Owners filed 44 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 4 times.
Most common 2008 Zap Xebra problems
37 of the 44 complaints (84%) are about the brakes.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Service Brakes · brakes
31
1
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
6
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
2
0
0
0
Electrical System
2
0
1
0
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields · body and frame
1
0
0
0
Structure › Body · body and frame
1
1
0
0
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system
1
1
0
1
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder12V363000
Filed Jul 27, 2012691 vehiclesQingqi Group Motorcycle Co., Ltd
Defect. QingQi Group Motorcycle Co. Ltd., through its designated agent ZAP, is recalling all model year 2008 ZAP Xebra motorcycles manufactured from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008. These motorcycles do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems." The motorcycles were produced without a separate brake fluid reservoir for each brake circuit, with each reservoir filler opening having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device.
Risk. Without a separate reservoir for each brake, having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device, fluid for one brake circuit may move to the other. If this happens, both reservoirs could lose fluid as a result of a fluid leak in one brake circuit and compromise the stopping ability of the braking system, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. ZAP will notify owners and ZAP will install or send each owner a remedy kit to bring the vehicles into compliance. ZAP has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact ZAP Customer Service at 1-800-251-4555.
Filed May 21, 2012627 vehiclesQingqi Group Motorcycle Co., Ltd
Defect. QINGQI GROUP MOTORCYCLE CO, LTD, THROUGH ITS DESIGNATED AGENT, ZAP USA, IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 ZAP XEBRA ALL ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, 2008, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2008. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE BRAKING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 122, "MOTORCYCLE BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Risk. THESE VEHICLES TAKE LONGER DISTANCES TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. ZAP, THE DESIGNATED AGENT OF QINGQI GROUP MOTORCYCLE CO, LTD, WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND ZAP DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 8, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ZAP AT 1-707-525-8658.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder09V385000
Filed Oct 2, 2009738 vehiclesQingqi Group Motorcycle Co., Ltd
Defect. QINGQI IS RECALLING 738 MY 2008 ZAP XEBRA MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY AND DECEMBER 2008. THESE MOTORCYCLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 122, "MOTORCYCLE BRAKE SYSTEMS." THEY DO NOT HAVE A SEPARATE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR FOR THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES.
Risk. WITHOUT A SEPARATE RESERVOIR FOR EACH BRAKE, HAVING ITS OWN COVER, SEAL, AND COVER RETENTION DEVICE, FLUID FOR ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT MAY MOVE TO THE OTHER. IF THIS HAPPENS, BOTH RESERVOIRS COULD LOOSE FLUID AS A RESULT OF A FLUID LEAK IN ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT AND COMPROMISE THE STOPPING ABILITY OF BOTH BRAKES.
Remedy. ZAP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR OR REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 29, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ZAP TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-251-4555.
Filed May 26, 2009738 vehiclesQingqi Group Motorcycle Co., Ltd
Defect. QINGQI IS RECALLING 738 MY 2008 ZAP XEBRA MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY AND DECEMBER 2008. THESE MOTORCYCLES DO NOT CONFORM TO THE STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 122, "MOTORCYCLE BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Risk. THESE MOTORCYCLES REQUIRE LONGER DISTANCES TO STOP THAN THE STANDARD ALLOWS. EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. QINGQI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND ZAP DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE ROTORS, PADS, MASTER CYLINDERS, AND FRONT TIRE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ZAP TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-251-4555.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 21, 2016CA
HELLO, I'M WRITING ABOUT THE COURT DECREE ON 7/16/13 SIGNED MY JUDGE ROSEMARY COLLYER. ZAP IS SUPPOSED TO REPORT TO NHTSA REGULARLY ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE REFUND AND DISPOSITION OF EACH RECALLED VEHICLE FOR THREE YEARS. SOMEBODY FORM ZAP WORLD CONTACTED ME ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I STILL HAVE THE VEHICLE......HOW CAN YOU HELP. TY.
