2021 Ktm 690 Smc R problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure:body (2) · Fuel/Propulsion System (2)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
What owners report
2026-09-20 · Structure:body“description of defect: i am reporting a severe safety hazard regarding the plastic fuel tank on my 2021 ktm 690. on this specific motorcycle architecture, the plastic fuel tank is a load-bearing, structural component that acts as the rear subframe. the rear passenger footpegs and the entire rear seat assembly mount directly onto this plastic fuel …”
2026-08-11 · Structure:body“the fuel tank has been expanding consistently now for the past few years. it has began to crack the attachment points for the body plastics. i sent pictures and reported this years ago to ktm and they told me it would have to be inspected which they may not cover and even still wouldn’t guarantee it would be replaced/fixed. this puts my safety at r…”
2025-07-19 · Fuel/Propulsion System“the fuel tank is expanding, leading to the fairings cracking, especially the right hand side (rear). two fairings have been cracked and it’s impossible to refit them. the tank vent is working and on multiple occasions has vented fuel out in the garage. multiple people reported ethanol to play a role in the expansion of the tank, however this bike h…”
2025-05-28 · Fuel/Propulsion System“the fuel tank is swelling so much that all the plastics are breaking and the tank itself is just about touching the exhaust header clamp. im getting worried it may explode if it touches the exhaust clamp.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.