2012 Zero Zero DS Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2012 Zero Zero DS has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 2,172 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM 18V215000 2018-04-04 218 affected
Defect

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.

Consequence

An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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…

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13V635000 2013-12-18 667 affected
Defect

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.

Consequence

A sudden loss of power to the motor may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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, 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.

EQUIPMENT 12V455000 2012-09-17 315 affected
Defect

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,…

Consequence

A loss of power could lead to a crash and potential injury or death of the rider.

Remedy

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 12V310000 2012-07-02 254 affected
Defect

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.

Consequence

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER CAN LEAD TO A CRASH AND POTENTIAL INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.

Remedy

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 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.

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 2012 Zero Zero DS as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.