Zero Motorcycles Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain 2018 S ZF13.0, S ZF7.2, SR ZF14.4, DS ZF13.0, DSR ZF14.4, FX ZF7.2, and FXS ZF7.2 motorcycles. The information on the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) Label may indicate the wrong model year. As...
2009-2026 · 9 model years
Zero S Problems by year
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the Zero S across 9 model years, and it has 7 recalls. The 2026 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (1). The most reported problem area is the brakes, followed by the electrical system.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
S complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common S problems
Zero S recalls 7
Zero Motorcycles Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2015 SR, S, DS, and FX motorcycles. The affected motorcycles have a DC-DC converter that may have insufficient output power. During high power demand, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) may not...
Zero Motorcycles, Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2014 Zero SR motorcycles manufactured December 30, 2013, through February 20, 2014, 2014 Zero S motorcycles manufactured December 26, 2013, through February 18, 2014, Zero DS motorcycles...
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.
Zero Motorcycles is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 S and DS motorcycles. On the affected motorcycles, the front caliper mounting bolts are susceptible to corrosion which could lead to their cracking and possible fracture.
Zero motorcycles, inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 s, xu, and ds motorcycles, model year 2011 mxd, and xd motorcycles and 2012 x motorcycles. The brake light switch at the front brake lever may not activate until significant brake...
Zero motorcycles is recalling certain model year 2009 zero s motorcycles built from september 2, 2009 through december 22, 2009; model year 2009 zero ds motorcycles built from july 27, 2009 through december 28, 2009; model year 2010 zero s motorcycles built...
Latest S complaints
The contact owns a 2026 Z Electric Motorcycle T3V3 Trike. The contact stated that after receiving the motorcycle, it was discovered that the ammo box top failed to remain closed while operating the motorcycle. Additionally, the contact discovered several electrical failures with the motorcycle. The contact stated that the odometer was inoperable, and the battery charge was incorrect. While riding the motorcycle, the motorcycle bucked and vibrated violently, and the right-side reflector dislodged from the...
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motorcycle. During the failure, the contact injured a hand, which required medical attention. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was contacted about the failures, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 10.
DC to DC converter failed with less than 1200 miles on motorcycle, disabling brake lights, headlight, horn, turn signals and hazards lights.
I was breaking significantly (using the maximum setting for the regenerative breaking feature) and the brake light did not come on. This is not a fault, merely a design flaw or oversight. To my knowledge it affects all of zero's models for every year. I was in motion on city streets and highways.
This motorcycle shut off while I was riding it on 1.28.14 - It was towed to the shop and mechanic & shop owner could not solve the problem. They were able to get bike running and I picked it up. Bike died again - same thing - shut off while riding on 3.25.14. This time bike was taken to shop and they again said they didn't know why this was happening or how to fix it. At this point I wanted them to buy the bike back from me as it was dangerous to ride if it was shutting down while I was riding it. The shop...
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owner put me in contact with zero - the manufacturer to discuss this possibility. Zero refused to take motorcycle off road and claimed they had never had a complaint of motorcycle powering down while riding. It turns out they weren't being honest -the same model of my motorcycle, year 2012 model has been recalled for this same problem while my model year 2011 has not been recalled. The mechanic at my dealer told me that many people had same complaint, zero was lying and the only good place for my moto was the garbage. They tried to fix my bike but it still powers down after approximately 9 miles and leaves me stranded (avg on this bike is listed at 43 miles before needing recharge). This bike and the other 2011 model s need to be recalled completely since zero can't fix the problem all 2011 s model riders are all at risk. Please reference the recall of 2012 motorcycle http://www-odi.Nhtsa.Dot.Gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/ucm427143/rcak-12v455-9849.Pdf thank you *tr
I was invited by the zero motorcycle factory to test ride their electric motorcycle at a local dealer. After a mile or two, the first hard braking caused a wheel lockup with an immediate crash. I was seriously injured and subsequently had to be hospitalized 3 times for those injuries and for complications and surgery. I later discovered that bikes of the same type as the one I was riding, the 2012 zero model s, had been the subject of two factory recalls for front brake problems, one of which could result in the...
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wheel locking up and causing a crash. My injuries included brain concussion, subdural hematoma, severe lacerations of both hands, broken rib, deep puncture wound to right knee, tendon injuries to left thumb and right elbow, facial lacerations and subsequent development of cellulitis in right leg with sepsis, and thigh abscess requiring surgery. *Tr
Two components of this motorcycle, the drive motor and the throttle control are susceptible to failure without warning. Both have failed twice on my motorcycle, the vehicle has less than 1800 miles on it today. Motor failures were while traveling on the road and caused an instant and irrecoverable loss of power. Luckily, in both cases it was in a 30 or 35 mph speed zone without much traffic, so I could safely retire to the side of the road. At higher speeds and with more traffic, this may not have been as easy...
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to accomplish. After the first incident, the manufacturer repaired the motor, saying that the brushes had failed. They told me that upgraded motor brushes had been put into the rebuilt motor. These new brushes lasted perhaps another 1000 miles of travel before the same type of failure occurred. Throttle control, in both cases, seem to have failed while the vehicle was at rest, so I don't know what the potential is for this to occur while in motion. The throttle controls, upon turning on the electric motorcycle, did not respond to input, i.E. The motorcycle would not move. The first time, the manufacturer replaced the throttle control. The second occurrence was yesterday, so I don't know how it will be resolved. This last occurrence is what finally prompted me to file this complaint about the real risk of sudden loss of power and the possible consequences. *Tr
Questions about the Zero S
Which Zero S years have the most problems?
Which Zero S years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Zero S problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the brakes (2), electrical system (2), engine & cooling (2) most often.
How many recalls does the Zero S have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls across all Zero S model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data