VehicleVerdict

2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R — 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Ninja ZX-10R years?

Ninja ZX-10R NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted6 complaints2004: 6 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 2 complaints2016: 3 complaints2022: 1 complaints
Ninja ZX-10R NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ninja ZX-10R years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3100%

Does the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R have recalls?

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

16V102000SteeringFebruary 23, 2016 · 544 units

Defect

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ninja ZX-10R and Ninja ZX-10R ABS motorcycles, models ZX1000RGFAL, ZX1000RGFL, ZX1000SGFAL and ZX1000SGFL, manufactured October 28, 2015, to January 18, 2016. In the affected motorcycles, the steering damper bracket mounting bolts may break due to being over tightened.

Consequence

If the steering damper bracket mounting bolts break, the steering damper bracket would detach and could interfere with steering the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering damper bracket mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 29, 2016. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki's number for this recall is MC16-03.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R, broken gear in transmission. Motorcycle is available for inspection. There has already been a safety recall for this very problem. When researching my VIN through Kawasaki, it states that it has been resolved. I am the third owner of this motorcycle. This could have resulted…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 21, 2023

2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R — common questions

Is the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R reliable?

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

Does the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. 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.