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Suzuki Recalls VL1500 and VL1500T for Fuel Tank Leak
Posted in Suzuki by Merlin on February 08, 2006

On certain 1998-2006 Suzuki motorcycles, repeated stress around the right front fuel tank mounting point can cause a hairline crack to form due to metal fatigue. This can result in a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can cause a fire.

 

They have the 2005-2006 models listed as VL1500 but should be C90.

 

NHTSA Campaign ID:  06V025000
Component:  Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly
Manufacturer:  American Suzuki Motor Corp.
Year:
1998 -2006		 Make:
Suzuki		 Model:
VL1500/C90		 Recall Date:
01/26/2006
Potential Number of Units Affected: 37911
Manufactured:
Defect Summary:
On certain motorcycles, repeated stress around the right front fuel tank mounting point can cause a hairline crack to form due to metal fatigue. This can result in a fuel leak.
Consequence Summary:
In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can cause a fire.
Corrective Summary:
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and install improved cushions that mount and support the fuel tank. Any fuel tanks that are found to have a crack will be replaced. The recall is expected to begin during February 2006. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-714-572-1490.


 

 

 view the NHTSA Recall Documents

 

 







Comments

  1. Gary C. Borham says:
    posted on: 02/16/06 4:16 PM

     I just recently received my recall notice from the Manufacture in Ca.  Nothing from the Dealer where I purchased the bike!!!  How's this for customer service, my Wife and I could have been in fatal danger.
  2. gerri says:
    posted on: 02/19/06 9:58 PM

     Does this recall include 2002 Intruder 1400VS? My dad just purchased the bike on a consignment deal. Tahnks.

  3. Gunnar says:
    posted on: 02/20/06 11:52 AM

     It doesn't involve the 1400 which has a completely different Fuel Tank as well as location of Tank
  4. Fernando says:
    posted on: 02/20/06 8:25 PM

     yes I received this notice from suzuki tank you and on the next season all get dhat fix.Ihave 1500 LC
  5. Linda Goodwin says:
    posted on: 02/23/06 11:03 AM

     My husband owns a 1500 Intruder and recently received his recall notice concerning the gas tank.  Unfortunately, his tank is one of those that does have a crack in it, and he was told that the parts are not even available yet -- they have his tank on nationwide backorder.  Unless he can get some assistance from somebody at Suzuki (which so far hasn't happened), his trip to Daytona Bike Week (which has been planned since last year) is completely ruined!

    I won't even mention the horror we felt when we realized that we had both been riding on this cycle for sometime not knowing the tank had a crack in it!  
  6. paul32725 says:
    posted on: 02/26/06 11:16 AM

     had my safty re-call done yesterday @ my local dealer, it took all of 30 minutes.
  7. Melvin Prunty says:
    posted on: 02/28/06 2:35 PM

     I received my notice on Feb the 1st. I drop my bike off at the dealer on the the 2nd of Feb. I was the first bike to be brought in for the inspection and my bike requires a new tank. It is Feb the 28th and they havn't received the tank for my bike the factury yet. The bad thing about it is not only do they have my bike but the go by first come first serve basis. So it does no good to wait and they only order the tanks as they need them. So far at the dealer that I went to five bikes came in for inspection and five need replacement tanks. Thats not good.
  8. Eric Story says:
    posted on: 03/01/06 1:49 PM

     I brought mine in as soon as the dealers had the "repair kits".  Mine had a leak as well.  Suzuki promised a replacement tank in 5 - 7 days.  That was 13 days ago.  I called America Suzuki and have been given the run-around.  It seems they only have 200 tanks coming in from Japan---by ship.  

    Who knows when we will be able to ride again.  It seems to me that they could have been a bit better prepared for this recall.

    I love my Intruder.  I only wish it were American made so that we could get parts when needed---without the wait.

    Eric Story
    US Congressional Candidate
    Texas CD 29
  9. Dwayne Goforth says:
    posted on: 03/02/06 7:30 PM

     Hello all.  I plan to take mine in for inspection before long, but I don't plan to quit riding while waiting on a tank if it is needed.  I don't want to sound like a risk taker, but think of all the riding lawn mowers, farm tractors, old farm trucks, old homemade choppers, antique Harleys, etc. that are used daily with gas running out every orifice.  I really think there is no reason to panic and I for one have not heard of an incident of injury even though there is likely thousands of 1500's cruising around with gas driping from their tanks. I had a brand new Harley in 1976 that would poor gas from the carb while sitting at a stop light, and that was all over my hot engine, and I feel MUCH safer on my 1500.  
  10. Andy says:
    posted on: 03/05/06 9:30 AM

