Kawasaki recalls jet skis over water leak concerns
Almost 400 JT1500 Jet Ski Ultra models need to be checked for possible water leaksKawasaki has issued a voluntary recall for almost 400 of its Jet Ski Ultra personal watercraft sold in Australia after noticing that some of them could leak water, causing them to unexpectedly stop working.
The recall, covering Kawasaki’s JT1500 series, affects the normally aspirated Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S and supercharged Jet Ski Ultra 310X, Jet Ski Ultra 310LX and Jet Ski Ultra 310LX-S models. All were sold in Australia between January 1, 2022 and November 3, 2023.
According to the recall notice issued by Kawasaki Motors Australia, two issues may affect the jet skis.
The first issue that affects all the recalled models is a potential defect in the engine compartment that is most likely to occur when the jet ski is parked up.
According to the recall notice, rainwater can collect in the engine compartment if the jet ski is stored outside and uncovered, which may result in the engine compartment filling with water.
The concern with this one is that the rainwater could corrode the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that powers these models, eventually leading to an engine failure while the jet ski is out on the water.
In a worst-case scenario this could result in serious injury to the rider, the recall notice warns.
Wiring problem
The second fault affecting around 300 of the jet skis making up the first recall relates to an electrical harness that may not be properly sealed against water getting inside it.
Again, the worry is that if the wiring corrodes, the jet ski’s engine may unexpectedly stop, injuring the rider.
Voluntary recall notices are normally published on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s website after a manufacturer has contacted owners by mail to let them know the product they own will need a fix.
Recalls could also relate to problems noticed overseas that have not yet surfaced in Australian products.
The official recall notice ensures those owners who have moved house or have not received their mail are aware of the issue. In most instances, the defect will already be fixed in most products even before the recall notice is published.
The repairs are free. Anyone who believes their Kawasaki Jet Ski is part of the recall can contact their nearest Kawasaki dealer to have it fixed.
Kawasaki has also published a list of VINs of the jet skis it has recalled for the fix.
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