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 11, 20141,905 milesOH
THIS VEHICLE IS ALREADY RECALLED, MY VEHICLE SUFFERED A COMPLETE LOSS OR BRAKE SYSTEMS AND FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO BE STEERED TO AN UPHILL AREA BEFORE HITTING A SMALL RETAINING WALL. ZAP PROVIDED DOT RECALL NOTICE FOR BRAKE FAILURES TO STOP, AND RULES FOR RECALL. I HAVE FOLLOWED THESE RULES WHICH WERE DRAWN OUT FROM LATE 2012 UNTIL DECEMBER 2013. IN DECEMBER 2013 ZAP INFORMED ME I WOULD BE PAID FOR THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD BE PICKED UP AND REMOVED IN Q1. THE VEHICLE IS STILL SITTING AT MY HOME IN OHIO. NO ONE FROM ZAP IS RESPONSIVE. WHAT ACTION SHOULD I BE TAKING? *JS
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 17, 2014OR
AS WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS, I WAS NOTIFIED BY ZAP THAT MY VEHICLE WAS ELIGIBLE FOR A RECALL DUE TO INCURABLE FAULTS IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I FILED ALL THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK AND RECEIVED A LETTER THAT I QUALIFIED FOR THE BUY BACK PROGRAM. THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE AND MAKE PAYMENT BY 12/31 THEN 1/31. I RECEIVED THE SAME CURT AND UNINFORMATIVE RESPONSE THAT OTHERS RECEIVED AND NOTHING SINCE. I CONTACTED NHTSA, WHO DIRECTED ME TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE FTC. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE FTC, WHO DIRECTED ME TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB. ZAP DID NOT RESPOND TO THE COMPLAINT WITHIN THE DESIGNATED TIME FRAME, SO THEY WILL RECEIVE A NEGATIVE MARK ON THEIR BBB RATING. NO OTHER CURE HAS BEEN OFFERED TO ME. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO FILE A CLASS ACTION SUIT? IS THAT OUR ONLY RECOURSE? PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 11, 2014CA
I AGREE WITH OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAINTS. WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WERE ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL, BUT HAVE HEARD NOTHING TOO. YET, I STILL HAVE THE TRUCK THAT CAN'T BE DRIVEN AND HAVE TO HAVE IT STORED. PLEASE HELP!!! THIS IS NOT RIGHT. *TR
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 9, 2014IN
ZAP IS UNDER ORDER TO REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PALTRY SUM OF $3100.00. THIS WAS TO HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BY 12/31/2013, EXTENDED TO 1/31/2014. I HAVE HEARD NOTHING OFFICIAL FORM THE COMPANY, HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED REGARDING PAYMENT AND/OR TO ARRANGE FOR PICK UP OF SAID VEHICLE. THE LAST COMMUNICATION OF ANY KIND I HAVE HAD WAS FROM [email protected] ON 2/27/2014, WHICH SAID: "NEGOTIATIONS WITH NHTSA HAVE ENDED. THEY ARE WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. SHOULD KNOW BY NEXT WEEK. WILL ADVISE." *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 8, 2014CA
I WAS NOTIFIED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR A BRAKE ISSUE. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY ZAP THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. I DID MAKE A REQUEST TO THEM VIA CERTIFIED MAIL IN 2013 BUT, HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANYTHING FROM THEM. WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THIS RECALL? WHAT DO I DO WITH A VEHICLE THAT CAN NOT BE INSURED AND THEREFORE NOT REGISTERED? THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 4, 2014KY
AS WITH EVERYONE ELSE HERE. I HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY MONEY OR RESPONSE FROM ZAP JONWAY. I CALLED THE NHTSA TO SEE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY. THE LADY TOLD ME THAT IT LOOKS LIKE THE COMPANY IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS AND I SHOULD CALL THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (877-382-4357). I'VE DONE THAT AND FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD ALSO CALL MY STATES ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE. I SUGGEST OTHER ZAP OWNERS DO THE SAME. STUCK WITH A CAR I CAN'T DRIVE OR SELL. IT'S A REAL SHAME HOW THEY HAVE TREATED THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 1, 2014CA
THE ZAP COMPANY HAS NOT PICKED UP VEHICLE THE GOV.'T HAS NO TEETH IN ENFORCING THE BUYBACK WHICH ZAP SAID IT WOULD DO ALMOST A YEAR AGO THEY ARE NOT GOING TO ABIDE BY THE LAW BECAUSE THEY KNOW OUR GOV.'T DOES NOTHING. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 28, 20141,200 milesCA
