kawasaki at 866-802-9381.

Recall 07V-486: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 16, 2007 · 33,693 vehicles affected · KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.

Problem: On certain motorcycles, insufficient tightening of the muffler mounting bolts could allow the bolts to loosen.

Risk: If the bolts loosen completely, it is possible for the muffler to separate from the motorcycle and create the potential for a crash.

Fix: Dealers will tighten two muffler mounting bolts to the proper torque free of charge. The recall began on october 22, 2007. Owners may contact kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381.

2008 Kawasaki KL650E problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Exterior Lighting	7
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Structure	2
Visibility	1
Power Train	1
Electrical System	1

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 2
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 3,200 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Kawasaki KL650E complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 11,700 miles · reported Jul 12, 2012

The contact owns a 2008 kawasaki kl650e. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost all electrical power. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified, but offered no assistance. The contact was informed of the recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 09v062000 (Electrical system:wiring) and stated that he experienced everything the recall listed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 11,700.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 4,584 miles · reported Mar 6, 2009

The contact owns a 2008 kawasaki kl650e motorcycle. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 09v059000 (Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe) and called the dealer to have the vehicle repaired. He was informed by a technician that the repair consisted of removing the paint from the muffler mount tabs and replacing the mount bolts, nut, and washer. As a professional technician himself, the contact was concerned that the removal of the paint would inevitably lead to rust failures. The vehicle has not yet been repaired according to…

Structure · at 3,200 miles · reported Oct 7, 2008

I AM owner of green 2008 klr. I bought it in june of 2008. It is covered under kawasaki 1 yr manufacture warranty. It has chronic rubber rot on the windshield screws, after only 2 months of usage, and kawasaki and the kawasaki dealer have refused to replace the rubber under the warranty.

Structure · at 2 miles · reported Sep 1, 2008

Not a incident yet. The issue is that multiple rubber parts on my motorcycle are failing from "dry rot" within days of purchase. These parts secure the windscreen and body panels in place and protect the clutch cable from debris. While the wind screen coming loose at speed is a scary thought the clutch cable cover is of particular concern as it's failing could allow sand etc into the clutch cable and prevent the operator from actuating the clutch making the vehicle unstoppable.

Exterior Lighting · at 7,300 miles · reported Aug 31, 2008

1. Three (3) turn signal mounts have failed to date, during normal vehicle operation. 2. Failures occurred at 1,800 miles, 4,000 miles, and 7,300 miles on the odometer. Mounts fail in normal highway operation, leading to turn signal bulb/lens/half-stalk dangling from the wiring. No accidents occurred due to the failures. 3. First one replace at consumer's expense, second replaced at dealers expense, third being debated by dealer. Third unit still in owner's possession.

Other Kawasaki KL650E years

20092008

Compare all Kawasaki KL650E years · All Kawasaki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Kawasaki KL650E have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 Kawasaki KL650E: 09V-062 (electrical system), 09V-059 (engine and engine cooling), 07V-486 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kawasaki KL650E?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (7 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 3,200 miles.

Are Kawasaki recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kawasaki dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.