Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2009 Ducati 1198s — 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.
2
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 50% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 50% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
DUCATI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 MOTORCYCLES. THE FUEL HOSE MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE FUEL PUMP WHICH COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALLING AND A FUEL LEAK.
Consequence
STALLING CAN CAUSE A CRASH AND A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF REQUIRED REPLACE AND REPOSITION THE FUEL HOSE RETAINING CLAMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 19, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DUCATI AT 1-800-231-6696.
Defect
DUCATI IS RECALLING 732 MODEL YEAR 2009 1198 S, 1098 R, AND F1098 S STREETFIGHTER MOTORCYCLES. THE RIGHT FORK MAY HAVE POSSIBLE CRACKING A DEFORMATION AT THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE FORK BOTTOM WHEEL AXLE PINCH BOLT AREA.
Consequence
CRACKING OF THE FORK MAY LEAD TO A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DUCATI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DUCATI TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-231-6696.
Defect
DUCATI IS RECALLING 1,549 MY 2009 1198, 1198 S, 1098 R, 848 AND MY 2010 F1098 STREETFIGHTER AND STREETFIGHTER S MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES MAY EXPERIENCE FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE FUEL LINE AT THE FUEL INJECTOR CONNECTION. THE PLASTIC FITTING BETWEEN FUEL INJECTOR AND HOSE CAN WARP OR BREAK WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE RIDER AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE MOTORCYCLE.
Consequence
ANY DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE MAY LEAD TO AN INCREASED RISK OF FIRE OR AN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF ENGINE PERFORMANCE, THE THEREBY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED INJECTOR COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 3, 2009. TO LOCATE YOUR NEAREST AUTHORIZED DUCATI DEALER, YOU MAY GO TO WWW.DUCATIUSA.COM AND SELECT THE "DEALER LOCATOR" OR YOU MAY CALL TOLL FREE AT 1-800-231-6696.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THERE ARE MANY, MANY PEOPLE WITH FAULTY RADIATORS ON THE EARLY 848/1098/1198 SERIES BIKES. THE RADIATOR FAILS IN THE TOP LEFT HAND CORNER BRACKET, CAUSING COOLANT TO COME OUT OF THE LEFT HAND SIDE FAIRING. EVERYONE'S SEEMS TO FAIL IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE. DUCATI CHANGED THE RADIATOR TO A NEW…”
“AFTER PURCHASING A 2009 DUCATI 1198S ON 8/3/2018, I DISCOVERED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE HAD 2 OPEN SAFETY RECALLS. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO A DUCATI DEALER TO PERFORM THE RECALLS. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT 1 OF THE RECALLS (NHTSA #09V-170; MANUFACTURER #RCL-09-003) IS NOT NEEDED AND THAT THE OTHER RECALL…”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Ducati 1198s. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.