LIKE MANY OTHERS WHOSE COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ON THIS WEBSITE, I AM A VICTIM OF ZAP'S NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS STIPULATED IN THE RECALL OF ITS 2008 XEBRAS. I RECEIVED ALL THE NOTICES, AND FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS TO THE LETTER OF NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I EVEN HAD TO PASS ON TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO SELL THE VEHICLE, KNOWING THAT IT WAS UNSAFE. I SUBMITTED ALL THE REQUIRED PAPERWORK ON 8/28/13, PER THE FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS SENT BY ZAP. THE CERTIFIED MAIL RECEIPT I RECEIVED FROM THE USPS CONFIRMS THAT ZAP RECEIVED SAID PAPERWORK ON 8/29/13. I WAITED AND WAITED, AND HEARD NOTHING BACK. THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM CLOSED SHOP. I LIVE IN THE COUNTY WHERE ZAP IS BASED, SO ASSUMED THAT FOLLOW UP WOULD BE EASY, BUT FOUND IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TRACK DOWN A HUMAN BEING TO SPEAK TO. I FINALLY GOT A CELL PHONE NUMBER, AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE PERSONAL PHONE OF A COUPLE (I SPOKE TO "[XXX]", NO LAST NAME) WHO'D BEEN HIRED BY ZAP TO HANDLE THE RECALL PAPER WORK. [XXX] CONFIRMED THAT MY PAPERS HAD BEEN RECEIVED AND THAT I DO INDEED QUALIFY FOR THE $3,100 PAYMENT AND RECALL FROM ZAP. WHEN I SAID THAT I RECEIVED NO SUCH NOTIFICATION IN WRITING, HE SAID THAT THEY HAD JUST TAKEN ON THE JOB AND NEEDED A LITTLE TIME TO GET PAPERS IN ORDER. I HAVE HEARD NOTHING BACK FROM ZAP, [XXX] OR ANYONE ELSE. ZAP APPEARS TO HAVE DISAPPEARED FROM THE AREA. I HAVE A JUNKED CAR SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY (WHICH ALSO NOW HAS A FLAT TIRE), WHICH IS A LOCAL CODE VIOLATION. I ALSO NEED THE MONEY FROM
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 6, 20143,070 milesMI
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE ZAP XEBRA PICKUP THAT I OWN ON 11/4/2013. AS PER AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN ZAP AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, ZAP WAS SUPPOSED CONTACT ME TO TRANSFER THE VEHICLE TITLE TO ZAP, AND PAY ME $3100 TO COMPENSATE ME FOR THE RECALL OF MY VEHICLE. THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN BY DECEMBER 31, 2013. I HAVE ONE E-MAIL FROM ZAP IN JANUARY, 2014 THAT SAYS THAT THIS PROCESS HAS BEEN DELAYED. IT'S NOW FEBRUARY 6TH, 2014, AND I HAVE A TRUCK THAT I CAN'T USE (I WAS NOTIFIED BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THE INSURANCE WAS CANCELLED AFTER THE RECALL ANNOUNCEMENT) AND NO REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LOSS OF MY VEHICLE. NOW, HOW DO I GET ZAP AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION TO HONOR THEIR AGREEMENT AND RECALL THIS TRUCK AND GET ME THE MONEY? *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 4, 20145,000 milesOR
ZAP WAS SUPPOSED TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE AND PAY ME AFTER FAILURE TO HONOR A BRAKE RECALL. ORIGINAL PICKUP WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BY DECEMBER 31, 2013 BUT IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT NHTSA EXTENDED THIS TO JANUARY 31, 2014. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 4, 2014AR
THIS INFO MAY BE GOING TO THE WRONG PLACE, BUT AFTER READING SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS ON THE '08 ZEBRA, I JUST NOW FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE RECALLS THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN INFORMED OF. "NOT ONE". I ALSO AM INFORMED THAT THE COMPANY HAS OFFERED A BUY BACK ON THE VEHICLE. AS THE ONE OWNER THAT BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW, SHOULD I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS, OR BUY BACKS, AND WHAT ACTION MAY BE TAKEN BY YOUR DEPT., OR WHAT SHOULD I DO? THANKS. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 3, 2014FL
WE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE VEHICLE BUY BACK PROGRAM WHICH WAS ORDERED BY THE NHTSA TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE FOR $3100 ON AUG. 4, 2013. WE RETURNED THE REQUIRED CLAIM FORM AND REQUESTED DOCUMENTATION ON AUGUST 5, 2013. ZAP PERSONNEL SIGNED FOR THE CLAIM FORM ON SEPT 12, 2013 AND NOTIFIED US THAT WE WERE ELIGIBLE FOR THE REFUND AND IT WOULD BE PROCESSED IN 30 DAYS FROM SEPT 12, 2013 OR DECEMBER 31, 2013 WHICHEVER WAS LATER. ON JANUARY 6, 2014 WHEN WE HAD NOT HEARD OR RECEIVED ANY REFUND , WE CALLED ZAP'S OFFICE IN CA AND WERE INSTRUCTED TO SEND AN E-MAIL REGARDING THE REFUND. ON JANUARY 7, 2014 THEY RESPONDED THAT THEY WERE STILL WORKING ON THE REFUND AND WE WOULD HEAR SOMETHING FROM THEM SOON. TODAY 2/3/14 WE AGAIN CALLED ZAP'S OFFICE AND AGAIN WERE TOLD TO SEND A E-MAIL. I THEN CALLED YOUR 888-327-4236 NUMBER TO FIND OUT WHAT TO DO. I WAS TOLD THAT ZAP WAS OUT OF BUSINESS,(NOT TRUE AS SOMEONE ANSWERED ZAP'S TELEPHONE,) AND THAT IT WAS A FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT CAN NOW BE DONE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 3, 2014GA
