Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 | 5 | 1 |
| 2006 | 3 | 0 |
| 2005 | 6 | 0 |
| 2004 | 1 | 1 |
| 2003 | 8 | 1 |
| 2002 | 3 | 0 |
| 2001 | 3 | 0 |
| 2000 | 5 | 0 |
| 1999 | 8 | 0 |
| 1998 | 2 | 0 |
| 1997 | 7 | 1 |
| 1996 | 9 | 0 |
| 1995 | 2 | 1 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Engine and engine cooling17
- Power train11
- Fuel system, gasoline8
- Fuel/propulsion system5
- Electrical system5
- Unknown or other4
- Tires3
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Recalls
4 campaigns cover the Vulcan.
KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 VULCAN MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE MAY STALL IF THE RIDER IS COASTING WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED IN DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).
ON CERTAIN 2003 VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC, 1500 DRIFTER, 2003-2004 1500 MEAN STREAK, 2003 1600 CLASSIC, AND 2003-2004 NOMAD FL MODEL MOTORCYCLES, HIGH OIL PRESSURE UPON A COLD START-UP CAN DEFORM THE OIL FILTER CARTRIDGE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION GEAR CAN CAUSE WEAKENING AND EVENTUAL BREAKAGE OF AN ADJACENT GEAR.
THE DRIVE CHAINS HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT-TREATED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE THE CHAIN SIDE PLATES TO CRACK AND ULTIMATELY FAIL.
NHTSA recalls