Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2018 Ducati Monster 821 — 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.
4
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2 | 50% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 25% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 25% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2015-2021 Monster 821, 2014-2021 Monster 1200 S/STD, and 2016-2019 Monster 1200 R motorcycles. The rear brake hoses may be susceptible to heat damage.
Consequence
Damaged brake hoses may cause the rear brakes to fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446.
Defect
Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Monster 797, Monster 1200, Supersport, 2016-2020 XDiavel, and 2018-2020 Monster 821 motorcycles. Air may permeate the rear brake system.
Consequence
Air in the system may reduce effectiveness of the rear brakes, increasing the distance required to stop and the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install new rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 28, 2021. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446.
Defect
Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ducati Monster 1200, Monster 821, SuperSport and SuperSport S motorcycles. The shift lever may have been incorrectly assembled, possibly resulting in the shift knob detaching from the lever.
Consequence
If the shift knob detaches, the rider may not be able to shift gears, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the gear lever shift knob tightness, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati's number for this recall is SRV-RCL-18-007.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 DUCATI MONSTER 821. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN AND THE REAR BRAKE MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT USED THE FRONT BRAKE TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO MONTEREY PENINSULA POWER SPORTS LOCATED AT (1020 AUTO CENTER PKWY,…”
“THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP SINCE IT WAS NEW (PURCHASED MAY 2018), WITH THE CLUTCH ACTIVATED AND BIKE STILL ROLLING. I HAVE ALL DEALER SERVICE RECORDS AND VIDEOS DOCUMENTING THIS ISSUE. SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE ON DUCATI FORUMS HAVE ALSO REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO…”
“THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP SINCE IT WAS NEW (PURCHASED MAY 2018), WITH THE CLUTCH ACTIVATED AND BIKE STILL ROLLING. I HAVE ALL DEALER SERVICE RECORDS AND VIDEOS DOCUMENTING THIS ISSUE. SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE ON DUCATI FORUMS HAVE ALSO REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO…”
The record is thin — 4 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 2018 Ducati Monster 821. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.