2008 Ducati 848 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2008 Ducati 848 — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 848 years?

848 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 848 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Ducati 848 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	9	64%	new
Fuel System	4	29%	new
Steering	1	7%	new

Does the 2008 Ducati 848 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.

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.

“RADIATOR LEAK CAUSED BY WEAKENED MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS DESIGN FLAW IS DUE TO EXTRA WEIGHT PLACED ON THE LEFT SIDE MOUNTING BRACKET FROM THE BATTERY MOUNTED ON THE SAME BRACKET. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD AS IT CAUSED EXTREMELY HOT COOLANT TO SPRAY OUT OF THE LEFT FAIRING ON TO THE RIDER'S…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 3, 2011 · crash

“FUEL IS LEAKING OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE MOTORCYCLE NEAR THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH DEFORMATION OF THE GAS TANK AND DUCATI SETTLED A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT ABOUT IT. HOWEVER, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED AND DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE REPAIRS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 27, 2017

“FAILURE OF GAS TANK. GAS TANK SEEMS TO UNDERGO CHANGES OVER TIME A USE. THE CHANGES ARE, SWELLING, LEAKING, INTERNAL FAILURE, DAMAGE TO FUEL SYSTEM. SWELLING CAUSES INABILITY TO TURN HANDLE BARS TO MOVE TO FULL TURN. LEAKING CAUSES HARMFUL GAS FUMES TO BE CONSUMED BY RIDER WHICH CAN LEAD TO CANCER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 14, 2012

2008 Ducati 848 — common questions

Is the 2008 Ducati 848 reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 848 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), steering (1 complaints).

Does the 2008 Ducati 848 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Ducati 848. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Ducati 848 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2008 compare to other 848 years?

What are the most common 2008 Ducati 848 problems?

Does the 2008 Ducati 848 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2008 Ducati 848 — common questions

Is the 2008 Ducati 848 reliable?

What are the most common 2008 848 problems?

Does the 2008 Ducati 848 have recalls?

Is the 2008 Ducati 848 under NHTSA investigation?

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