VehicleVerdict

2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8f problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8f — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

What are the most common 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8f problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1100%

Does the 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8f have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V158000EngineApril 8, 2008 · 487 units

Defect

KAWASAKI IS RECALLING 487 MY 2008 EX250J8F AND EX250J8FL MOTORCYCLES. AN ENGINE CRANKCASE VENT HOLE IN THE AIR FILTER BOX MAY BE BLOCKED. IF SO, AIR PRESSURE CAN BUILD UP INSIDE THE ENGINE, CAUSING THE CYLINDER HEAD COVER GASKET TO FAIL AND LEAK OIL.

Consequence

IF ENOUGH OIL LEAKS FROM THE ENGINE, IT COULD DRIP OR SPRAY ONTO THE REAR TIRE. THIS CAN CREATE THE RISK OF A CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE AIR FILTER BOX AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-866-802-9381.

08V115000BrakesMarch 11, 2008 · 1,526 units

Defect

KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MY 2008 EX250J8F AND EX250J8FL MOTORCYCLES. THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE MAY BE DAMAGED OVER A LONG PERIOD OF USE. THE BRAKE HOSE TENDS TO DEFLECT FORWARD DURING SUSPENSION TRAVEL. THIS ALLOWS THE BRAKE HOSE TO CONTACT THE EDGE OF THE FRONT FORK OUTER TUBE.

Consequence

OVER TIME, THIS CONTACT COULD DAMAGE THE BRAKE HOSE CAUSING THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK AND RESULTING IN A LACK OF FRONT BRAKE PERFORMANCE. THIS CAN CREATE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE BRACKET. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-866-802-9381.

08V052000LightingFebruary 5, 2008 · 532 units

Defect

KAWASAKI IS RECALLING 532 MY 2008 NINJA EX250J8F AND EX250J8FL MOTORCYCLES. THE TAIL LIGHT BULB MAY PREMATURELY FAIL.

Consequence

INAPPROPRIATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY CREATING THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAIL LIGHT BULB FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 866-802-9381.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MAIN WIRING HARNESS HOLDER HOOKS HAS WORN THROUGH THE INSULATION OF WIRES, CAUSING BARE SPOTS ON HOT WIRES. IT BEGAN AS NO HEADLAMP BEING LIT, THEN PROGRESSED TO A NO START SITUATION (HAD TO BUMP START IT), THEN PROGRESSED TO BLOWING FUSE. *TR WHEN I WAS TOLD WHAT WAS WRONG, I WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 10, 2011

2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8f — common questions

Is the 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8f reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8f have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8f. 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.