FAILURE OF ZAP TO COMPLY WITH NHTSA RECALL ORDER. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 2, 20144,800 milesCA
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2008 ZAP XEBRA. ZAP HAD AGREED TO BUY BACK ALL 2008 VEHICLES BY DECEMBER 31ST 2013 BECAUSE OF A LONG UNFIXED SERIES OF RECALLS. IT IS NOW FEBRUARY 2ND AND I NOR ANY OF THE OTHER 2008 XEBRA OWNERS HAVE HEARD BACK FROM ZAP REGARDING THIS THIS BUY BACK. BECAUSE OF THE RECALL I HAVEN'T BEEN UNABLE TO FIND AN INSURANCE COMPANY THAT WILL PROVIDE INSURANCE FOR MY 2008 XEBRA. IN THE MEANTIME I AM LEFT WITH A CAR SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY THAT I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE. ANY ACTION THAT THE NHTSA CAN PROVIDE TO GET ZAP TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 2, 20145,400 milesKS
YOUR RECALL OF MY VEHICLE CAUSED MY INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION TO BE CANCELED ON OCTOBER 1ST, 2013. AFTER MY ZAP FAITHFULLY TRANSPORTED ME TO AND FROM WORK FOR 6 YEARS NHTSA HAS RENDERED MY ZERO EMISSIONS VEHICLE USELESS. IT IS ILLEGAL FOR ME TO KEEP AN UNREGISTERED VEHICLE ON MY PROPERTY IN TOPEKA, KS. NOT ONLY AM I PREVENTED FROM DRIVING MY CAR I'M NOW PAYING STORAGE CHARGES. IS NHTSA DOING ANYTHING TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS THEY STARTED? *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 1, 20144,331 milesOR
THE 2008 ZAP RECALL WAS NOT HONORED BY THE ZAP-JONWAY COMPANY. IT WAS TO BE PICKED UP BY 12/31/2013. THAT DID NOT HAPPEN. I WAS TOLD VIA THE ZAP GROUP ON YAHOO GROUPS THAT A PERSON IN THE GROUP WAS TOLD THE RECALL PERIOD HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO 01/30/2014. MY ZAP WAS NOT PICKED UP. PLEASE NOTIFY THE COMPANY OF ANY ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY THEY ARE LIABLE FOR BY NOT HONORING THEIR RECALL AGREEMENT. I HAVE ENJOYED MY LITTLE ELECTRIC TRUCK, USING IT FOR DELIVERY OF NURSERY PRODUCTS TO SHIPPING OUTLETS IN OUR SMALL TOWN OF 2000 IN AN ECONOMICALLY DEPRESSED AREA. IT HAS NEVER GIVEN ME A PROBLEM. STOPPING DISTANCE HAS NEVER BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE I DRIVE CAREFULLY. I AM DISAPPOINTED THIS MODEL WAS CHOSEN FOR THE RECALL AND I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INSURE IT IN THE FUTURE. I WAS HOPING TO GET THE $3100 AS PROMISED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I WILL LOSE MORE THAN $10,000 FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 29, 2014CA
2008 ZAP XEBRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL / RE-PURCHASE PROGRAM FOR MOTORCYCLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT HONOR THEIR AGREEMENT TO PAY ELIGIBLE CLAIMS BY DECEMBER 31, 2013. *JB UPDATED 01/30/14
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jan 17, 2014WA
DRIVING SLOWLY DOWN HILL, I SWERVED, BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE TIPPED OVER. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A RECALL AND THAT ZAP IS SUPPOSED TO RECLAIM THIS RECALLED VEHICLE. AFTER RETURNING THE PAPERWORK AND RECEIVING NOTICE BACK THAT SOMEONE WOULD BE CONTACTING ME TO COLLECT THE VEHICLE, I'VE HEARD NOTHING MORE. ZAP HAS NOT RETURNED EMAILS AND THE COMPANY PHONE LINE LEADS ONLY TO A VOICE MAIL BOX THAT IS FULL. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jan 16, 20143,700 milesWA
THIS VEHICLE WAS PART OF A FORCED RECALL BY NHTSA. ZAP WAS SUPPOSED TO BUY BACK THESE VEHICLES AND HAUL THEM OFF TO BE DESTROYED BY DECEMBER 31, 2013. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED. THE LAST COMMUNICATION FROM ZAP THAT I RECEIVED WAS A LETTER DATED OCTOBER 11, 2013, WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY REFUND REQUEST FORM HAD BEEN RECEIVED AND APPROVED. ZAP HAS NOT RESPONDED TO ANY PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS SENT TO THEM. BECAUSE OF THIS RECALL, I CAN NO LONGER INSURE OR REGISTER THIS VEHICLE, SO IT IS COMPLETELY WORTHLESS. I KNOW I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS SITUATION. IT APPEARS THAT ZAP HAS NOT FULFILLED THEIR OBLIGATION TO ANY OF THE 2008 XEBRA OWNERS. I HOPE THAT THE NHTSA WILL INTERVENE IN THIS CASE AND FORCE ZAP TO RESOLVE THIS SITUATION. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 10, 2014100 milesGA
