VehicleVerdict

1998 Ducati 748 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1998 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other 748 years?

748 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 748 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Ducati 748 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine233%
Other233%
Fuel System117%
Suspension117%

Does the 1998 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.

99V048000Fuel SystemMarch 11, 1999 · 793 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE FUEL LINES INSIDE THE FUEL TANK CAN LEAK.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THIS FUEL LINE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ROCKER ARMS INSIDE THE MOTOR HAVE A HARD CHROME PLATING WHICH HAS FLAKED OFF OF THREE ROCKERS, ENHANCING WEAR OF THE ROCKERS AND THE CAMSHAFT LOBES. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL-KNOWN AMONG DUCATI MOTORCYCLE OWNERS, AND IF LEFT UNNOTICED AND UNREPAIRED IT COULD *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 2, 2000

“THE ENGINE CASE BOLT HOLE HAS BROKEN. THIS IS WHERE THE MOTOR IS HELD IN THE FRAME OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THIS IS A MAJOR PART THAT KEEPS THE BIKE TOGETHER. THE BOLT ITSELF IS NOT BROKEN BUT IT IS EXPOSE. IF IT CONTINUEDS TO CRACK, IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WOULD LIKE IT FIXED BY DUCATI.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 4, 2001

“ROCKER ARM IS FLAKING/ VAVLES DO NOT OPEN, AND MOTORCYCLE RUNS LEAN. ALSO, VALVES BURNED AND PISTONS CRACKED. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 21, 2001

1998 Ducati 748 — common questions

Is the 1998 Ducati 748 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Ducati 748 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 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.