On Ducati's 2020 to 2023 Panigale V2 models, a software bug can cause the daytime running lights to turn on at night and disable the headlights, increasing the risk of an accident.
On June 6, 2023, Ducati North America launched a safety recall for all 2020 to 2023 Panigale V2 models due to a software issue that can cause the daytime running lights (DRL) to turn on when riding at night. Under such circumstances, the headlight is disabled and the daytime running lights may not be able to provide enough brightness to adequately illuminate the road, increasing the risk of an accident.
Scope and affected parties of the recall
Ducati North America estimates that approximately 3,315 motorcycles may be affected by the problem, or about five percent of the total vehicle population. The affected machines were manufactured between Dec. 4, 2019, and May 23, 2023.
Discovery of the problem
Ducati first became aware of the issue in February 2023, when vehicle owners from various countries including China, Spain, Japan, the U.S. and the United Kingdom reported problems with their display’s automatic light switching on some Panigale V2 models. The complaints, which were forwarded to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), included unexplained switching of the display to day mode during the night.
Root cause analysis and possible warning signs
After analyzing the complaints, Ducati determined that there was an error in the software calibration of a dashboard photodiode. Interestingly, this photodiode controls not only the display lighting, but also the daytime running lights.
This photodiode also has another function: it controls the color of the lights and can therefore serve as a warning signal to riders if the software error occurs. According to Ducati, owners can manually turn on the low beams at any time after noticing a change to confirm that their headlights are illuminating sufficiently. This should be done until they are able to visit an authorized Ducati dealer for recall service.
Free software update planned
As part of the recall, Ducati North America plans to perform a software correction on all affected Panigale V2 models built between 2020 and 2023. The service will be free to vehicle owners and will not require parts replacement. In addition, all Panigale V2 motorcycles manufactured on or after May 24, 2023, will be shipped from the factory with the correct software version and therefore should not have this issue.
Notification to those affected
Between May 30, 2023 and June 6, 2023, Ducati North America notified dealers of the recall. Notification to registered owners of affected Panigale V2 models was made between June 20, 2023 and June 27, 2023.
For more information, owners can contact Ducati North America Customer Service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s recall campaign number is SRV-RCL-23-003. In addition, owners can contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov. It should also be noted that motorcycles in other regions may also be affected by the recall, as they are often produced in the same plant for different markets.
