2020 Ktm 790 Adventure recalls and problems

The 2020 Ktm 790 Adventure has 2 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ktm dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Ktm 790 Adventure vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Ktm 790 Adventure recalls

Recall 21V-304: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 30, 2021 · 3,707 vehicles affected · KTM North America, Inc.

Problem: KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 KTM 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, and 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally motorcycles. The front brake master cylinder piston return spring may be too weak to return the brake piston to its original position, reducing the functionality of the front brake.

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

Fix: Dealers will replace the return spring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is KTM2106.

Recall 20V-198: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 6, 2020 · 3,164 vehicles affected · KTM North America, Inc.

Problem: KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R motorcycles. The rear brake hose may overheat, causing the rear brake system to fail.

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

Fix: KTM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new rear brake line, free of charge. The recall began April 28, 2020. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is TB2011.

2020 Ktm 790 Adventure problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	7
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Service Brakes	1
Exterior Lighting	1
Suspension	1
Power Train	1

Most reported parts

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 7,000 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 2020 Ktm 790 Adventure complaints

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

Engine · reported Jun 22, 2023

Engine requires multiple tries to start when cold due to inadequate fuel supply from fuel sensors or fuel injectors. A recurring issue, this happens upon starting every time the engine is cold. This is a known issue by KTM. When the bike was returned to dealer, they reset the sensors and the bike operated normally for a short time and then returned to faulty starting procedure. The starting issue places an inordinate drain on the battery putting the rider at risk of being stranded.

Power Train · reported May 18, 2023

Riding at a constant speed in either 3rd or 4th gear, approx. 30-40mph. Was preparing to make a left turn in the left turn lane so began decelerating by downshifting through all gears until reaching neutral. Once I got to neutral, the engine stalled within 1 or 2 seconds later. Light braking was being applied during this event. Engine stalled while motorcycle was still in motion, approx around 10-20mph. Used brakes to completely stop motorcycle and restarted it without issue. There are lots of discussions about this engine stalling issue in forums online.

Suspension · reported Dec 19, 2022

The main rear shock shaft seal has failed on two separate occasions causing shock oil to spill all over the catalytic converter posing a huge risk for fire. On both failure instances the motorcycle was being transported on a motorcycle specific hitch rack on the back of my pickup truck. The first shock seal failure occurred when I was transporting the motorcycle to my local dealer for service and the temperature was 16 degrees Fahrenheit during transport. The second shock seal failure occurred when I was transporting the motorcycle to Moab for a riding trip and the temperature dropped down to…

Engine · reported Aug 29, 2022

The engineâs intake crank lobe (left side) and itâs follower wore unexpectedly to a point that the engine is unusable without inspection and replacement of internal parts. All manufacturerâs service instructions were strictly adhered to and the motorcycle (and original engine) has little more than 10,500 miles on it. Engine can break down completely if operated in its current state and leave the vehicleâs operator in a position of potential harm, especially during off-highway use, which this vehicle is designed for. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. (Pictures of…

Exterior Lighting · at 7,000 miles · reported May 11, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 KTM 790 Duke. The contact stated while riding approximately 30 MPH, the rear brake light failed to illuminate unless the brake pedal was fully depressed, not while slightly first applying the brake. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the motorcycle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that nothing could be repaired and that depressing the brake pedal with force was the only option to illuminate the rear brake light. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The…

Other Ktm 790 Adventure years

20202019

Compare all Ktm 790 Adventure years · All Ktm models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Ktm 790 Adventure have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 Ktm 790 Adventure: 21V-304 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-198 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Ktm 790 Adventure?

Owners report engine problems most often (7 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 7,000 miles.

Are Ktm recall repairs free?

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