The defect
Zero Motorcycles Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2013 FX motorcycles manufactured January 28, 2013, through May 21, 2013; and model year 2013 XU motorcycles manufactured January 16, 2013, through May 20, 2013. A manufacturing defect with the sealant material in the battery may allow water to penetrate the battery and contact the cells.
The risk
Water penetration into the battery may lead to corrosion of the cells, possibly resulting in a rapid temperature increase and off-gassing of the cells' electrolyte which may cause a burn to the rider.
The remedy
Zero will notify owners and dealers will replace the battery modules, free of charge. The recall began on June 26, 2013. Owners may contact Zero motorcycles at 1-888-786-9376.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Zero FX | 2013 |
| Zero XU | 2013 |
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero FX | 2013 | 0 | 2 |
| Zero XU | 2013 | 0 | 2 |
Other electrical system recalls in 2013
76 of the 627 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2013 concerned the electrical system; Zero Motorcycles Inc. filed 18 campaigns in all.
| 13V640000 20 Dec 2013 | Daimler Trucks North America |
| 13V639000 20 Dec 2013 | Daimler Trucks North America |
| 13V642000 19 Dec 2013 | Nova Bus |
| 13V635000 18 Dec 2013 | Zero Motorcycles Inc. |
| 13V627000 17 Dec 2013 | Daimler Trucks North America |
| 13V589000 22 Nov 2013 | Maserati North America, Inc. |
| 13V570000 15 Nov 2013 | BMW of North America, LLC |
| 13V566000 13 Nov 2013 | General Motors LLC |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2013