ML5EXGG17RDA167872024 KAWASAKI Ninja 500
2024 KAWASAKI Ninja 500 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 1 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2024 KAWASAKI Ninja 500
2024 KAWASAKI Ninja 500 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 1 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 1 injury reported across 1 owner complaints
- Complaints describe critical safety events (fire, fatality, loss of control) — language severity is in the highest tier
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
1 owner complaints filed — top areas: Brakes (100%). 1 crash reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- KAWASAKI
- Model
- Ninja 500
- Year
- 2024
- Trim / Series
- EX500GR
- Body Style
- Motorcycle - Sport
- Vehicle Type
- MOTORCYCLE
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 2-cyl 0.451000L 51 hp
- Transmission
- Manual/Standard
- Manufacturer
- KAWASAKI MOTORS ENTERPRISE THAILAND CO., LTD.
- Assembly
- PLUAKDAENG, RAYONG, THAILAND
- Curb Weight
- 375 lbs
- GVWR
- Class 1A: 3,000 lb or less (1,360 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: PLUAKDAENG, RAYONG
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
NHTSA Safety Recalls
1 RECALLNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~58%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
Recall completion rate data not available for KAWASAKI. Industry average is ~85%. Verify any open recalls with a dealer before purchase.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)
SummaryKawasaki Motor Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2024 Ninja 500 (ABS, KRT Edition, KRT Edition SE ABS, SE ABS, SE 40th Anniversary Edition ABS), Z500 ABS, and Z500 SE ABS motorcycles. The clutch release shaft was not properly welded, which can cause the clutch lever to break apart.Read full details...
~42% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
1 in 1 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.
Complaint Intelligence
1 complaints analyzed across 1 system categories
Owner Complaints
1 safety complaint filed with NHTSA
The contact owned a 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a turn downhill on a mountain, the contact applied the front brakes, but the front brake lever travelled to the grip, and the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact applied the rear brakes, which engaged, but the vehicle failed to complete the turn. The vehicle drove straightforward over dirt, drove on a cliff, over the edge of an embankment, and crashed onto the ground. No police report was filed. The motorcycle was towed and totaled. The contact sustained injuries, sought medical assistance, and was still being evaluated. The contact was currently aware of injuries on left shoulder, ribs, heart, right knee, left elbow, neck, and head. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
Complaint Severity Analysis
NLP analysis of complaint language — not all complaints are equal
1 of 1 complaints describe critical safety events (fire, fatality, loss of control) — language severity is in the top tier.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $31,344 (~$522/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2024 KAWASAKI Ninja 500 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for ML5EXGG17RDA16787. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | ML5EXGG17RDA16787 |
| Model Year | 2024 |
| Make | KAWASAKI |
| Model | Ninja 500 |
| Series | EX500GR |
| Vehicle Type | MOTORCYCLE |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Motorcycle - Sport |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Manual/Standard |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 2 |
| Displacement (L) | 0.451000 |
| Horsepower | 51 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | KAWASAKI MOTORS ENTERPRISE THAILAND CO., LTD. |
| Assembly City | PLUAKDAENG |
| Assembly Country | THAILAND |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | ML5 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 7 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | R |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | D |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | A16787 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 1 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 2:49:12 PM.