VehicleVerdict

2013 Brammo Empulse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2013 Brammo Empulse — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Empulse years?

Empulse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted1 complaints2013: 1 complaints2014: 0 complaints
Empulse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Empulse years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Brammo Empulse problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1100%

Does the 2013 Brammo Empulse have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V053000TransmissionFebruary 2, 2015 · 149 units

Defect

Brammo, Inc. (Brammo) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Empulse and Empulse R motorcycles manufactured November 19, 2012, to July 8, 2014. Oil leaking from the transmission breather tube may blow onto the rear fender and tire.

Consequence

If oil leaks and contacts the rear tire, a loss of control may occur, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Brammo will notify owners, and dealers will install a new transmission breather baffle kit, free of charge. The recall began on February 11, 2015. Owners may contact Brammo customer service at 1-541-482-9555.

13V262000Body & StructureJune 24, 2013 · 87 units

Defect

Brammo, Inc. (Brammo) is recalling certain model year 2013 Empulse motorcycles manufactured November 19, 2012, through June 18, 2013. The rear tail assembly bracket can fatigue and may allow the rear tail assembly to break off while riding.

Consequence

If the rear tail assembly breaks off, it could contact the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Brammo will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear tail section assembly with a new version not susceptible to failure, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2013. Owners may contact Brammo at 1-541-482-9555.

13V208000Electrical SystemMay 17, 2013 · 5 units

Defect

Brammo, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Empulse electric motorcycles manufactured February 22, 2013, through March 29, 2013. Due to a high current cable being attached to the motor controller incorrectly, electrical shorting can occur.

Consequence

An electrical short can cause a complete loss of power while riding the motorcycle or a fire, either of which can result in a vehicle crash or personal injury.

Remedy

Brammo will notify owners, and technicians will inspect the high current cable at the motor controller and correct its installation, if needed. The recall began on June 26, 2013. Customers may contact Brammo at 1-541-482-9555.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2013 BRAMMO EMPULSE R. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A DEFECTIVE ISSUE REGARDING MOTORCYCLE. *SMD THE ISSUE INVOLVES A RECALL, WHERE THE REAR TAIL ASSEMBLY BRACKET NEAR ITS MOUNTING POINTS TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK OFF WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS IN MOTION. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE TAIL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 15, 2013

2013 Brammo Empulse — common questions

Is the 2013 Brammo Empulse reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2013 Brammo Empulse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Brammo Empulse. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.