A rear brake part on thousands of dirt bikes can crack, turn a stop into a slide, and end a ride the hard way.
Story Snapshot
- Regulators say the rear brake caliper can crack, risking a crash with serious injury or death.
- KTM North America will replace the rear caliper on affected Husqvarna and GASGAS bikes at no cost.
- About 21,000 off-road motorcycles in the United States fall under the recall, per consumer-safety alerts.
- The defect can start when rolling backward, then fail going forward, according to filings.
A brake defect that starts in reverse and bites going forward
The federal recall report says the rear brake caliper’s primary pin casting can crack or break when the bike rolls backward.
That damage can spread to the caliper bracket and the caliper itself once the rider moves forward again. Brake power can drop fast.
That is how a simple backing move can set up a hard crash on the next squeeze of the pedal. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns the hazard can cause serious injury or death.
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
KTM North America, doing business as GASGAS North America and Husqvarna Mobility North America, is the recalling firm. Dealers will replace the rear caliper for free. Owners will be notified by mail, and dealers will receive instructions to perform the fix.
This follows the standard federal process for safety defects: notify, repair at no charge, and track the campaign through to completion. Riders should stop using the bike and wait until the issue is resolved if they notice any brake issue.
Which bikes are covered and why the number matters
The recall spans multiple brands and model years, which signals a shared part across lines. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration filing lists Husqvarna FE 350s and FE 501s from 2022 through 2024, and the 2024 GASGAS ES 350 and ES 500 models, among those affected.
Consumer-safety outreach puts the United States total near 21,040 units, which shows a broad footprint for an off-road recall. Exact vehicle identification number ranges live in the official recall lookup.
Owners should run their vehicle identification number through the federal recall site to confirm coverage and see timing for parts and dealer work.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall system centralizes open recalls and gives status updates as campaigns roll out nationwide. The goal is speed and clarity: find your bike, book the fix, and get back to riding with brakes you can trust.
How recalls work and why regulators act early
Federal rules push early action on safety parts like brakes. Once a company determines that a safety defect exists, it must file a recall report within 5 business days, alert owners and dealers, and offer a free fix. Agencies then monitor the campaign to make sure it closes out properly.
That is why the public notices focus on the defect and remedy first, not a lengthy engineering autopsy. Acting early is the point: prevent crashes before the worst happens.
Some readers ask if a recall means bikes are “unsafe” across the board. The better frame is duty of care. Brakes are critical. When evidence shows a part can fail in normal use, you fix it across the fleet.
What riders should do today
Check your vehicle identification number, call your dealer, and schedule the free repair. Avoid riding steep terrain or busy roads until the caliper is replaced.
If you must move the bike, avoid rolling backward on slopes and test the rear brake at low speed in a safe area. Report any brake noise, drag, or soft pedal feel to your dealer. Quick action now trades one short shop visit for a safer riding season.
⚠️ 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
Keep an eye on owner letters and dealer messages if you ride with family or lend bikes to friends. Recalls work best when the whole community spreads the word. That is how off-road culture looks out for its own.
A solid rear brake is not a luxury. It is the line between a clean stop and a helicopter ride. Take the fix, then get back to what dirt bikes are for: control, freedom, and fun.
Sources:
motorsportsnewswire.com, motorcycle.com, thebrakereport.com, static.nhtsa.gov, rideapart.com
