A rear brake part on popular off-road bikes can crack, kill your stopping power, and crash you.
Story Snapshot
- Regulators confirmed a rear brake caliper defect that can lead to a crash risk.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned of serious injury or death risk.
- KTM North America will replace the rear caliper for free at dealers.
- About 21,040 Husqvarna and GASGAS bikes in the U.S. are included, per reporting.
What regulators say is failing and how it fails
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall filing says the rear brake caliper’s primary pin casting can crack or break when the motorcycle rolls backward.
That first crack can then stress the bracket, and the caliper can fail in forward motion. The chain of failure cuts braking force when you need it most. The filing names the component supplier and describes the specific break path and scenario in plain terms.
More than 20,000 off-road motorcycles recalled over dangerous brake defect that could lead to death https://t.co/EhcHznaYda
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) August 21, 2026
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notice makes the stakes clear. A broken caliper lowers braking power and raises crash risk. That risk includes serious injury or death.
The notice frames the hazard so owners do not ride while the defect is present. This is standard consumer-safety language when a safety system, such as brakes, can lose its function with little warning.
Which bikes are in the recall and what owners should do
The recall covers multiple Husqvarna and GASGAS off-road models across several recent years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report lists 2022 through 2024 Husqvarna FE 350s and FE 501s, and 2024 GASGAS ES 350 and ES 500 models, among others in the campaign.
Dealers will replace the rear brake caliper at no cost to owners. KTM North America will notify owners by mail and will manage parts and labor through its dealer network.
News coverage tied to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notice pegs the affected U.S. population at about 21,040 motorcycles. That number signals a broad reach across brands under the KTM North America umbrella.
Large recalls of safety parts often cut across trims and sister brands that share common hardware. Owners should contact a dealer, confirm eligibility, and schedule the free repair as soon as parts are available.
Why this recall arrived now and why the language sounds urgent
Federal safety rules push early action. Once a company determines that a safety defect exists, it must file a Part 573 recall report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration within 5 business days. The law also requires a free fix for owners.
That timeline explains why public notices often focus on the defect and remedy before a full engineering story reaches the public. The goal is to get unsafe parts out of service fast, not to wait for every lab note.
Trade reporting aligned with the regulator filing adds one practical clue for riders. The crack risk starts with backward rolling and then appears during forward motion. Riders who maneuver bikes backward on slopes or in tight spots should pay close attention.
Do not rely on a suspect rear brake to hold or slow the bike. Park in gear, use the front brake, and avoid steep backward rolls until the new caliper is installed.
How to check your bike and protect your ride
Start with your model name and year, then use your vehicle identification number to confirm recall status. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall lookup can match your number to open recalls. Your dealer can also check in minutes.
Do not guess based on looks or color. Parts differ inside runs of the same model year. A quick check can save you from a bad stop in a bad place.
⚠️ RECALL: KTM North America Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Crash Hazard
Hazard: The rear brake caliper can crack or break, reducing the brake system's effectiveness, posing a risk of serious injury or death due to crash hazard.
Remed…— Recall | Safety Alerts 🚨 (@RecallAlertsUS) August 24, 2026
Brakes are non-negotiable. A company that finds a brake defect must fix it fast, for free, and without spin. That is exactly what this campaign does.
The recall spans big numbers and sister brands because the hardware is shared. That is not a scandal; that is how modern platforms work.
The right measure of trust comes from simple steps: verify your vehicle identification number, book the repair, and get back to riding with full brakes.
Sources:
motorcycle.com, thebrakereport.com, static.nhtsa.gov, rideapart.com, advpulse.com
