VehicleVerdict

2018 Ktm 690 Duke problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2018 Ktm 690 Duke — 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other 690 Duke years?

690 Duke NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted14 complaints2009: 0 complaints2013: 4 complaints2014: 6 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 14 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 0 complaints
690 Duke NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 690 Duke years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Ktm 690 Duke problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System583%
Electrical System117%

Does the 2018 Ktm 690 Duke have recalls?

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

21V792000TransmissionOctober 12, 2021 · 8,398 units

Defect

KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2018-2020 690 Enduro R, Vitpilen 701, 701 Enduro, 701 Supermoto, 2019-2020 690 SMC R, Svartpilen, 2018-2019 690 Duke, and 2020 701 Enduro LR motorcycles. The bellow-style gasket on the clutch slave cylinder may have been damaged during manufacturing, which could cause the clutch to become inoperable and not disengage when the clutch lever is pulled in.

Consequence

An inoperable clutch increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the clutch slave cylinder and replace it if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 3, 2021. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's numbers for this recall are KTB2112 and HTB2110.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Gasoline had visibly leaked from the fuel filler cap on the plastic fuel tank. Liquid fuel and fuel vapors are freely exiting the tank. This presents an extreme fire risk. There is an active recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V388000) for 2016-2017 production of the same model. This recall should be…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 20, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KTM 690 DUKE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HE WAS WALKING BACKWARDS TO TURN THE MOTORCYCLE AROUND WITH THE GEARBOX IN NEUTRAL AND THE CLUTCH LEVER ENGAGED, THE MOTORCYCLE WAS STARTED AND THE CLUTCH FAILED CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE TO ACCELERATE INADVERTENTLY. THE CONTACT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 27, 2021

2018 Ktm 690 Duke — common questions

Is the 2018 Ktm 690 Duke reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Ktm 690 Duke have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Ktm 690 Duke. 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.