How many recalls does the 2011 Zero S have?

The 2011 Zero S has 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 2011 Zero S has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2011 Zero S?

Of 3 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is electrical system.

2011 Zero S Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2011 Zero S has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 718 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 13V329000 2013-07-30 268 affected

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 12V307000 2012-06-29 450 affected

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Complaints by component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Total complaints3

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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…”

ENGINE · reported 2013-01-28

“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…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2013-01-28

“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…”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · reported 2013-01-28

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2011 Zero S as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.