Suzuki Motorcycle Lawsuit: Brake Defect Creates Safety Risk

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Suzuki Motor of America Inc. sold motorcycles with a defective front brake master cylinder that can lose pressure while in use, leaving riders without dependable braking power.

Consumers Affected: California riders who bought motorcycles from authorized dealerships and were affected by the alleged defective brakes.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

California riders Alex Lopez and Travell Woods claim they purchased motorcycles they believed were safe and reliable. Instead, they allege their bikes contained a serious defect that undermines braking ability. 

The two filed a class action lawsuit against Suzuki Motor of America Inc. on August 14 in federal court, accusing the company of selling motorcycles with faulty front brake master cylinders.

According to the complaint, the component can lose pressure while in use, leaving riders without dependable braking power. Plaintiffs argue this defect creates a hazardous condition for both drivers and passengers.

Suzuki Accused of Selling Motorcycles with Faulty Brakes

The complaint centers on the design and materials used in the front brake master cylinder. Plaintiffs allege that Suzuki constructed the part with a zinc piston, which reacts with brake fluid and produces hydrogen gas. 

Over time, this reaction is said to cause pitting and debris buildup, weakening the system and diminishing brake pressure.

According to the lawsuit, this chemical reaction significantly reduces stopping power. Riders may believe their motorcycles are functioning properly until the component fails under normal use, at which point braking performance can drop without warning.

Plaintiffs Say Company Knew About Problem for a Decade

Lopez and Woods allege that Suzuki has been aware of the defect for more than a decade. The complaint points to internal warranty records, dealership service documents, and numerous customer complaints as evidence that the company has long known about brake issues.

The lawsuit also cites a 2013 recall in which Suzuki acknowledged that corrosion of the piston could cause gas accumulation, raising crash risks. However, plaintiffs claim that the redesign introduced after that recall did not solve the underlying problem. They argue that motorcycles sold with the updated part still suffer from the same defect.

Riders Say They Paid Out-of-Pocket for Repairs

The plaintiffs argue that the defect not only compromises safety but also caused financial harm. Riders allegedly paid repair expenses to address the issue, while the value of their motorcycles dropped due to the unresolved safety concern. 

The lawsuit claims that Suzuki’s failure to adequately warn consumers left buyers responsible for costs that should have been covered or prevented through proper design and disclosure.

Other Motorcycle Lawsuits Raise Similar Concerns

The Suzuki case comes amid other lawsuits involving motorcycle defects. Earlier this year, Kawasaki faced claims that certain 2025 KX450 models contained faulty crankshafts. 

According to that complaint, the defect could cause sudden engine failure during rides, creating a risk of crashes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission later announced a recall of multiple KX450 models linked to the alleged defect.

In the class action over defective brakes, Lopez and Woods are suing Suzuki on behalf of California riders who bought motorcycles from authorized dealerships. They claim Suzuki sold bikes with unsafe brakes, breaking its promises to consumers and violating state protection laws.

The lawsuit asks for compensation to cover repair costs, lost motorcycle value, and other financial setbacks. The riders also want the case certified as a class action, which would allow more owners to join and benefit if the suit succeeds.

If the plaintiffs win, Suzuki could be ordered to pay damages and fix what they call a widespread safety problem in its motorcycles.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Lopez et al. v. Suzuki Motor of America Inc.
• Case Number: 8:25-cv-01796
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Ryan J. Clarkson, Glenn A. Danas and Zarrina Ozari (Clarkson Law Firm PC)
• Timothy G. Blood and Paula R. Brown (Blood Hurst & O’Reardon LLP)

Do you own a Suzuki motorcycle? Have you experienced issues with your brakes? Share your experience in the comments below.