     I ride a 2001 Intruder 1500.  I received the recall notice about two weeks ago (2-17-06).  I immediately called my local dealership (2-17-06).  They put my name on a list and said they would call when they were ready for me to bring the bike to them.  My local Suzuki dealer called me on 3-4-06 to schedule when I could bring the bike to them. I am to bring it in Tuesday (3-7-06) @ 3:00pm and was told it shouldn't take more than 90 minutes to repair, or determine what action is needed.  I will hate to know that they may keep it waiting on parts, since I live in Florida and the weather has been nice lately.  I will try and write at a later date, in regard to my experience with this situation.
  11. Dave says:
    posted on: 03/06/06 6:55 PM

     Just by chance I signed onto the web site to see what was new and I came upon this. I was shocked that nothing at all has come my way in the form of notification. I own a 2001 VL 1500 and up until now I was impressed.

    I hope nobody's family has to put "due dilligence" to the test in the courts. If I were a jurer I know how I would vote.

    I will be having a conversation with my dealer as soon as the doors open in the morning.
  12. ANDY says:
    posted on: 03/07/06 10:04 PM

     I took my M/C to the dealer (3-7-06) at the specified time this afternoon.  They took my bike to the back of the dealership, where the shop is located.  About 30-45 minutes later, they rolled my bike out and said there was no cracks in my gas tank, thus no replacement was needed.  They did  say they installed the additional cushioning, so the stress cracking should not be a future issue.  I guess we shall see.
  13. todd says:
    posted on: 03/08/06 6:40 AM

     well my intruder was one of the unfortunate cracked and leaking defective tanks.  funny how all last year i complained to the service department about the strong gas smell and all they could come up with was my carbs were messed up.  i wouldnt let them touch the carbs!  the bike was not dumping gas out the overflow tubes and ran without any problems, idle or acceleration.
    well since the bike has been in the shop, i was informed that the tank was put on backorder and they didnt know when they could expect the replacement to be completed.  three weeks later i am still waiting to get my bike back.
  14. Andy says:
    posted on: 03/08/06 7:30 PM

     Well, sorry to hear about the bad experiences, so I guess I need to consider myself lucky.  Good luck to all.    Andy
  15. Gary C. says:
    posted on: 03/09/06 11:59 AM

     Hi; I took my 04 1500lc to my local dealer yesterday 3/8/06 , it took about 2hr's. the tank was fine and they replaced the mount's..the bike is fine now. I guess Iam one of the lucky ones. ride safe!
  16. tony says:
    posted on: 03/12/06 6:56 PM

     i took my 98 lc1500 to the shop on saturday 03-11-06 and in 40 minutes it had new mounts and no crack-praise the lord.after reading some of the horror stories i was worried about parking my scooter for several weeks.now im ready to hammer down for dothan bikefest. ride safe and God bless.
  17. Ted says:
    posted on: 03/14/06 10:05 AM

     I got the recall notice and called the local dealer, Metro in Cedar Rapids, IA. I bought my bike off e-bay so they did not make a penny from the sale. They came to my house and picked it up, no charge. Put the kit on it and I assume the tank was not cracked as it wasn't changed and I never smelled gas. They did ding the paint on the right front cover. They said they would fix that at no charge also, but I am putting some decals on so just want some touch up paint so I can fix it while off the bike. They are ordering the paint and I bet I don't have to pay for it either. They are also the Harley dealer here.
  18. Jim / Pittsburgh says:
    posted on: 03/18/06 11:12 AM

     3-18-06
    I took my 1500 in to the shop today. They have the gromets in stock, and will replace the tank if necessary.
    It's too cold to ride for a while anyway.
    But the ride to the shop was a sobering one. 35 degrees
  19. Jerry says:
    posted on: 03/18/06 3:41 PM

     I received my recall notice in late feb. and called my suzuki dealer in Des Moines ,IA. (Struthers Bros) They told me to bring it in whenever I could. I took in in the first warm day we had and left it there,as I was having a problem with the clutch too. They had both the recall and the clutch done the next day (tank was ok). These guys are real pros and very customer oriented. Now all I need in more warm weather!!
  20. Larry/Minneapolis, MN says:
    posted on: 03/20/06 10:20 AM

     I drive a 2002 VL1500. I received my recall about a month ago. I called my dealer that I purchased the cycle from and they told me to bring it in. I had to bring it in for my 7500 mile check-up anyway. It was in on Friday and out the next Friday. I was in no hurry to get it back with two snow storms that week. But it was done and I drove it home. Thirty degree temp. It was a nice ride home and I can't wait for summer.


