Motorcycle manufacturer Ducati North America will recall approximately 1,500 recently-built motorcycles equipped with faulty timing chain tensioners.
The Mountain View, California-based manufacturer will recall 1,502 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4, 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4 S, and 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4 SP vehicles built between March 9, 2017 and Nov. 23, 2018.
The affected vehicles’ timing chain tensioners can loosen, causing oil leaks under extreme riding conditions. A loose timing chair tensioner can let oil leak from the tensioner adjustment bolt, increasing crash risk.
Ducati received a report of oil leaking from the tensioner on July 17, 2018 from a European dealer. The company immediately began an internal investigation on that case and decided on Nov. 27, 2018 to conduct a worldwide safety recall.
Ducati will notify owners and dealers will tighten the timing chain tensioner bolts for free. The recall is expected to begin January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Owners can also visit the NHTSA’s website, and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
Lemon laws vary throughout the country on whether they cover motorcycles, but the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act covers motorcycles regardless of state.
The manufacturer of your vehicle is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires motorcycle manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide the loss value of your recalled vehicle, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to assist you. Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.