2012 Zero Zero S recalls and problems
The 2012 Zero Zero S has 6 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Zero dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Zero Zero S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Zero Zero S recalls
Recall 18V-215: Hybrid Propulsion System, Electrical System
Problem: Zero Motorcycles (Zero) is recalling all 2012 Zero S, Zero DS, and Zero DSP (Police) motorcycles. Cell pouches in the battery packs may wear from contact with the holders, allowing humidity to enter the pouch and cause an electrical short within the battery.
Risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Zero Motorcycles will notify owners and offer them a choice of either the repurchase of their motorcycle or a financial trade-assist towards a newer model year Zero Motorcycles motorcycle. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. Zero's number for this recall is SV-ZMC-018-383. Note: Since owners are advised to no longer ride or charge the affected motorcycles, Zero Motorcycles dealers will arrange for the collection of the affected motorcycle at no charge to the owners.
Recall 13V-635: Electrical System
Problem: Zero Motorcycles Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 XU, S, DS, and model year 2013 FX motorcycles. The affected motorcycles have controller firmware that, as a result of certain system faults, may shut off power to the motor.
Risk: A sudden loss of power to the motor may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will update the controller firmware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-January 2014. Owners may contact Zero at 1-888-786-9376.
Recall 13V-329: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: Zero Motorcycles is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 S and DS motorcycles. On the affected motorcycles, the front caliper mounting bolts are susceptible to corrosion which could lead to their cracking and possible fracture.
Risk: If a front caliper bolt fractures, the caliper may come loose and interfere with the rotation of the front wheel. This could cause the front wheel to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Zero Motorcycles will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front caliper bolts. The recall BEGAN ON August 16, 2013. Owners may contact Zero Motorcycles at 1-888-841-8085.
Recall 12V-455: Equipment
Problem: Zero Motorcycles, Inc. (Zero Motorcycles) is recalling certain model year 2012 S and DS motorcycles. These motorcycles are equipped with a motor encoder position signal that may drift over the extended use of the motorcycle. If the signal drifts outside of the given parameters, the motor controller may shut off, resulting in the motorcycle inadvertently losing power.
Risk: A loss of power could lead to a crash and potential injury or death of the rider.
Fix: Zero Motorcycles will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the motorcycle's motor controller free of charge. The safety recall began on September 28, 2012. Owners may contact Zero Motorcycles, Inc. at 1-888-786-9376.
Recall 12V-310: Electrical System
Problem: Zero motorcycles, inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2012 s, ds, x, xu, and xu-lsm motorcycles. Insufficient weatherproofing may cause a short circuit of the battery management system when subjected to wet conditions, resulting in the motorcycle inadvertently losing power.
Risk: Sudden loss of power can lead to a crash and potential injury or death to the rider.
Fix: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on july 31, 2012. Owners may contact zero motorcycles, inc. At 1-888-786-9376.
Recall 12V-307: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Zero motorcycles, inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 s, xu, and ds motorcycles, model year 2011 mxd, and xd motorcycles and 2012 x motorcycles. The brake light switch at the front brake lever may not activate until significant brake lever travel occurs.
Risk: The brake light may not activate when a moderate amount of front brake is applied. As such, motorists traveling behind the motorcycle may not be alerted when an affected motorcycle is slowing down, which could lead to a possible crash and potential injury or death to the rider.
Fix: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front brake system brake-light switch free of charge. The safety recall began on august 3, 2012. Owners may contact zero motorcycles at 1-831-438-3500.
2012 Zero Zero S problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 1 |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 600 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 2012 Zero Zero S complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Zero Zero S years
No other model years have data.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Zero Zero S have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Zero Zero S: 18V-215 (hybrid propulsion system, electrical system), 13V-635 (electrical system), 13V-329 (service brakes, hydraulic), 12V-455 (equipment), 12V-310 (electrical system) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Zero Zero S?
Owners report wheels problems most often (1 reports). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 600 miles.
Are Zero recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Zero dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.