VehicleVerdict

1999 Kawasaki Vn1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1999 Kawasaki Vn1500 — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Vn1500 years?

Vn1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted3 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 1 complaints
Vn1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vn1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Kawasaki Vn1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine150%
Other150%

Does the 1999 Kawasaki Vn1500 have recalls?

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

99V067000Fuel SystemApril 6, 1999 · 2,779 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES (VN1500-J1/L) EQUIPPED WITH A DIGITAL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AND A VEHICLE-DOWN SENSOR. THIS FEATURE IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM FROM CONTINUING TO PUMP FUEL IF THE MOTORCYCLE FALLS DOWN, BY SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION AND FUEL INJECTION PUMP. DURING BATTERY MAINTENANCE, THE VEHICLE-DOWN SENSOR CAN BE DISLODGED FROM ITS NORMAL MOUNTED POSITION. IF THE SENSOR IS OUT OF POSITION, THE MOTORCYCLE MAY NOT START OR MAY STALL DURING CERTAIN DRIVING MANEUVERS.

Consequence

IF THE SENSOR IS NOT CORRECTLY INSTALLED, THE ENGINE CAN CRANK BUT NOT START OR THE ENGINE COULD STOP DURING CERTAIN RIDING SITUATIONS, LIKE LEANING OVER IN A TURN. SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD CAUSE THE OPERATOR TO LOSE THEIR BALANCE RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER MOUNTING OF THE SENSOR AND RE-INSTALL IF IT IS NOT IN THE CORRECT POSITION. DEALERS WILL ALSO AFFIX TO THE MOTORCYCLE FRAME, A WARNING LABEL THAT PROVIDES INSTRUCTIONS ON REPOSITIONING THE VEHICLE-DOWN SENSOR AFTER SERVICING THE BATTERY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUME RIS UNABLE TO SEE OIL PUMP GEAR LIGHT DURING DAYLIGHT HOUS., SUN PROVIDES POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. ASKING NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 30, 1999

“DRIVING IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF A 6 LANE HIGHWAY DOING ABOUT 75 MPH. EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE ON 1999 KAWASAKI VULCAN NOMAD AND COMPLETE ENGINE STALL TWO VEHICLES BEHIND ME ALMOST RAN ME OVER AND ENDED UP WITH ONE REAR ENDING ANOTHER. I NARROWLY ESCAPED A HIT FROM BEHIND. SOME INTERNET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 30, 2010 · crash

1999 Kawasaki Vn1500 — common questions

Is the 1999 Kawasaki Vn1500 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Kawasaki Vn1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Kawasaki Vn1500. 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.