New model teething issues are always a reality, and it seems that the Ducati Panigale V4 is no exception to the rule. Finding not one, but two issues with the Panigale V4’s fueling system, Italy’s newest superbike is being recalled in the United States.
Both recalls seem to affect the full-lot of Panigale V4 models that have made it to US soil thus far this year, which means 692 units (base, S, and Special trim levels) are being recalled for two issues related to the bike’s fuel system.
As such, the first recall centers around the breathing system valve plug on the Panigale V4, which might have a fuel leak if the O-ring was damaged during production.
Accordingly, the second recall involves the fuel tank cap, which can spray gas when opened, because again of breathing issues within the fuel system.
In recall #1, the internal breathing system valve plug could leak from the outer diameter O-ring, because the O-ring could have been damaged during the valve plug installation process.
Additionally, Ducati says that the grease presence around the O-ring did not allow the supplier to detect the leakage during the quality control leakage test.
Adding more fuel to the fire, if you can excuse the expression, the low-level of fuel within the tank also did not allow detection of leakage during the production phase in the factory.
To remedy the situation, Ducati dealers will replace the O-ring with a new one.
For recall #2, Ducati says that the existing fuel cap is not able to vent properly in all conditions, and in certain cases – resulting from a combination of external temperature, bike usage, and quantity of fuel in the tank – there might be a pressure increase within the tank.
If this occurs, the difference of pressure allows the fuel to come out from the tank when opening the cap. To fix the problem, Ducati dealers will “rework” the cap to improve breathing.
Both of the remedies will be done free of charge to the owner, and are expected to start May 17, 2018.
Concerned Ducati Panigale V4 owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. As always, the NHTSA is also available at 1-888-327-4236 and safercar.gov
UPDATE: Ducati North America reached out to Asphalt & Rubber, and explained how today’s recalls are not related to a photo that went viral earlier this year, which showed a Panigale V4 that caught on fire.
Ducati North America says it will be releasing a rather detailed explanation of what happened in that situation, which you will find here on A&R, once it is released.
