2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train (1)
Safety recalls (1)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/Mechanical 2020-12-11 · campaign 20V774000 · 1,770 vehicles ⚠ DO NOT DRIVE
Defect: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2021 Z400 ABS (ER400D), Ninja 400 (EX400H) and Ninja 400 ABS (EX400G) motorcycles. The strength of the camshaft chain tensioner may be insufficient due to improper heat treatment, possibly causing it to be damaged.
Risk: A damaged camshaft chain tensioner can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: KMC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the camshaft chain tensioner, free of charge. Note: Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC's number for this recall is MC20-13.
Service bulletins (2)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Structure 2024-01-25 · MC24-01 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service information about a shipping bracket attaching the motorcycle to the crate can cause damage to the motorcycle fuel tank if removed.
Engine 2020-12-08 · MC20-05 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some newly-released 2021 kawasaki models require âservice activationâ before delivery to the customer. the main purpose of this is to record the "service activation" date of the vehicle.
What owners report
2024-11-27 · Power Train · 💥 crash“this issue has been documented on hundreds of kawasaki ninja400 motorcycles ranging from 2019 to 2023. the clutch will malfunction and slip with miles as low as 200. i personally have a ninja 400 from the dealership with 7000 miles on it and the clutch is indeed slipping abnormally and this has almost caused me in many times to loose control as it …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.