VehicleVerdict

2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX — 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.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX have recalls?

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

22V912000EngineDecember 9, 2022 · 3,172 units

Defect

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ZX1000, 2018 ZX1002A, ZX1002B, 2019-2021 ZX1002D, 2019-2022 ZX1002J, 2020-2023 ZR1000K, 2021-2022 ZR1000L, 2022 ZX1002R, and 2023 ZR1002L (Ninja H2, Ninja H2 Carbon, Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SX SE, Ninja H2 SX SE+, Z H2, and Z H2 SE) motorcycles. Please see the attached model information chart for a detailed list of model codes, names and years. The plunger in the camshaft chain tensioner may lock, which can result in an engine stall while riding.

Consequence

An engine stall while riding can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the camshaft chain tensioner, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2022. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381.

21V594000SuspensionJuly 30, 2021 · 857 units

Defect

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2018 Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SX SE, and 2019-2021 Ninja H2 SX SE+ motorcycles. An insufficient amount of grease in the rear hub needle-bearing may cause it to fail, which could result in the rear wheel locking up.

Consequence

Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the needle-bearing, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2021. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC's number for this recall is MC21-04.

20V676000Electrical SystemNovember 2, 2020 · 799 units

Defect

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SXSE, and 2019-2020 Ninja H2 SXSE+ motorcycles. In the event of a gear misengagement the engine electronic control unit (ECU) programming doesn't have the capability to suppress high RPM during transmission. If the transmission gears are not properly engaged while shifting into 4th or 5th gear, high engine RPM can cause the output gears of 4th or 5th to fracture when the gears re-engage.

Consequence

Damaged gears and the inability to shift can cause the engine to lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

KMC will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair has been completed. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC's number for this recall is MC20-10.

2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX — common questions

Is the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX. 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.