Kawasaki Motorcycles: Engine Stall Risk Prompts Class Action Lawsuit

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges Kawasaki's 2025 KX450 series motorcycles are dangerously defective, with a faulty crankshaft causing unexpected engine stalls and crash hazards.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased a 2025 Kawasaki KX Series Motorcycle, specifically models: KX450, KX450SR, and KX450X.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Kawasaki is facing legal action over claims that its 2025 KX450 series motorcycles are dangerously defective, putting riders at serious risk. A new proposed class action lawsuit alleges that a faulty crankshaft can cause the engine to stall mid-ride, creating a crash hazard that could lead to severe or even life-threatening injuries.

A recall, announced on April 24, by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, affects three models in the 2025 KX450 line: the KX450, KX450SR, and KX450X. 

According to the complaint, the motorcycles’ crankshaft contains a gear that’s prone to failure, which can cause the engine to suddenly shut off during operation. The lawsuit claims Kawasaki continued marketing the bikes as safe despite knowing the risk.

Kawasaki Allegedly Knew About Risk, Failed to Warn Buyers

Rickie Melendez, a resident of Henderson, Nevada, filed the lawsuit after purchasing one of the recalled motorcycles. He says he had no idea the product contained a defective component that could trigger engine failure while riding.

Melendez said he wouldn’t have purchased the motorcycle—or would have paid far less—had he known about the defect. He argues the product was unsafe for its intended use and is now seeking damages for himself and other riders who may have unknowingly purchased what he calls a “worthless and dangerous” machine.

Lawsuit Details Crankshaft Gear Failure and Rider Injuries

The lawsuit centers on a key mechanical failure: the crankshaft’s primary gear. This part is designed to convert the pistons’ motion into the power needed to keep the engine running. When it fails, the engine can suddenly stall—potentially while the rider is mid-air or navigating rough terrain.

Melendez says the defect isn’t just dangerous; it was avoidable. The lawsuit claims other manufacturers make cross-country motorcycles with similar power and performance—without using designs that put riders at risk. The complaint also accuses Kawasaki of failing to warn buyers about the risk, labeling the omission deceptive and unfair.

Automakers Face Growing Number of Vehicle Defect Cases

The motorcycle maker joins a growing list of vehicle manufacturers under fire for allegedly putting unsafe products on the market. Hyundai is currently being sued over claims its Palisade SUVs have a braking glitch that reduces stopping power on rough roads. Ford is facing a class action over hybrid vehicles with batteries that could spontaneously catch fire—even when parked.

Meanwhile, Nissan is being targeted over door locks that can either jam shut or fly open while driving, and Kia is dealing with a suit over engine defects that may cause vehicle fires. 

In his lawsuit against Kawasaki, Melendez wants to represent anyone in the US who purchased a 2025 Kawasaki KX Series Motorcycle- specifically models: KX450, KX 450SR and KX. He is suing for unjust enrichment, fraudulent concealment, negligent design defect, and more, and is seeking damages, injunctive relief, restitution, fees, costs, and interest

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Melendez v. Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA. 
• Case Number: 8:25-cv-00910
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Eric M. Poulin and Paul J. Doolittle (Poulin | Willey | Anastopoulo, LLC)

Do you own a 2025 Kawasaki KX450 series motorcycle? Share your experience with its engine performance below.