Zero Motorcycles is recalling certain electric dual-sports for a front brake hose that may be twisted and become damaged. NHTSA campaign 26V048 covers 118 bikes from model years 2024 and 2025, and the risk is a damaged hose that leaks brake fluid and loses brake pressure.
The recall was filed January 28, 2026. Owner letters were mailed February 23, and the repair is free.
The short version
- Who is affected: certain 2024-2025 Zero DS, DSR, DSR/X and DSRP motorcycles, 118 in total (campaign-wide, not per model).
- The problem: the front brake hose may be twisted and become damaged.
- The risk: a brake fluid leak and loss of brake pressure, which can reduce braking and cause loss of control.
- The fix: dealers inspect and replace the hose as necessary, free.
- Not covered: this is not a recall of the SR/F or other Zero models.
What NHTSA says
NHTSA’s record says the front brake hose may be twisted and become damaged, which can cause a fluid leak and a loss of brake pressure. The stated consequence is reduced braking ability and possible loss of vehicle control, increasing crash risk.
The record does not say how the hose becomes twisted, whether it happens at the factory or later, or whether any bike has actually lost its brakes. It also doesn’t say both brake circuits are affected. The recall is about the front hose.
Which Zeros are on the list
NHTSA lists these model and year combinations:
- DS: 2024 and 2025
- DSR: 2024 and 2025
- DSR/X: 2024 and 2025
- DSRP: 2024 and 2025
The 118 is the campaign total. Only certain bikes within those lines are included, so a VIN check is the only way to know.
The repair
Dealers will inspect and replace the hose as necessary. That wording matters: not every bike necessarily gets a new hose. Some may pass inspection. It’s free of charge either way. Zero’s own reference number for the recall is SV-RCL-025-017.2.
How to check
- Search your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls. NHTSA says affected VINs became searchable February 27, 2026.
- Or call Zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085 and quote SV-RCL-025-017.2.
- Book a Zero dealer for the hose inspection.
NHTSA says owner letters were mailed February 23, 2026. If you bought a bike used after that, the letter may have gone to the previous owner.
Before you ride
NHTSA’s flags don’t tell owners to park the bike. But the fault sits on the part you use to slow down, so a quick check is reasonable: squeeze the front lever with the bike stopped and see whether it feels firm, and look at the hose where it runs to the caliper for wetness or rubbing. If the lever feels soft or you find brake fluid anywhere, stop riding and call a dealer. That’s general brake advice, not something the recall describes. A sound lever and a dry hose don’t mean the bike is out of the recall, so still get it inspected.
What the record doesn’t say
NHTSA’s page has no crash or injury counts, no tally of repaired bikes and no repair time. It also doesn’t say how long a dealer takes to replace a hose.
Insurance, briefly
Brake problems are the kind of issue worth mentioning to your insurer if you have a claim, so it helps to have your recall paperwork handy. The recall itself doesn’t address coverage.
Bottom line
If you own a 2024 or 2025 Zero DS, DSR, DSR/X or DSRP, check your VIN or call 1-888-841-8085 and get the front brake hose inspected. It’s free and takes a dealer visit.
References
- NHTSA recall campaign 26V048, Zero DS family (checked October 6, 2026) — filing date, affected models and years, defect, consequence, remedy, owner letters and VIN-search date.