- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If a front caliper bolt fractures, the caliper may come loose and interfere with the rotation of the front wheel. This could cause the front wheel to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Zero Motorcycles will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front caliper bolts. The recall BEGAN ON August 16, 2013. Owners may contact Zero Motorcycles at 1-888-841-8085.
Vehicle safety record
2011 Zero S Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2011 Zero S with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (1) and the engine & cooling (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in July 2013 for the caliper. For comparison, the 2010 has 1 and the 2012 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical S year, for its age
#343 most complained-about 2011 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2011 Zero S problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2011 Zero S recalls 2
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
- The problem
- 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 lever travel occurs.
- The risk
- The brake light may not activate when a moderate amount of front brake is applied. As such, motorists traveling behind the motorcycle may not be alerted when an affected motorcycle is slowing down, which could lead to a possible crash and potential injury or death to the rider.
- The fix
- Zero will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front brake system brake-light switch free of charge. The safety recall began on august 3, 2012. Owners may contact zero motorcycles at 1-831-438-3500.
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 2011 Zero S
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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...
Read the full complaint
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
Zero S: every year compared
All S yearsQuestions about the 2011 Zero S
Does the 2011 Zero S have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Zero S: caliper (July 2013); switch (June 2012). 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 2011 Zero S?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (1), engine & cooling (1), acceleration & cruise control (1).
How many complaints has the 2011 Zero S had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 21, 2014 and the latest on November 21, 2014. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2011 Zero S a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 30 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Zero S 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 S years have the most complaints?
2010 (1), 2011 (1), 2012 (1). See every Zero S year compared.
What should I do if my 2011 Zero S 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