Recall Alert: Made-In-India KTM Adventure 390s And Husqvarna 401 Under The Scanner
KTM North America has recalled 9,070 motorcycles after detecting a fault in the electronic throttle system. The issue affects 2022-2024 KTM 390 Adventure models and 2022-2023 Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 motorcycles. The defect can cause sudden loss of throttle response, raising major safety concerns. Although the notice is for the US market, the affected bikes are also built for India, making this development important for local riders too.
What Went Wrong
The defect comes from moisture entering the throttle’s electronic parts. Corrosion builds up over time, and the Engine Control Unit responds to abnormal signals by cutting the engine to idle mode without warning. Riders suddenly lose power, which can be dangerous while overtaking or on highways.
Restarting the bike restores throttle, but the problem does not go away. The faulty units were sourced from Uno Minda Ltd, a major supplier in India, and used on motorcycles made between late 2021 and early 2024. Failures were first spotted in Europe, then in North America. Since the supplier is Indian, the possibility of similar issues on India-sold KTM 390s and Husqvarna 401s cannot be ignored.
Fixing the Problem
KTM’s solution is to replace the throttle body with a redesigned part. The updated version, produced after May 2024, has better sealing and cleaner assembly. Dealers in the US have already been told to stop selling affected models until repairs are completed.
Owners who paid for throttle repairs earlier are also eligible for refunds. For Indian customers, no official recall has yet been announced, but the supply chain link through Uno Minda suggests that KTM India will face questions. The company will need to clarify whether motorcycles sold here are impacted and whether replacements will be offered.
What Owners Should Do
In North America, the recall is listed under reference number 25V598. Owners can check with KTM service centres or visit the NHTSA site to confirm if their motorcycle is included.
What about India?
In India, owners of KTM 390 Adventure, Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 and Vitpilen 401 should remain alert. If the bike shows sudden throttle cuts or stalls, it should not be ridden until inspected by a dealer.
Riders can contact KTM India service centres for checks, even if no recall notice has been issued yet. Since the supplier is local, Indian bikes produced between 2021 and 2024 may share the same risk.
The KTM 390 Adventure is a popular entry-level touring motorcycle in India, priced at around ₹3.5 lakh ex-showroom. The Husqvarna 401 models appeal to urban buyers and younger riders. These are not low-volume products, and their buyers often use them for long trips.
A sudden throttle loss during highway riding or in hilly terrain can have serious consequences. Unlike cars, motorcycles give no protection in case of failures, which makes reliable throttle response even more critical. With India’s growing adoption of ride-by-wire systems, this recall is a reminder that local weather conditions, especially heavy monsoons and high humidity, must be factored into electronic component design.
KTM acted quickly overseas by halting sales and offering full replacements, not just repairs. This is important for rebuilding trust. But in India, where quality control and after-sales responsiveness are often questioned, the company must clarify its stand. Uno Minda’s role in the supply chain also puts the spotlight on Indian suppliers and their ability to meet global reliability standards.
The recall shows how a small design weakness like moisture sealing can create large-scale risks when thousands of units are sold worldwide. With more electronic systems being added to modern bikes, rigorous testing for Indian riding conditions will be critical.