VehicleVerdict

2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8fl problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8fl — 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.

2

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 Ex250j8fl problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes150%
Engine150%

Does the 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8fl 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.

“KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP. HAS DECIDED THAT TWO DEFECTS WHICH RELATE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXIST IN 2008 NINJA 250R MODELS (EX250J8F/L) ON ELIGIBLE UNITS WHEN THE FRONT FORK IS COMPRESSED THE BRAKE HOSE MAY MOVE FORWARD AND COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EDGE OF THE FRONT FORK. THIS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 12, 2008

“KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP. HAS DECIDED THAT TWO DEFECTS WHICH RELATE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXIST IN 2008 NINJA 250R MODELS (EX250J8F/L) ON ELIGIBLE UNITS WHEN THE FRONT FORK IS COMPRESSED THE BRAKE HOSE MAY MOVE FORWARD AND COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EDGE OF THE FRONT FORK. THIS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 12, 2008

2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8fl — common questions

Is the 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8fl reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8fl have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Kawasaki Ex250j8fl. 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.