The 2020 Ktm 790 Adventure has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 6,871 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC21V3040002021-04-303,707 affected
Defect
KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 KTM 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, and 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally motorcycles. The front brake master cylinder piston return spring may be too weak to return the brake piston to its original position, reducing the functionality of the front brake.
Consequence
A front brake with reduced functionality may increase the distance required to stop as well as the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the return spring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is KTM2106.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC20V1980002020-04-063,164 affected
Defect
KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R motorcycles. The rear brake hose may overheat, causing the rear brake system to fail.
Consequence
If the rear brake system fails, there would be reduced braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
KTM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new rear brake line, free of charge. The recall began April 28, 2020. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM's number for this recall is TB2011.
Complaints by component
ENGINE
7
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
1
POWER TRAIN
1
SERVICE BRAKES
1
SUSPENSION
1
Total complaints13
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“At approximately 14,700 miles, the motor on the bike shut off abruptly while riding at 60 mph down the road while negotiating a blind curve. The vehicle was catastrophically disabled with no warning sounds, lights, or codes and left me stranded in an area with limited cell reception and in a blind…”
“The main rear shock shaft seal has failed on two separate occasions causing shock oil to spill all over the catalytic converter posing a huge risk for fire. On both failure instances the motorcycle was being transported on a motorcycle specific hitch rack on the back of my pickup truck. The first…”
“The engine’s intake crank lobe (left side) and it’s follower wore unexpectedly to a point that the engine is unusable without inspection and replacement of internal parts. All manufacturer’s service instructions were strictly adhered to and the motorcycle (and original engine) has little…”
“* severe camshaft lobe and follower wear at 17,500 miles with very loud valve knock. I have photos of the wear, and the motorcycle is currently at the dealer for work. And yes, it is available for inspection. *valve clearance check is due @ 18,600 miles. I checked my valves at 17,500 due to a long…”
“Riding at a constant speed in either 3rd or 4th gear, approx. 30-40mph. Was preparing to make a left turn in the left turn lane so began decelerating by downshifting through all gears until reaching neutral. Once I got to neutral, the engine stalled within 1 or 2 seconds later. Light braking was…”
“The contact owns a 2020 ktm 790 duke. The contact stated while riding approximately 30 mph, the rear brake light failed to illuminate unless the brake pedal was fully depressed, not while slightly first applying the brake. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken…”
“The vehicle can take 4-6 attempts to start when cold. Following the exact procedures in the owner's manual, or attempting other things like putting a hand over the exhaust to increase back pressure or slightly adding throttle during start makes no difference. This has the potential to be a serious…”
“Motorcycle takes multiple attempts to start and run - minimum 3 at this point.”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2020 Ktm 790 Adventure as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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