  21. torgy says:
    posted on: 03/25/06 7:46 AM

     Had old yamaha that leaked feul.  My lady always figured i'd go up in a ball of flame.  It took me 4 times and 3 dearlerships before getting fixxed.  I Taht's why i went to Suzucki because that was the folks who fixxed that leak.  Not too concerned cause my bike is an LC not a VL on the title.  No leaks after 20,000 + miles.  peace torgy
  22. Marc says:
    posted on: 03/29/06 11:03 AM

     I took my 03 Intruder in to the dealership and they held it for two weeks before they would even test it because they did have any of the kits with the new mounts on hand.  The kits and the four fuel tanks for the bikes ahead of mine that had leaks were on backorder.  I feel lucky I only had to wait two weeks.
  23. Jerry says:
    posted on: 04/04/06 1:00 PM

     I have a 2003 intruder and it has a bad tank. Has anyone heard when they are sending out any new tanks. My dealer won't tell me anything.
  24. Allen says:
    posted on: 04/08/06 7:26 PM

     I had my recall performed two weeks ago. No leaks, they just replaced the mounting rubber. Today I noticed fuel leaking on the left side. Being close to the dealer I made a bee line to them. It seems the tank now has a crack. I'll keep you posted.
  25. Jerry P. says:
    posted on: 04/10/06 3:39 PM

     Good luck finding a tank! I called a number for suzuki last Friday and they have no idea when those replacement tanks are going to be delivered to the united states. The number is 714-572-1490 my dealer told me to call this California number
    and raise hell. Didn't do me much good. I have been waiting now over a month.
  26. Tim says:
    posted on: 04/11/06 2:02 PM

     Have been waiting a month for a new tank to be shipped to the USA. STILL NO TANK  I called the number in CA and rasied HELL, dont know if it helped but i sure do feel better. They said they would sent me a couple of t-shirt, TIME WILL TELL
  27. Jerry P. says:
    posted on: 04/11/06 3:48 PM

     I wander if there is anything legal that can be done?
  28. Tim says:
    posted on: 04/12/06 1:57 PM

     Now they say that we will have tanks in the USA on the 20th
    that will be 5week with out my bike that SUCKS

  29. Bruce says:
    posted on: 04/14/06 1:25 PM

     Is this recall for the US only or for Canada too?
  30. Rick says:
    posted on: 04/16/06 1:00 PM

     This will do it for me; i am buying an American made bike if i ever get mine back to sell it.  I would think a company the size of Suzuki would have the resources to take care of this problem a lot sooner than they have been able to.  i have missed the whole spring season and at my age who knows how many more i will have before i have to get off bikes all together.  Thanks Suzuki for a job well done!!
  31. Z man says:
    posted on: 04/17/06 8:39 AM

     I was told on the 14th of April that my bike has a leaking tank too.  I have a 3 day trip planned for next week so they had better not give me any grief about giving me my cycle back!  Suzuki can loan me a cycle if they don't want to give me mine back.  There is NO EXCUSE for not having replacement parts on hand for this recall.  They HAD to know about this problem long before they even sent out the recall letters.   I should be able to seal the tank with epoxy if I need to as a temporary fix if the crack area is exposed!  Does anyone know where on the tank the stress cracks are located?
  32. Jerry P says:
    posted on: 04/17/06 9:17 AM

     My tank was leaking around the seam where the top and bottom of the tanks are put together. I was going to have mine fixed also till they told me how much it was going to cost for them to take the tank out and put it back in the bike. 2.5 hours shop labor at $75 plus the epoxy at $55 bucks. Then my luck they would call and tell me my tank had shown up. Hell you have no idea what way to go.
    I wonder what this will do to the resale of Suzuki bikes. My luck I won't be able to give it away when It gets fixed.
    I have owned Kawasaki and Honda"s and never had a problem gitting parts like this before.
  33. kurt turner says:
    posted on: 04/19/06 6:48 PM

     I need highwy foot rests, any recomendations
  34. Jerry P says:
    posted on: 04/20/06 7:31 AM

     J&P Cycle's And Dennis Kirk's cat. have a lot of different selections on accessories for metric bikes. They both have web sites and free cat.
  35. Jerry P says:
    posted on: 04/20/06 4:46 PM

     I called today no tanks yet and no idea when.
  36. Dave A says:
    posted on: 04/20/06 10:22 PM

     I have a 2001. When I first heard of the recall the dealer didn't know about it. After a few weeks they called me and told me they had the new mounts available. When I took it in, they informed me that the tank had a crack. It is now two months later and not only do they not have any tanks but they cannot tell me when they will. NOTHING. I am calling the customer service number daily and harrassing them. I finally found out that they are shipping a FEW in by boat. Only a 4 week trip on the ocean and then 1-3 weeks by ground to the dealerships. They don't seem to be in a big hurry to resolve this especially since it has been under investigation since summer of 2005. The recall took until Jan 2006 to start and they are not prepared for it at all. I am pursuing the lemon laws.
  37. John H says:
    posted on: 04/28/06 2:06 PM

