AI DamageDucati Monster S4RS: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Ducati Monster S4RS across 2 model years: 32 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 84% of all complaints
- 2 Structure 9% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 6% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 3% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 3% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 27 complaints (84% of all).
- Structure: 3 complaints (9% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (6% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (3% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (3% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 32 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 27 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
2008 ducati monster s4rs voltage rectifier/regulator over heats and catches fire. Melts and destroys other components surrounding the unit, such as the oil breather tank and the seat. This problem is identified in the nhtsa database for other ducati models.
This ducati monster s4rs motorcycle is one of the many that experienced deformation of the fuel tank and compromise of the internal fuel pump of the motorcycle. The cause of the deformation is due to incompatibility with fuel itself; very possibly ethanol in particular.
I have made no modifications to the fuel tank or fuel pump. I took the bike to the dealer who submitted a claim to ducati north america (the importer/factory) and they refused to replace the tank. I was not given a reason. I am very concerned as to the safety of this motorcycle now.
I have made no modifications to the fuel tank or fuel pump at all. I took my bike to a local dealer who submitted a claim to ducati north america (the importer/factory) and they replaced the tank. I was not given a reason for the tank swelling.
The contact stated that the fuel tank was swelling and causing a fuel leak on to the motor in which the contact was concerned could potentially cause a fire. The contact called the dealer regarding the swelling fuel tank but the dealer did not provide the contact with any information. The vehicle was not repaired.
In addition the fuel lines can leak due to the shifting of the tank and this can lead to fuel spilling onto the hot exhaust leading to fire. Ducati should be required to redesign the tank either in a better plastic or metal.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.