Vehicle safety record

2012 Zero Zero S Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2012 Zero Zero S with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in April 2018 for the 12v / 24v / 48v battery.

Share your experience See 6 recalls Read complaints

NHTSA data checked 14 hours ago

-/100Safety Index

Rated once enough Zero S years are on file

#360 most complained-about 2012 vehicle

Complaints: 1
Recalls: 6
Crashes: 1
Fires: 0
Injuries: 0
Deaths: 0

Most common 2012 Zero Zero S problems

Wheels & tires1100%

Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2012 Zero Zero S recalls 6

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

Electrical system: 12v / 24v / 48v battery

18V215000Apr 4, 2018218 vehicles affected

Do not drive

The problem: Zero Motorcycles (Zero) is recalling all 2012 Zero S, Zero DS, and Zero DSP (Police) motorcycles. Cell pouches in the battery packs may wear from contact with the holders, allowing humidity to enter the pouch and cause an electrical short within the battery.
The risk: An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Zero Motorcycles will notify owners and offer them a choice of either the repurchase of their motorcycle or a financial trade-assist towards a newer model year Zero Motorcycles motorcycle. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. Zero's number for this recall is SV-ZMC-018-383. Note: Since owners are advised to no longer ride or charge the affected motorcycles, Zero Motorcycles dealers will arrange for the collection of the affected motorcycle at no charge to the owners.

Electrical system: software

13V635000Dec 18, 2013667 vehicles affected

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.

Service brakes: caliper

13V329000Jul 30, 2013268 vehicles affected

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.

Equipment: electrical

12V455000Sep 17, 2012315 vehicles affected

The problem: Zero Motorcycles, Inc. (Zero Motorcycles) is recalling certain model year 2012 S and DS motorcycles. These motorcycles are equipped with a motor encoder position signal that may drift over the extended use of the motorcycle. If the signal drifts outside of the given parameters, the motor controller may shut off, resulting in the motorcycle inadvertently losing power.
The risk: A loss of power could lead to a crash and potential injury or death of the rider.
The fix: Zero Motorcycles will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the motorcycle's motor controller free of charge. The safety recall began on September 28, 2012. Owners may contact Zero Motorcycles, Inc. at 1-888-786-9376.

Electrical system: 12v / 24v / 48v battery

12V310000Jul 2, 2012254 vehicles affected

The problem: Zero motorcycles, inc. (Zero) is recalling certain model year 2012 s, ds, x, xu, and xu-lsm motorcycles. Insufficient weatherproofing may cause a short circuit of the battery management system when subjected to wet conditions, resulting in the motorcycle inadvertently losing power.
The risk: Sudden loss of power can lead to a crash and potential injury or death to the rider.
The fix: Zero will notify owners, and dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on july 31, 2012. Owners may contact zero motorcycles, inc. At 1-888-786-9376.

Exterior lighting: switch

12V307000Jun 29, 2012450 vehicles affected

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

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1 complaints about the 2012 Zero Zero S

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Wheels & tiresCrash

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 zero zero s. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the front wheel suddenly seized and caused the vehicle to flip over then crash. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 600. *Tr

2012 Zero Zero S vs rivals

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Grade
2012 Zero Zero S	1	6	1	-
2012 Zero DS	2	0	0	B	Compare
2012 Zero X	1	2	0	-	Compare
2012 Zero S	1	0	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 2012 Zero Zero S

Does the 2012 Zero Zero S have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Zero Zero S: 12v / 24v / 48v battery (April 2018); software (December 2013); caliper (July 2013); electrical (September 2012) and more. 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 2012 Zero Zero S?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (1).

How many complaints has the 2012 Zero Zero S had?

1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 5, 2013 and the latest on June 5, 2013. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

What should I do if my 2012 Zero 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 14 hours ago. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data