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 2/5/13. I WAS INFORMED AFTER COMPLETING ALL THE PAPERWORK THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL. THE DEALER KNEW OF THE RECALL, BUT DID NOT DISCLOSE IT UNTIL HE HANDED ME THE PAPERWORK. WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM ZAP OFFERING A $3100 SETTLEMENT BY 12/31/13. ZAP DOES NOT RESPOND TO ANY PHONE CALLS. AFTER FINALLY REACHING A [XXX] AT 707-525-8658 EXT 104 HE ARROGANTLY TOLD US THEY KNEW NOTHING AND HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HIMSELF. HE WAS EXTREMELY RUDE, SAID MAYBE JAN, 31, AND HUNG UP. IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE ME ON HOW TO HANDLE THIS? THESE PEOPLE ARE STILL IN BUSINESS, AND THIS ISSUE IS 5 YEARS OLD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 8, 2014ID
QINGQI GROUP MOTORCYCLE CO., LTD RECALLED OF THE 2008 ZAP XEBRA VEHICLE. I COMPLETED ALL THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED IN CERTIFIED MAIL DURING THE SUMMER OF 2013. ON SEPT 17, I PICKED UP A CERTIFIED LETTER DATED SEPT 12, 2013 THAT SAID I HAD COMPLETED ALL THE REFUND REQUEST REQUIREMENTS AND I WAS FOUND ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM TO RECEIVE 3,100 DOLLARS AND MY VEHICLE WOULD BE PICKED UP AND HAVE TITLE TRANSFER. BY DEC 31, 2013, AND THAT ZAP WOULD BE CONTACTING ME TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS. I CALLED THE NUMBER ON THE LETTER NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE MONTH OF DEC (I HAVE THE PHONE RECORDS), NOT RESPONSE OR THE MESSAGE SAID THE VOICE MAIL WAS FULL. I WOULD THEN CALL AND LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH MIKE RING'S VOICE MESSAGE. NO RETURNED CALL OR ANY OTHER LETTERS HAVE HAPPENED IN 3 MONTHS. IT IS NOW A WEEK PAST THE DEADLINE THEY SAID THEY HAD NEGOTIATED WITH NHTSA. CONSIDERING THAT THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTATION ON MY 2008 ZAP XEBRA TITLE SAY IT 'MEETS ALL OF YOUR SAFETY STANDARDS', WHEN I BOUGHT IT, AND ZAP ARE NOT WILLING TO HONOR THEIR AGREEMENT WITH YOU, I WOULD ASK THAT YOU INSTRUCT ME OF THE NEXT ACTIONS YOU WILL BE TAKING WITH ZAP. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE ZAP SINCE I RECEIVED THE FIRST CERTIFIED LETTER FROM THEM, AND CAN NOT SELL IT OR TRADE IT IN, SO WHAT ARE WE TO DO WITH THESE UNSAFE VEHICLES? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION WITH THIS MATTER. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 2, 2014OR
AROUND AUGUST 12, 2013 I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM ZAP INFORMING ME THAT MY VEHICLE COULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR A VEHICLE BUYBACK PROGRAM DUE TO A RECALL INVOLVING POOR STOPPING DISTANCE. AROUND OCTOBER 18, 2013 I SENT IN THE REQUIRED PAPERWORK TO ZAP AND RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THAT I WAS ELIGIBLE FOR THE BUYBACK PROGRAM. THE LETTER STATED THAT ZAP WOULD CONTACT ME TO ARRANGE PAYMENT AND PICKUP OF MY 2008 ZAP XEBRA BY 12/31/2013. I AM FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA BECAUSE IT IS NOW 1/2/2014 AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A PHONE CALL, E-MAIL, OR LETTER FROM ZAP REGARDING THEIR COMPLIANCE WITH THIS BUYBACK PROGRAM. MY INSURANCE COMPANY CANCELLED MY POLICY BACK IN NOVEMBER 2013 AND I CANNOT RE-REGISTER MY VEHICLE SO IT IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY IN VIOLATION OF MY CITY'S ORDINANCES, WHICH PROHIBITS UNREGISTERED AND UN-DRIVEN VEHICLES FROM BEING PARKED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 2, 2014CA
HERE WE ARE, JANUARY 2, 2014 AND NOTHING FROM ZAP REGARDING THE UNSAFE VEHICLES THAT ZAP HAS A COURT ORDER TO BUY BACK FROM US. ZAP CAN NOT BE REACHED AND ARE NOT REACHING OUT TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS. WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP FOR US TO GET RESOLUTION OF THIS FRUSTRATING SITUATION? *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 26, 2013IN
ON JULY 26, 2013, I RECEIVED, BY CERTIFIED MAIL, THE OFFICIAL ZAP RECALL NOTICE FOR THE 2008 PK. I COMPLETED THE REQUEST FORM AND SUBMITTED ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF 120 DAYS. I HAVE PROOF OF DELIVERY ON NOVEMBER 7, 2103. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY COMMUNICATION FROM ZAP OF ANY KIND, NOT EVEN AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF MY PAPERWORK. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT ZAP SEVERAL TIMES REGARDING THIS AND HAVE HAD NO REPLY. THE "VOICE MAIL BOX" FOR CALLS REGARDING THE RECALL "FULL" AND HAS BEEN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 23, 20135,000 milesCA
ON SEPT. 12, 2013 I RECEIVED, BY CERTIFIED MAIL, A LETTER FROM ZAP MANAGEMENT CONFIRMING THAT ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE MADE TO TRANSFER THE OWNERSHIP AND POSSESSION OF MY XEBRA TRUCK ("FROGGER") IN ACCORDANCE WITH A NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION RECALL. THE PARAMETERS SPELLED OUT IN THE LETTER STATE THAT TRANSFER WAS TO TAKE PLACE "30 DAYS AFTER YOUR REFUND REQUEST" (LONG PAST) OR BY "DECEMBER 31, 2013,...WHICHEVER COMES LATER". MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT ZAP HAVE BEEN FRUITLESS. WITH ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT TO THE TERMS IN THE LETTER I FORESEE A LENGTHY LITIGATION PROCESS. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 17, 20135,123 milesOR
