VehicleVerdict

2016 Ducati Scrambler problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2016 Ducati Scrambler — 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Scrambler years?

Scrambler NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted8 complaints2015: 8 complaints2016: 4 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 2 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 1 complaints
Scrambler NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Scrambler years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ducati Scrambler problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes375%
Fuel System125%

Does the 2016 Ducati Scrambler have recalls?

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

16V891000Body & StructureDecember 12, 2016 · 5,502 units

Defect

Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ducati Scrambler motorcycles manufactured February 17, 2015, to November 11, 2016. The affected vehicles have a side stand pivot nut that can detach, potentially causing the side stand position sensor to no longer function properly.

Consequence

If the side stand position sensor does not function properly, the engine may stall, or the motorcycle may be ridden while the stand is still down. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand pivot bolt, free of charge. The recall began on begin January 24, 2017. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-800-231-6696. Ducati's number for this recall is SRV-RCL-16-004.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DUCATI SCRAMBLER SIXTY2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AT 5 MPH, THE REAR BRAKES FAILED TO ACTIVATE UPON DEPRESSING THE FOOT PEDAL, WITHOUT WARNING. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 16, 2020

“DURING NORMAL OPERATION, DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 40MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. WHEN I PULLED TO THE SIDE, AND TURNED THE IGNITION BACK ON, FUEL POURED FROM UNDER THE TANK. WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS THAT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND THE PUMP HAD DISCONNECTED. WHEN I TURNED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 9, 2016

2016 Ducati Scrambler — common questions

Is the 2016 Ducati Scrambler reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Ducati Scrambler have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Ducati Scrambler. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Ducati Scrambler 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.