2002 Kawasaki KLR650
Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 7 |
| 2000 | 8 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 11 |
| 2003 | 6 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2008 | 116 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
THE BALANCER IDLER SHAFT TENSIONING SPRONG WAS DISCOVERED TO BE BROKEN WHEN PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE WAS CARRIED OUT ON MY 2002 KAWASAKI KLR 650 MOTORCYCLE AT 2867 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030101
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING SIDEVIEW MIRRORS WILL RESET THEMSELVES DUE TO HEAVY VIBRATION IN MOTORCYCLE. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO SEE THROUGH SIDE MIRRORS. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020828
1 of 11 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
MOTORCYCLE IS UNDER 5000 MILES AND ALREADY HAS CHANGED FRONT AND REAR TIRES. DUNLOP TIRE, MODEL 750, SIZE 130/80-1765S, AND PROBLEM STILLRECURRING, TIRE GOT FLAT.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030702
1 of 11 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: power train.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Kawasaki KLR650 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2002 Kawasaki KLR650 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kawasaki KLR650?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Kawasaki KLR650 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.