2008 Zap Xebra recalls and problems

The 2008 Zap Xebra has 4 safety recalls and 44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Zap dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

3 / 1

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

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

2008 Zap Xebra recalls

Recall 12V-363: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 27, 2012 · 691 vehicles affected · QINGQI GROUP MOTORCYCLE CO., LTD

Problem: QingQi Group Motorcycle Co. Ltd., through its designated agent ZAP, is recalling all model year 2008 ZAP Xebra motorcycles manufactured from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008. These motorcycles do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems." The motorcycles were produced without a separate brake fluid reservoir for each brake circuit, with each reservoir filler opening having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device.

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. If this happens, both reservoirs could lose fluid as a result of a fluid leak in one brake circuit and compromise the stopping ability of the braking system, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: ZAP will notify owners and ZAP will install or send each owner a remedy kit to bring the vehicles into compliance. ZAP has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact ZAP Customer Service at 1-800-251-4555.

Recall 12V-230: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported May 21, 2012 · 627 vehicles affected · QINGQI GROUP MOTORCYCLE CO., LTD

Problem: Qingqi group motorcycle co, ltd, through its designated agent, zap USA, is recalling certain model year 2008 zap xebra all electric motorcycles manufactured from january 1, 2008, through december 31, 2008. These vehicles fail to conform to the braking distance requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 122, "motorcycle brake systems."

Risk: These vehicles take longer distances to stop, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Zap, the designated agent of qingqi group motorcycle co, ltd, will notify owners, and zap dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on october 8, 2012. Owners may contact zap at 1-707-525-8658.

Recall 09V-385: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 2, 2009 · 738 vehicles affected · QINGQI GROUP MOTORCYCLE CO., LTD

Problem: Qingqi is recalling 738 my 2008 zap xebra motorcycles manufactured between january and december 2008. These motorcycles do not conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 122, "motorcycle brake systems." they do not have a separate brake fluid reservoir for the front and rear brakes.

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. If this happens, both reservoirs could loose fluid as a result of a fluid leak in one brake circuit and compromise the stopping ability of both brakes.

Fix: Zap will notify owners and repair or replace the master cylinder free of charge. The safety recall began on january 29, 2010. Owners may contact zap toll-free at 1-800-251-4555.

Recall 09V-177: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported May 26, 2009 · 738 vehicles affected · QINGQI GROUP MOTORCYCLE CO., LTD

Problem: Qingqi is recalling 738 my 2008 zap xebra motorcycles manufactured between january and december 2008. These motorcycles do not conform to the stopping distance requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 122, "motorcycle brake systems."

Risk: These motorcycles require longer distances to stop than the standard allows. Extended stopping distances may result in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Qingqi will notify owners and zap dealers will inspect and replace the brake rotors, pads, master cylinders, and front tire if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on september 21, 2009. Owners may contact zap toll-free at 1-800-251-4555.

2008 Zap Xebra problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes	33
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	8
Unknown or Other	4
Structure	2
Electrical System	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Power Train	1

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 2
Power Train › Driveline — 1
Structure › Body — 1
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 4,000 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 Zap Xebra complaints

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

Service Brakes · reported Feb 21, 2016

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 vehicle......how can you help. Ty.

Service Brakes · at 1,905 miles · reported Apr 11, 2014

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 were drawn out from late 2012 until december 2013. In december 2013 zap informed me I would be paid for the vehicle and it would be picked up and removed in q1. The vehicle is still sitting at my home in ohio. No one from zap is responsive. What action should I be taking?

Service Brakes · reported Mar 17, 2014

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 and make payment by 12/31 then 1/31. I received the same curt and uninformative response that others received and nothing since. I contacted NHTSA, who directed me to file a complaint with the ftc. I filed a complaint with the ftc, who directed me to file a complaint with the bbb. I filed a complaint…

Service Brakes · reported Mar 11, 2014

I agree with other people complaints. We were told that we were eligible for the recall, but have heard nothing too. Yet, I still have the truck that can't be driven and have to have it stored. Please help!!! This is not right.

Service Brakes · reported Mar 8, 2014

I was notified by my insurance company that this vehicle had been recalled for a brake issue. I was not notified by zap that this vehicle was not safe to drive. I did make a request to them via certified mail in 2013 but, have yet to receive anything from them. What is the status of this recall? What do I do with a vehicle that can not be insured and therefore not registered? Thank you for your assistance.

Other Zap Xebra years

No other model years have data.

Compare all Zap Xebra years · All Zap models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Zap Xebra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Zap Xebra: 12V-363 (service brakes, hydraulic), 12V-230 (service brakes, hydraulic), 09V-385 (service brakes, hydraulic), 09V-177 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Zap Xebra?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (33 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 4,000 miles.

Are Zap recall repairs free?

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