- The problem
- Zero Motorcycles Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 XU, S, DS, and model year 2013 FX motorcycles. The affected motorcycles have controller firmware that, as a result of certain system faults, may shut off power to the motor.
- The risk
- A sudden loss of power to the motor may increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Zero will notify owners, and dealers will update the controller firmware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-January 2014. Owners may contact Zero at 1-888-786-9376.
Vehicle safety record
2013 Zero DS Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2013 Zero DS with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in December 2013 for the software. For comparison, the 2012 has 2 and the 2014 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical DS year, for its age
#399 most complained-about 2013 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2013 Zero DS problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2013 Zero DS recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
Be the first DS owner to share.
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1 complaints about the 2013 Zero DS
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Bought used 2013 zero ds. Bike would emit noise while coming to a stop that sounded like rubbing metal but could not determine source. Now I'm pretty sure it was the forks. Was adjusting suspension and discovered fork oil leaking out of left fork at the bottom after short ride. Fortunately, able to clean up oil before it got on front rotor. Leaked a teaspoon amount in a short time. Discovered that this was a common problem with web search, that could lead to fork becoming loose (see youtube video in first link). ...
Read the full complaint
Http://electricmotorcycleforum.Com/boards/index.Php?Topic=3790.0 Http://electricmotorcycleforum.Com/boards/index.Php?Topic=6487.0 Http://electricmotorcycleforum.Com/boards/index.Php?Topic=3784.0 Bike only has 4k miles on it. Oil on rotor is a safety issue, bike braking performance will diminish. Fork oil leaking out of fork can affect handling, which may result in a crash. Fork become loose could result in a crash.
Zero DS: every year compared
All DS years2013 Zero DS vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Zero DS | 1 | 1 | C | |
| 2013 Zero S | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2013 Zero DS
Does the 2013 Zero DS have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Zero DS: software (December 2013). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Zero DS?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (1).
How many complaints has the 2013 Zero DS had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 9, 2018 and the latest on June 9, 2018. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2013 Zero DS a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 43 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Zero DS year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Zero DS years have the most complaints?
2012 (2), 2013 (1), 2015 (1). See every Zero DS year compared.
What should I do if my 2013 Zero DS has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data