VehicleVerdict

1997 Ducati 748 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1997 Ducati 748 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other 748 years?

748 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted6 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 4 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints
748 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 748 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Ducati 748 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System250%
Engine125%
Tires & Wheels125%

Does the 1997 Ducati 748 have recalls?

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

14E012000OtherApril 1, 2014 · 2,827 units

Defect

Ohlins Racing AB (Ohlins) is recalling certain steering dampers kits manufactured with an incorrectly machined bracket. These dampers were sold for use as aftermarket equipment on Yamaha R1, R6, and FZ6, Suzuki TL1000 R and GSX1300R, Honda CB600RR, and Ducati Monster 1000, 748, 848, 916, 996, and 998 motorcycles. Also included are universal steering damper kits with part numbers SD 000 through SD 005. The affected brackets may crack.

Consequence

If there is a crack in the steering bracket, at low speeds it may cause the steering to lock, leading to personal injury or a crash.

Remedy

Ohlins will notify the distributors and provide their customers with a new bracket. The recall began in November 2013. Owners may contact Ohlins USA at 1-828-692-4525. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13E-034.

99V360000Tires & WheelsDecember 23, 1999 · 4,165 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A REAR WHEEL HUB SPINDLE. INTERNAL CRACKS MAY BE PRESENT ON THE REAR WHEEL SPINDLE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE SPINDLE TO FAIL AFFECTING THE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR WHEEL SPINDLE AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS/VOLTAGE REGULATOR MALFUNCTIONED IN THE MOTORCYCLE. MELTED WIRE HARNESS & GENERATOR WIRES WERE LOCATED IN OR NEAR THE ENGINE AREA. THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS STILL DRIVABLE. HAS TAKEN MOTORCYCLE TO DEALER & ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS WAS REPAIRED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 29, 1998

“HARD CHROME PLATING ON FACE OF ROCKER ARMS, THAT CONTACT CAMSHAFT, FLAKES OFF AND BECOMES SUSPENDED IN THE OIL SYSTEM. ROCKER ARMS WITHOUT PLATING WEAR CAM SHAFTS AND ROCKER ARMS. I HAVE THIS ISSUE ON MY 1997 DUCATI, AND KNOW OF NUMEROUS OTHER CASES. DUCATI WILL ONLY REPAIR ROCKER ARMS THAT HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 5, 2000

“DRIVELINE TO THE REAR WHEEL AFFECTED THE ATTACHMENT OF THE WHEEL. BUSHLINE FELL & GRINDED DOWN A RETAINING NUT. THIS WAS REPAIRED ONCE BEFORE LAST YEAR. DEALER WILL BE CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 5, 2000

1997 Ducati 748 — common questions

Is the 1997 Ducati 748 reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Ducati 748 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Ducati 748. 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.