Ducati has announced a recall affecting its 2025 and 2026 Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4 models due to a potential issue with rear brake failure. This recall follows a previous campaign initiated in early 2025 to address the same problem, suggesting the initial corrective measures were inadequate. According to a report by Dennis Chung at Motorcycle.com, the recall impacts both the base and S versions of the Panigale V4 and Streetfighter V4, encompassing approximately 1,440 motorcycles.
The recall documentation released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that the brake hose connecting the rear brake caliper to the antilock brake system (ABS) control unit may be vulnerable to heat damage from the exhaust system. Overheating of this hose could lead to a sudden loss of rear braking functionality, thereby increasing the risk of an accident.
The initial problem was first reported to Ducati in October 2024. An investigation led to the first recall campaign on January 14, 2025, after four reports, including one from the U.S. market, were received. The original recall involved installing a thermal shield to protect the ABS hose from exhaust heat.
However, on February 8, 2025, Ducati received another field report concerning a motorcycle that already had the thermal shield installed from the first recall. Ducati analyzed the parts and determined that the issue was caused by a combination of exhaust heat and high pressure within the brake hose when the rear brake was applied. This led to the development of a redesigned, larger heat shield.
Ducati has reportedly begun informing its dealer network, with owner notification letters expected to be sent out in March. Dealers will install the new heat shield on affected motorcycles, including those that received the initial fix. Ducati believes motorcycles manufactured after September 2025 were equipped with the updated shielding from the factory.