     I have a 2001 that has been found to need a new gas tank because of the recall.  I have been with out my bike for over three weeks and have been told that it could be another two months before I get to have my ride back.  My bike is currently my main transportation so this is more than just a little inconvenience for me.  Suzuki should have planned to have the parts available.  I will never by another suzuki product again.
  38. Bill Gann says:
    posted on: 04/28/06 7:53 PM

     I am wondering if anyone makes a rear safety bar to protect your saddle bags.
  39. Tim J says:
    posted on: 05/02/06 10:35 AM
  40. Tim J says:
    posted on: 05/02/06 10:43 AM

     I finally got my bike back after7 weeks. I call the # in CA and rasied hell every couple of days. They now have a repair kit that they can patch  our tank. I got a new tank! Just keep calling and be a pain. Dont take NO from the them!!!
  41. BRAT says:
    posted on: 05/03/06 2:38 AM

     BILL GANN    YOU CAN GET SADDLE BAG GUARDS FROM CALIF. SIDE CAR. THEY GO FOR ABOUT $250.00
  42. Bob M says:
    posted on: 05/04/06 5:48 AM

     I just put a deposit on a 2001 VL1500LC. I asked the dealer about the recall and he said my bike was checked and had no leak. They installed the parts and said its ok.

    My question is....should I still get the bike? I'm starting to fall in love with the LC but if its a bad deal I can back out. I'm not worried about resale value as I plan on keeping it for a long time.
  43. Jerry P says:
    posted on: 05/04/06 9:18 AM

     I finally got my tank from suzuki, the only problem is they didn't send the new mounts. I think they need some new personal. The dealer put the new tank in and I am riding it now, but have to take it back for the new mounts when they arrive.
    Bob I do like my intruder but getting parts for them sucks.
  44. calvin mire sr. says:
    posted on: 05/05/06 7:13 PM

     Had a recall on my 2006 Boulevard, brought it in and in about 1 hr. they pressure tested the tank and put new rubber mounts on tank. No leak was detected. Good job by First Turn Suzuki Sales in Crowley, Louisiana.
  45. Bob M says:
    posted on: 05/05/06 9:25 PM

     Well I got my vl1500 today. Love it. Rode for 3 hrs. This is the beginning of a wonderful relationship.
  46. R2COBB says:
    posted on: 05/13/06 12:10 AM

     Good news folks!  With all the trouble Suzuki is having getting tanks they are now allowed to patch the tank.  This is a temporary fix and is to get you back on the road until your new tank arrives.
  47. Strider1 says:
    posted on: 05/13/06 12:09 PM

     58 days without the 1500 cuz they wouldn`t release it to me "due to liability reasons". Used the sealant kit on it and said they would call when tank came in.
  48. Doylin says:
    posted on: 05/13/06 10:38 PM

     I have a 2003 intruder 1500 lc . I carried my bike in on 3-23-06 for my recall inspection of my tank.  5-13-06  two months later  i'am still waiting for a replacement tank. My Suzuki intruder is just setting in a dirty shop.   I wish Suzuki would  at least sent a letter / call  keep us up to date on what is going on.    They were suppost to send a sealant kit , that has not happened yet.      This is bull ...  
  49. steve s says:
    posted on: 05/15/06 11:19 AM

     my 1500 needs a new tank , been waitn on mine almost a month now!!!!!! it used 2 b my only transportation. lucky 4 me i just bought a jeep so i can get 2 work. if i didnt have a ride they WOULD
  50. p says:
    posted on: 05/16/06 1:19 PM

     For all you people that own Suzuki Intruders 1500 with down  draft carburetors-- you should know these carbs are defective. You should notice a reduction of gas mileage over the years. Mine has 37000 miles and has lost 10 miles per gallon! Make a long story short, the needle on the slider wears an elogated hole into the needle jet causing a gas consumption increase. The needle jet is pressed into the carburetor throat. The part can be replaced your self (special tool), even though this should be a recalled item by the manufacturers. Has anyone found a way to  purchase the too and get a hold of these Needle jets at a resonable cost. I had to pay a pricee $169 to get the repair kits.
  51. Gary Kliment says:
    posted on: 05/19/06 7:51 AM

     Droppd my 2000 intruder off in the rain on 5/17 picked it up in the rain on 5/18 the main leak in New York is the thunder clouds.
  52. says:
    posted on: 05/22/06 8:03 PM

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