KTM Recalls Over 20,000 Dirt Bikes Due to Faulty Brake Calipers: What Riders Should Know

As skilled Kansas City personal injury and wrongful death trial lawyers, Kendall Law Group is committed to safeguarding the well-being of motorcyclists and their families by alerting them to serious safety hazards. A new recall issued by KTM North America highlights a pressing risk that could lead to severe injuries or even death. Over 21,600 dirt bikes have been recalled due to a faulty front brake caliper that could fail unexpectedly, posing a substantial crash hazard.

If you or your teen is a motocross enthusiast or an avid dirt bike rider, here is what you need to know.

Overview of the Brake Caliper Recall

On May 15, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) publicly announced a widespread recall involving motorcycles sold by KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS. The problem lies in the front brake caliper assembly, which may include a defective internal component that could fracture or malfunction under pressure.

Key Points of the Recall:

• Issue: Front brake caliper defect may lead to complete brake failure.
• Hazard: Sudden loss of braking capability, increasing crash risk.
• Models Impacted: KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS off-road bikes (2024 & 2025).
• Units Recalled: Approximately 21,600 units sold between October 2023 and March 2024.
• Status: No injuries reported yet, but recall initiated after internal testing.

List of Affected Dirt Bike Models

The following models are part of the recall:

These bikes are commonly used in off-road racing and motocross environments, where braking performance is critical to rider safety.

Why Brake Failure Is a Life-Threatening Risk

Braking systems are among the most crucial safety features on any motorcycle. The front brake typically contributes up to 70% of total stopping power. In the case of off-road motorcycles, the importance of reliable front brakes is even greater due to the rough, uneven terrain riders often face.

Consequences of Brake Failure May Include:

• High-speed crashes
• Ejection from the motorcycle
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Multiple bone fractures
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• In tragic cases, fatal accidents

Even experienced riders with strong reflexes may not be able to compensate for a sudden, unresponsive brake system, turning what should be a safe ride into a devastating accident.

What Motorcycle Owners Should Do Now

KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS owners who suspect their motorcycle is part of the recall must act without delay.

Immediate Steps to Take:

1. STOP USING THE MOTORCYCLE IMMEDIATELY!
2. Locate your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and visit the CPSC Recall Website to verify your bike’s recall status.
3. Contact an authorized dealership to schedule a free inspection and replacement of the defective brake caliper.
4. Do not attempt to fix the issue yourself. Only certified mechanics should perform the repair.

Manufacturers and dealers have been instructed to handle these repairs at no cost to the customer.

Your Legal Rights After an Injury Due to a Recalled Motorcycle

Manufacturers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure their vehicles are safe before releasing them into the market. If a defect like this brake caliper issue results in an injury or death, affected individuals and families may be entitled to compensation under product liability laws.

Compensation May Cover:

• Medical bills and hospital stays
• Emergency response and transport
• Lost wages or future earning potential
• Ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)

The skilled personal injury and wrongful death trial lawyers at Kendal Law Group in Kansas City have been helping individuals and families put their lives back together after disaster strikes for over three decades. If you or your loved one has been seriously injured due to a defect, you need a skilled trial team by your side to secure the compensation you deserve.

Kansas City Product Liability Lawsuit

A product liability lawsuit in Missouri or Kansas is a type of civil action filed against a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, or retailer for placing a defective product into the hands of a consumer that caused injury, death, or damages. Both states allow individuals harmed by unsafe or defective products to seek compensation, although the legal standards and limitations differ between the two jurisdictions.

