VehicleVerdict

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan — 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.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Vulcan years?

Vulcan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted11 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 9 complaints1997: 8 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 8 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 3 complaints2003: 8 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 11 complaints2006: 3 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 0 complaints
Vulcan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vulcan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine240%
Transmission240%
Brakes120%

Does the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan have recalls?

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

10V507000BrakesOctober 19, 2010 · 6,187 units

Defect

KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 VULCAN MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE MAY STALL IF THE RIDER IS COASTING WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED IN DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).

Consequence

ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU WITH ONE CONTAINING REVISED SETTINGS TO ADDRESS THE ENGINE STALLING. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 1-866-802-9381.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KAWASAKI VULCAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME STUCK IN THIRD AND FIFTH GEARS, CAUSING DIFFICULTY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO POP THE VEHICLE OUT OF GEAR AND RE-ENGAGE. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE CLUTCH IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 18, 2009

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KAWASAKI VULCAN 1700 VOYAGER MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING THE BIKE, THERE WAS A LOUD WHISTLING NOISE EMITTED CONTINUOUSLY. THE BIKE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE UNDER DRIVE PULLEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 6, 2010

“2009 KAWASAKI VULCAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE STALLING RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, DUE TO THE STALLING ISSUE. FINALLY, WHILE RIDING THE BIKE ONE DAY, IT STALLED AGAIN. ONLY THIS TIME, THE CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT, AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 2, 2013 · crash

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan — common questions

Is the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan. 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.