ON JULY 24TH, 2013, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V363000. I SUBMITTED THE REQUESTED PAPERWORK AND ON OCT 11TH, 2013 RECEIVED A NOTICE CONFIRMING THAT ZAP HAS RECEIVED THE REFUND REQUEST FORM AND DETERMINED THE REFUND REQUEST IS COMPLETE AND I AM ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM. HOWEVER, AS THE DECEMBER 31ST DEADLINE IS COMING SOON, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT ZAP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-855-587-2406 IS NO LONGER ANSWERING THEIR PHONES. I AM SIMPLY CHECKING IF THE RECALL CLAIMS ARE STILL BEING HONORED. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 5, 2013100 milesGA
I PURCHASED A 2008 ZAP XEBRA FROM A DEALER ON 2/5/13. AFTER COMPLETING ALL THE PAPERWORK I WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS MODEL. THE DEALER KNEW OF THE RECALL, BUT DID NOT INFORM ME OF IT UNTIL HE HANDED ME THE PAPERWORK. ZAP IS OFFERING $3100 REIMBURSEMENT. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY COMMUNICATION FROM ZAP SINCE SEPT 17,2013. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE TO GO BACK ON THE DEALER FOR THE DIFFERENCE? WHEN WILL THIS ISSUE BE FINALIZED? RIGHT NOW I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT YOU CANNOT DRIVE. I HAVE SENT ALL REQUIRED PAPERWORK AND PICTURES TO ZAP. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 100 MILES ON IT. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 20, 2013CA
2008 ZAP XEBRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NOT RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE AND UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. *SMD
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 31, 201310,000 milesOR
MY XEBRA WAS DESTROYED WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE CENTER AREA OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO BE EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. ALTHOUGH THIS MODEL IS CURRENTLY IN A RECALL BUY BACK PROGRAM, IT WOULD STILL BE WORTH INVESTIGATING THE SPECIFIC CAUSE OF THE FIRE IN CASE IT'S A PROBLEM THAT MIGHT AFFECT PREVIOUS XEBRA MODELS. ALSO, GIVEN ZAP'S HISTORY, I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED IF THE BUY BACK PROCESS IS INDEFINITELY "DELAYED" AND THEREFORE THE CURRENT MODEL WILL STILL BE ON THE ROAD FOR SOME TIME (NOT DUE TO XEBRA QUALITY, WHICH IS LACKING, BUT BECAUSE XEBRA OWNERS TEND TO BE RELENTLESS IN THEIR EFFORTS TO CONTINUALLY RESUSCITATE THEIR VEHICLE EVERY TIME IT DIES.) *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 23, 20131,002 milesCA
TRUCK WAS RECALLED BUT HAVE NOT HEARD FROM COMPANY. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 3, 20131,050 milesKY
THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT IN THIS VEHICLE; HOWEVER, I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THE RECALL PROVISION AS THE PAYMENT FOR THE CAR IS ONLY HALF WHAT I PAID FOR THE CAR ONE YEAR AGO. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED OR TRADE UP FOR A SIMILAR TRUCK WITH ACCEPTABLE BRAKES. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN TOO LONG IN COMING AND IS NOT FAIR AS THE PRICE OFFERED IS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH TO REPLACE WITH A COMPARABLE VEHICLE. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 25, 2013CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ZAP XEBRA MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V363000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) OVER NINE MONTHS AGO AND A REMEDY HAD NOT YET BEEN FINALIZED TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO VEHICLE OWNERS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXPECTANCY FOR THE RECALL REMEDY HAD SURPASSED A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 17, 2013CO
MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE UTTER DISREGARD THAT THE ZAP CORPORATION HAS TREATED ISSUES AFFECTING THIS LITTLE VEHICLE; COMMUNICATION FROM THEM ABOUT THE BRAKING PROBLEMS AND NHTSA DEMAND FOR RESOLUTION HAS BEEN MINIMAL WITH THE LAST COMMUNICATION I RECEIVED BEING OCTOBER 8, 2012 TELLING ME TO NOT DRIVE IT AND THAT A SOLUTION WAS COMING BY DECEMBER 31, 2012 (OR ABOUT). I HEARD NOTHING ELSE UNTIL I HAPPENED UPON A YAHOOGROUP DISCUSSION SAYING THESE WERE BEING RECALLED AND THAT THE OWNERS SHOULD INCUR NO EXPENSE. AND THAT ZAP WILL NEED TO TAKE THEM FROM US AND PAY $3100...A SMALL PORTION OF THE COST OF THEM. I WANT TO BE SURE THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOTED BY THE AUTHORITIES AS BEING ONE OF THESE INVOLVED IN THIS SITUATION. I ALSO WANT TO NOTE THAT IT SEEMED THAT ONCE SOLD THROUGH A DISTRIBUTOR, THAT ZAP PROVIDED NO SUPPORT FOR THE DISTRIBUTORS TO HELP RESOLVE CUSTOMER CONCERNS...A TERRIBLE WAY TO RUN A BUSINESS. I WANT TO SEE THIS RESOLVED VERY SOON AS MINE HAS NOT RUN WELL FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND I HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING EITHER PUTTING MONEY INTO GETTING IT GOING IN HOPES THAT THE BRAKES ISSUE WOULD BE FIXED...OR SELLING IT IF THAT IS ALLOWABLE, BEFORE THE END OF JULY DUE TO THE REGISTRATION EXPIRING. PLEASE ADVISE ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ON WHAT I SHOULD DO WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT IS A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT AS IT WAS A FUN, PRACTICAL LITTLE COMMUTER WHEN IT RAN WELL AND I HAD HIGH HOPES FOR CONSERVING ENERGY AND REDUCING EMISSIONS. IF ZAP WOULD PAY TO HAVE IT TOTALLY FIXED, THAT WOULD MAKE ME
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 26, 20134,000 milesOR
A BRASS FITTING IN THE BRAKE LINE SHEARED APART WHILE I WAS DRIVING, CAUSING ALL THE BRAKE FLUID TO DRAIN OUT. THIS LEFT ME WITHOUT ANY BRAKES DUE TO THE SINGLE RESERVOIR ISSUE. FORTUNATELY, TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. SEVERAL OTHER TIMES I'VE BARELY AVOIDED ACCIDENTS WHEN EMERGENCY BRAKING WAS REQUIRED DUE TO THE POOR BRAKING RESPONSE. ZAP HAS BEEN FLOUTING THE RECALL NOTICE FOR YEARS AND IT'S NOT RIGHT. I'VE NOW HEARD THAT ZAP IS TRYING TO GET OUT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO BRING THE XEBRA UP TO LEGAL REQUIREMENTS DUE TO A LACK OF REPORTED ACCIDENTS. BUT PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO GET AWAY WITH THAT. IT'S JUST A MIXTURE OF GOOD FORTUNE AND DRIVER SKILL THAT HAS PREVENTED ACCIDENTS DESPITE THE POOR DESIGN/COMPONENTS. THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED. AND ZAP SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE US WITH LOANER CARS UNTIL THE ISSUES ARE REMEDIED. (I BET THAT WOULD MOTIVATE THEM TO RESPOND IMMEDIATELY.) *TR
Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Jun 10, 20138,000 milesOR
DRIVING ACROSS THE CENTER LANE OF A FIVE LANE HIGHWAY, I WAS HIT BY A CAR TRAVELING IN THE CENTER LANE. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP QUICK ENOUGH TO AVOID BEING HIT AND I BELIEVE THE BIGGEST REASON FOR THE COLLISION WAS BECAUSE THE BRAKES ARE INSUFFICIENT FOR THE VEHICLE. I FILED A SMALL CLAIMS LAWSUIT AND WAS AWARDED A PARTIAL SETTLEMENT; THE JUDGE FOUND ME 40% AT FAULT AND THE OTHER DRIVER 60%. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed May 6, 2013CA
RECEIVED NOTICE ~ OCT 8, '12 FROM ZAP RE: VEHICLE'S FAILURE TO MEET BRAKE SYSTEM & STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS. IT SAID A REMEDY WOULD BE IN PLACE ~ DEC 31, '12, BUT I RECEIVED NO FURTHER NOTIFICATION. I LEFT 6 VOICE MESSAGES FOR ZAP JAN 31 TO FEB 14, '13: NO ONE CALLED BACK. FEB 20, '13, I GOT AN EMAIL FROM [XXX] STATING IT WOULD TAKE 30+ DAYS TO COMPLETE TESTING & SUBMIT A REMEDY TO DOT, AFTER WHICH THEY WOULD PERFORM A REMEDY TO MY VEHICLE. MARCH 26, '13, I SENT ANOTHER EMAIL TO [XXX] REQUESTING STATUS & TIMEFRAME OF REMEDY: NO RESPONSE. MARCH 29, '13 I SENT ANOTHER EMAIL BECAUSE I GOT MY VEHICLE REGISTRATION RENEWAL NOTICE & DIDN'T WANT TO PAY IF I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR, OR IF IT IS GOING TO BE TAKEN AWAY & DESTROYED.* HIS RESPONSE: YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO REGISTER AND DRIVE YOUR CAR. OUR VEHICLE IS IN TESTING NOW. IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR CAR, CALL OUR TECHNICIANS AT 707-577-7362' MY REPLY: YOU ARE SAYING I CAN DRIVE THE CAR? THE LETTER WE RECEIVED RECOMMENDED NOT DRIVING IT BECAUSE IT DOES NOT MEET STOPPING DISTANCE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND BECAUSE OF BRAKE SYSTEM ISSUES' NO RESPONSE SINCE THEN. I DON'T WANT TO LET THE REGISTRATION OR INSURANCE LAPSE IF THERE'S A CHANCE OF A REMEDY & THE VEHICLE CAN BE CLEARED TO BE DRIVEN SAFELY. I LIKE MY ZAP & WANT TO DRIVE IT. I'M UPSET THAT [XXX] TOLD ME I CAN DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE & HOPE YOU ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO MAKE ZAP RESOLVE ASAP. WHEN IT'S RESOLVED, I'D LIKE TO RECEIVE OFFICIAL NOTICE FROM NHTSA AND FR
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 8, 20139,500 milesCA
