1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 50%of 6 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic, 50% of the 6 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1997 Kawasaki vulcan 1500 classic motorcycle. On this bike and other models, Kawasaki installed a plastic gear on the oil pump. This gear fails causing a loss of oil pressure and in some cases destroys major components of the engine. The dealership is telling me that it will cost me over $8,000.00 in parts to repair. Kawasaki is only willing to replace the gear, piston rings, gaskets and labor needed to replace those parts but not any part that was damaged by the loss of oil pressure. This has been a known problem from the research I have done since at least 1999. …”
NHTSA complaint #10227603, filed 2008-05, 30,500 miles“I was riding my motorcycle a 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic at approximately 35 -40 MPH when it started to make a tapping noise. I pull over as soon as I heard the noise. The bike was purchase used from rua motorcycles indian trail nc. The motorcycle was returned to rua cycles for repairs that same day feb 21 2004. After rua cycles was able to find the cause of the noise it was determined that the motor was not getting the oil needed to maintain it properly. While rua was preparing to repair the motor it was discovered that Kawasaki has been aware of the problem with this motor for some time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10073216, filed 2004-05, 32,126 miles“The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the oil and water warning lights illuminated, then went out. The bike was towed to a service dealer where the problem was identified as an oil pressure failure. The manufacturer was contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #10173504, filed 2006-11, 22,120 milesEngine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 3 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic
← All problems reported for the 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology