Kawasaki recalls 400 jet skis over flying hatch fears
Kawasaki asks Australian STX160X, STX160LX owners to take their ride in for a health checkKawasaki has issued a voluntary recall for more than 400 of its Jet Ski STX160X and Jet Ski STX160LX models over concerns that a big hit on the front of them could break off the front hatch.
The recall, affecting 404 personal watercraft sold in Australia, warns that under certain conditions there is a risk that the front hatch will break away from the ski.
If that happens at high speed, there is a risk the hatch could fly off and hit the person riding the jet ski, the recall notice warns.
“High-pressure water impact to the front hatch cover” – we’re guessing this is hitting a wave at high speed – “can result in the front hatch cover detaching from the watercraft,” the recall reads.
“If the front hatch cover detaches from the watercraft, it may propel towards the rider, this may cause an accident, leading to serious injury or death.”
Playing cautious
While the recall notice speaks of a worst-case scenario, a voluntary recall does not necessarily mean that any of the problems highlighted have affected any Australian buyers. Product recalls in Australia can also be sparked in response to a small number of incidents in overseas markets that may also be relevant here.
This recall affects Kawasaki Jet Ski STX160X and Kawasaki Jet Ski STX160LX models sold between October 1, 2019, and January 6 this year. Model codes include JT1500SLF, JT1500TLF, JT1500SMFNN , JT1500TMFNN, JT1500SNFNN and JT1500TNFNN.
Owners who believe their Kawasaki Jet Ski may be affected by the recall are urged to park up their ride and contact their nearest Kawasaki dealer by using the following link: https://kawasaki.com.au/dealer-locator/.
Owners can also seek help via https://kawasaki.com.au/faqs/.
Kawasaki is likely to have already attempted to contact all affected owners to ask them to come in and have the hatch upgraded.
Kawasaki Motors Australia was asked for comment.
Kawasaki’s two-model Jet Ski STX 160 series, the Japanese personal watercraft maker’s cheapest products, was last updated mid-way through last year with mild changes to graphics.
The line was launched in late 2019 as a new entry-level model, bringing in the first major change to Kawasaki’s most affordable Jet Ski line-up in 15 years.
It replaced the Kawasaki Jet Ski STX-15F, a model that had been on sale locally and largely unchanged since 2004.
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