IN OCTOBER OF 2012 I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM ZAP ABOUT THE RECALLS DUE TO THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE. THAT WAS THE FIRST AND ONLY NOTICE THAT I HAVE EVER RECEIVED EVEN THOUGH I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 2008. THE NOTICE SAID THAT ZAP WOULD COMMUNICATE AGAIN BY DECEMBER 31, 2012. I HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM ZAP. SINCE JANUARY 1, 2013 I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT ZAP AND HAD NO RESPONSE. I AM SURE THAT THERE ARE NOT MANY OF THESE VEHICLES OUT THERE TO GENERATE MANY COMPLAINTS BUT SURELY THE COMPLETE LACK OF ACTION FROM ZAP SHOULD GENERATE SOME SORT OF INTEREST. THIS SHOULD BE A CONCERN ESPECIALLY AS ZAP AND PARTNER COMPANIES DEVELOP ADDITIONAL VEHICLES FOR THE MARKET. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 23, 2012SC
I HAVE BEEN SENT A RECALL NOTICE AND HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT EVERYONE WHO HAS AN EXTENSION. I HAVE SPOKEN TO A MIKE RINGSTAND ONLY TO BE DISCONNECTED. THEN WHEN I CALLED BACK HE DID NOT ANSWER. I HAVE ALSO TRIED TO EMAIL HIM BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CAR HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE. I WOULD LIKE RESTITUTION. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 27, 2011NM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ZAP XEBRA MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V385000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION: MASTER CYLINDER) IN OCTOBER 2009 AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AS OF 2011. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR EXPECTATION DATE HAD GREATLY EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 09/08/11*LJ UPDATED 2/21/12 *CN
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 16, 2010CO
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 ZAP XEBRA MOTORCYCLE. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V177000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE REPAIR PARTS. WHEN THE MANUFACTURER REPORTED THE SAFETY RECALL THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REMEDY REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER CONTINUOUSLY REASSURED THE CONTACT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS. THERE HAD BEEN A LENGTHY WAITING PERIOD FOR THE RECALL DEFECT SERVICE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE RECALL REMEDY PARTS AVAILABILITY. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 20, 2009CA
PETITION FOR DETERMINATION OF INCONSEQUENTIAL NONCOMPLIANCE FOR ALL 2008 MODEL YEAR XEBRA VEHICLES FOR FMVSS NO. 122 MOTORCYCLE BRAKE SYSTEMS; THIS PETITION RELATES TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO. 09V-385000 ONLY. SECOND RECALL # 09V177000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 2, 2009VA
HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/RECALLS/RESULTS.CFM?RCL_ID=09V177000&SEARCHTYPE=QUICKSEARCH&SUMMARY=TRUE&REFURL=RSS COMPANY STILL ADVERTISING THESE VEHICLES ON CRAIGLIST & EBAY FOR SALE WITHOUT ADEQUATE DISCLOSURE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. IS THIS LEGAL? HTTP://SFBAY.CRAIGSLIST.ORG/NBY/BAR/1344519387.HTML. *TR
Fuel System, GasolineCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 13, 200950 milesFL
THERE IS WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A DESIGN FLAW IN THE NEWER SUNL VIP MOTOR SCOOTERS. THE ORIENTATION OF THE THROTTLE CAM RETRACTION SPRING END, THE LENGTH OF THE THROTTLE CAM RETRACTION SPRING END AND THE LONG DISTANCE FROM THE THROTTLE CABLE MOUNT TO THE THROTTLE CAM (ALLOWING SLACK IN THE METAL BRAIDED THROTTLE CABLE) ALL CONTRIBUTE TO ALLOW THE END OF THE CAM RETRACTION SPRING TO SNARE THE THROTTLE CABLE, HOLDING THE THROTTLE OPEN DURING OPERATION. THESE SCOOTERS DO NOT HAVE A WAY OF DISENGAGING THE DRIVE DUE TO THE USE OF A CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH IN THE DRIVE SYSTEM. THEREFORE WHEN THIS THROTTLE IS HELD OPEN, THE SCOOTER CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. IN THIS CRASH, THE THROTTLE STUCK WHILE THE SCOOTER WAS HALFWAY THROUGH A TURN AND THEN "RAN AWAY". THERE WAS TOO LITTLE TIME TO REACT. I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM IN THE CRASHED UNIT AND CHECKED SEVERAL EXEMPLARS TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED IN THIS CRASH WAS REPEATABLE, AND IT IS. I NOTICED THAT SOME OTHER SCOOTER TYPES HAD SIMILAR SUB-ASSEMBLY CONFIGURATIONS, HOWEVER, THE COMBINATION OF DESIGN ISSUES IN THIS UNIT HAVE MADE IT UNIQUELY DANGEROUS. OTHER UNITS CURVE THE RETRACTION SPRING END, HAVE SHORT RETRACTION SPRING ENDS AND/OR SHORTER THROTTLE CABLE MOUNT LOCATIONS FROM THE THROTTLE CAM ALLOWING LESS SLACK IN THE LINE. *TR
All 44 complaints, reproduced as filed.
Reading this record
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jul 27, 2012. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.