2008 Kawasaki KLR650 recalls and problems

The 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 has 1 safety recall and 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kawasaki dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

116

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Kawasaki KLR650 recalls

Recall 07V-244: Structure

Reported Jun 7, 2007 · 5 vehicles affected · KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the spring retaining pin on the frame may not have been completely welded in place and could fall out, allowing the sidestand to drop into the "parking" position.

Risk: If this occurred while the vehicle was in motion, a crash could occur.

Fix: Kawasaki will repurchase these motorcycles. The recall began on june 1, 2007. All dealers/owners have been notified.

2008 Kawasaki KLR650 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Exterior Lighting	85
Engine and Engine Cooling	13
Structure	10
Suspension	9
Electrical System	5
Power Train	2
Equipment	2
Visibility	1
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility	1
Engine	1

Most reported parts

Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber — 6
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 6
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
Suspension › Rear › Springs — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
Structure › Frame and Members — 1
Structure › Body — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,000 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 KLR650 complaints

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

Exterior Lighting · at 21,000 miles · reported Jan 20, 2018

Turned in complaint on a few days ago. Received this tracking number 11063172. What's my next step? The complaint was turn signals falling off.

Exterior Lighting · at 21,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2018

Exterior turn signals dryrot,therefore turn signal indicators falling off and hanging on by wire. One in front and one in back. The one in back fell on to muffler melting plastic.

Engine · at 6,022 miles · reported Jun 18, 2012

The engine burns oil excessively at highway speeds (60 to 70 MPH). An engine lockup due to lack of lubricant is a very real concern due to the oil consumption rate.

Exterior Lighting · at 4,900 miles · reported Jun 15, 2012

The contact owns a 2008 kawasaki klr 650 motorcycle. The contact stated that the turn signals rubber deteriorated and fell off the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 4,900.

Power Train · at 17,000 miles · reported Nov 3, 2011

The starter idler gear shaft hole/sleeve is bore/milled to deep on the outside casing. The shaft moves to the casing side and loses contact with the inside bushing/sleeve, wich forms a gap at the main housing side. There is now enough space for the spacer washer to fall into the bottom-end and cause huge/catastrophic failure.

Other Kawasaki KLR650 years

2023 200920082003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Kawasaki KLR650 years · All Kawasaki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650: 07V-244 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Kawasaki KLR650?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (85 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,000 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.