Basis of Product Liability Claims

Both Missouri and Kansas recognize three primary legal theories that may support a product liability claim:

• Strict Liability: In Missouri, a manufacturer or seller can be held liable regardless of negligence if the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous when it left the seller’s control. In Kansas, strict liability is more limited and is governed by the Kansas Product Liability Act (KPLA), which narrows the circumstances under which it may be applied.
• Negligence: The plaintiff must show that the manufacturer or seller failed to use reasonable care in the design, manufacturing, or warning about the product, leading to injury.
• Breach of Warranty: This includes violations of express or implied warranties that the product would be safe and fit for its intended use. These claims are based on provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Types of Product Defects

Product liability cases typically involve one or more of the following defect types:

• Design Defect: The product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even if manufactured correctly.
• Manufacturing Defect: The product deviated from its intended design due to an error during manufacturing, making it unsafe.
• Failure to Warn (Marketing Defect): The product lacked adequate instructions, warnings, or labeling about potential risks.

Missouri Product Liability Law

• Missouri follows strict liability principles based on the Restatement (Second) of Torts § 402A.
• To prevail, a plaintiff must show:
  • The product was in a defective condition, unreasonably dangerous.
  • The defect existed when the product left the seller’s control.
  • The defect caused the injury or damage.
• Pure comparative fault applies under RSMo § 537.765, allowing damages to be reduced in proportion to the plaintiff’s share of fault.
• Statute of Limitations: 5 years from the date of injury. (RSMo § 516.120)
• Missouri does not have a statute of repose for product liability cases.

Kansas Product Liability Law

• Kansas product liability claims are governed by the Kansas Product Liability Act (KPLA), K.S.A. 60-3301 et seq.
• Kansas law is generally less favorable to plaintiffs than Missouri, with more limits on strict liability and broader statutory defenses.
• Courts may apply a “consumer expectation” test, or a risk-utility balancing test, particularly in design defect cases.
• Defenses include:
  • Comparative fault
  • Product misuse
  • Product modification or alteration
  • Assumption of risk (K.S.A. § 60-3302)
• Statute of Limitations: 2 years from the date of injury. (K.S.A. § 60-513)
• Statute of Repose: 10 years from the date of first sale to any consumer. No claim may be filed beyond this period, regardless of when the injury occurred. (K.S.A. § 60-513b)

While both Missouri and Kansas provide avenues for holding manufacturers and sellers accountable for defective products, the differences in their legal frameworks are significant. Missouri provides broader protection through strict liability and a longer statute of limitations, while Kansas imposes tighter restrictions, especially through its statute of repose and comparative fault defenses. Victims of product-related injuries should consult with an attorney familiar with each state’s nuances to evaluate their rights and options.

Why Choose Kendall Law Group

Our attorneys have deep experience handling injury claims related to defective automotive components. We know how to challenge major manufacturers and uncover the evidence needed to hold them accountable.

We Offer:

• Free initial consultations
• No upfront legal fees – we do not get paid unless you win
• Aggressive advocacy and strategic litigation
• Compassionate, client-first legal representation

Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Trial Lawyers Near You

If you or someone you care about has been involved in an accident due to a brake failure or another defect, do not face the aftermath alone. Contact Kendall Law Group to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who understands the legal and technical complexities of motorcycle recalls.

📞CALL NOW for a free case evaluation reach out HERE

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I check if my dirt bike is part of this recall?

Use your VIN to search the CPSC recall page or contact your local authorized dealer.

2. What if I already had my bike repaired at my own expense?

You may be entitled to reimbursement. Contact the manufacturer or dealership with proof of payment.

3. Are there any reported injuries from this defect?

As for the recall announcement, no injuries have been reported, but the risk remains high.

4. Can I sue KTM if I was injured before the recall?

Yes. If a defective part contributed to your accident, you may have grounds for a product liability claim.

5. How long does the repair process take?

Most dealers can complete the brake caliper replacement within a few days, depending on parts availability.

6. Will I need to prove that the defect caused my accident?

Yes, and that’s where Kendall Law Group comes in. Our team gathers the necessary evidence and collaborates with experts to build your case.

Additional Resources

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How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney

Understanding the Full Scope of Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries in Kansas City

How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Catastrophic Injury Case in Kansas City

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