VehicleVerdict

2012 Ducati Diavel problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2012 Ducati Diavel — 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.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Diavel years?

Diavel NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted7 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 1 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 4 complaints2023: 0 complaints
Diavel NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Diavel years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Ducati Diavel problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes360%
Engine120%
Steering120%

Does the 2012 Ducati Diavel have recalls?

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

12V376000Body & StructureAugust 3, 2012 · 27 units

Defect

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Diavel motorcycles manufactured from May 25, 2012, through June 28, 2012. The side stand may bend or break.

Consequence

The side stand could bend or break in the pivot area, allowing the motorcycle to fall over, increasing the risk of personal injury to the operator or others near the motorcycle. Even without falling over, a bent sidestand may interfere with the proper operation of the sidestand safety switch, preventing the bike from starting or causing the bike to stall without warning.

Remedy

Ducati will notify owners, and authorized dealers will replace the side stand, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 13, 2012. Owners may contact Ducati at 1-800-231-6696 or through their website at www.ducati.com.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I JUST BOUGHT A DUCATI DIAVEL 2012 AND WHILE DRIVING THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED, I ALMOST WENT THROUGH TRAFFIC WITHOUT BRAKES THEN FLAMING BRAKE PARTS OF THE BIKE FLEW OFF AND MELTED IN THE STREET. THEN BRAKE FLUID SPRAYED ALL OVER THE BACK OF THE BIKE. THE ROTORS WERE SCARED AND THERE WERE CHIPS OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 9, 2012 · fire

“DUCATI DIAVEL MOTORCYCLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SUDDEN ENGINE WHINING NOISES- DISCOVERS NUMEROUS METAL PARTICLES WITHIN THE CRANK CASE- EROSION OF THE INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS WAS NOT ENOUGH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 19, 2013

“HANDLEBAR WAS LOCKING WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SHOULD UPDATE THE SOFTWARE BUT DIDN'T WORK. THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE UNIT AND NOW LOOKS GOOD. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 29, 2013

2012 Ducati Diavel — common questions

Is the 2012 Ducati Diavel reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Ducati Diavel have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Ducati Diavel. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Ducati Diavel under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.