VehicleVerdict

2001 Kawasaki Ninja problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2001 Kawasaki Ninja — 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. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

9

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Ninja years?

Ninja NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted11 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 2 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 11 complaints2001: 9 complaints2002: 3 complaints2003: 7 complaints2004: 9 complaints2005: 1 complaints2014: 1 complaints2018: 3 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 1 complaints
Ninja NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ninja years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Kawasaki Ninja problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission444%
Electrical System111%
Speed Control111%
Steering111%
Body & Structure111%
Suspension111%

Does the 2001 Kawasaki Ninja have recalls?

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

02V324000Electrical SystemDecember 6, 2002 · 9,787 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN 2000 ZX1200-A1/A1-L, 2001 ZX1200-A2/A2-L, AND 2002-2003 ZX1200-B1/B1-L MOTORCYCLES, OIL LEAKING FROM THE ALTERNATOR LEAD ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR CAN BE DEPOSITED ONTO THE REAR TIRE.

Consequence

THIS CAN CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A LOSS OF TRACTION FOR BRAKING OR CORNERING, AND CAN LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL SEAL THE ALTERNATOR LEAD WIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN BEGIN DECEMBER 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KAWASAKI AT 1-949-770-0400.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE SPEEDOMETER IS INACCURATE UP TO ABOUT 10% AT 70 MPH, CONSUMER STATES THIS CAUSES HIM NOT TO KNOW THE ACTUAL SPEED, ALSO THE ODOMETER IS ACCRUING MILES ON THE MOTORCYCLE THAT ARE NOT ACTUALLY BEING DRIVEN.*JB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

“OIL LEAKING OUT OF THE TAIL SECTION OF MY MOTORCYCLE (2001 KAWASAKI ZX-12R) CORRECTED BY DEALER. CONTINUED OIL IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HAS CAUSED OVERHEATING AND MELTING OF THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THERE IS A HOLE BURNT THROUGH THE CONNECTOR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 15, 2003

“HANDLEBARD WOULD NOT STRAITEN OUT, CAUSING ME TO LAY THE BIKE DOWN, DAMAGING THE GAS TANK, HANDLEBARS. NOTICED THE DISCONNECTED SPEEDOMETER CABLE AND SCRATCH EVIDENCE OF WHERE IT SNAGGED THE STEERING FORK.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 23, 2001

“LEFT SIDE SHIFTER PEG BRACKET BROKE WHILE BACKING MOTORCYCLE OUT OF DRIVEWAY, MOTORCYCLE WAS TOTALED, DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 1, 2002

2001 Kawasaki Ninja — common questions

Is the 2001 Kawasaki Ninja reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 Kawasaki Ninja have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Kawasaki Ninja. 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.