VehicleVerdict

2008 Ducati 1098r problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2008 Ducati 1098r — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 1098r years?

1098r NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted3 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 3 complaints
1098r NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 1098r years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Ducati 1098r problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1100%

Does the 2008 Ducati 1098r have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V638000Electrical SystemDecember 3, 2008 · 7,130 units

Defect

DUCATI IS RECALLING 7,130 MY 2007-2008 1098, 1098S, 1098 TRICOLORE, 1098R, AND MY 2008-2009 848 MOTORCYCLES. THE MOTORCYCLE CHARGING SYSTEM MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY ENGINE HEAT AND STOP OPERATING. THIS RESULTS IN DAMAGE TO THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND ENSUING BATTERY DISCHARGE.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE MOTORCYCLE AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE RIDER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR, INSTALL A HEAT GUARD BETWEEN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM, AND INSTALL A MODIFIED BATTERY SUPPORT. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON DECEMBER 24, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DUCATI AT 1-800-231-6696.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLE IT DEVELOPED A RADIATOR LEAK WITH COOLANT RUNNING DOWN THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE LEAK WAS FOUND TO BE NEAR THE UPPER LEFT RADIATOR MOUNT. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHER DUCATI MODELS WITH THE SAME RADIATOR. DUCATI REPLACED MANY IN WARRANTY AND EVEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 14, 2015

2008 Ducati 1098r — common questions

Is the 2008 Ducati 1098r reliable?

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

Does the 2008 Ducati 1098r have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Ducati 1098r. 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.