Another Suzuki class action claims motorcycles have brake defect

Suzuki motorcycle class action overview:

• Who: Two Suzuki motorcycle owners are suing Suzuki Motor of America Inc.
• Why: The plaintiffs allege the company’s motorcycles have a defective front brake master cylinder.
• Where: The Suzuki motorcycle class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.

Suzuki Motor of America Inc. has been hit with another class action lawsuit alleging its motorcycles have a defective front brake master cylinder that poses a safety hazard for drivers and passengers.

Plaintiffs Alex Lopez and Travell Woods filed the Suzuki motorcycle class action complaint against Suzuki on Aug. 14 in California federal court, alleging violations of state consumer laws.

The complaint alleges the front brake master cylinder’s design and manufacturing defect diminishes or loses brake pressure, compromising the motorcycle’s ability to stop effectively.

The plaintiffs claim that the brake master cylinder is constructed with a zinc piston that chemically reacts with brake fluid, leading to hydrogen gas build-up, pitting, and debris formation. This diminishes brake pressure and significantly impacts the motorcycle’s braking ability, they say.

Suzuki has failed to notify consumers of the ongoing defect, the lawsuit alleges.

Lopez and Woods allege the Suzuki brake defect has been known to the motorcycle manufacturer for more than a decade, citing internal warranty claims, dealership records, and customer complaints. Furthermore, Suzuki issued a recall in 2013 for certain models, admitting that corrosion of the FBMC piston and gas accumulation increased the risk of a crash. 

However, the plaintiffs allege that the redesign implemented by Suzuki did not resolve the issue, and motorcycles with the redesigned FBMC continue to suffer from the same corrosion and loss of braking power.

As a result, the plaintiffs allege they and other class members suffered economic injury due to the diminished value of their motorcycles and out-of-pocket repair costs.

Plaintiffs are looking to represent anyone in California who purchased a Suzuki motorcycle from a Suzuki authorized dealership. They are suing for breach of implied warranty and violations of California consumer laws, and seek certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

A similar class action was filed against Suzuki in November 2023 alleging many of its sports motorcycles have a defective FMBC that Suzuki has known about since 2004.

What do you think of the allegations made in this Suzuki motorcycle class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiffs are represented by Ryan J. Clarkson, Glenn A. Danas and Zarrina Ozari of Clarkson Law Firm PC and Timothy G. Blood and Paula R. Brown of Blood Hurst & O’Reardon LLP.

The Suzuki motorcycle class action lawsuit is Lopez et al. v. Suzuki Motor of America Inc., Case No. 8:25-cv-01796, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

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