Shimano announced an official recall Thursday of certain HollowTech II crankarms, after reports of the bonded outer shell separating from the forged base.
The malfunction, which the company said could lead to a potential crash hazard, affects approximately 680,000 cranksets sold in the U.S. and 80,000 in Canada. Owners of the faulty parts should stop using them immediately, according to the recall filed with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The specific models included in the recall are 11-speed Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranksets: FC-6800, FC-R8000, FC-9000, FC-R9100, and FC-R9100-P. Only those produced between June 1, 2012, and June 30, 2019, and with certain date codes, are affected. For now, the recall is limited only to Shimano parts sold in North America.
The CPSC has documented 4,519 incidents of these cranksets separating, resulting in six injuries such as bone fractures and lacerations.
Shimano Crankset Recall Details
Despite these figures, Shimano estimates that just 0.5% of these cranksets might need replacement. However, the sheer number of affected cranks over a period of several years makes it a significant concern.
The affected models have a two-letter production code on the backside of the crank arm where the pedals are attached. If your crank arm has one of the following codes (and was bought before July 2019), then it’s likely affected by the recall.
- Affected codes include: KF, KG, KH, KI, KJ, KK, KL, LA, LB, LC, LD, LE, LF, LG, LH, LI, LJ, LK, LL, MA, MB, MC, MD, ME, MF, MG, MH, MI, MJ, MK, ML, NA, NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, NG, NH, NI, NJ, NK, NL, OA, OB, OC, OD, OE, OF, OG, OH, OI, OJ, OK, OL, PA, PB, PC, PD, PE, PF, PG, PH, PI, PJ, PK, PL, QA, QB, QC, QD, QE, QF, QG, QH, QI, QJ, QK, QL, RA, RB, RC, RD, RE, and RF.
Customers possessing these recalled cranksets are advised to approach an authorized Shimano dealer for inspection beginning October 1, 2023, the company said. Cranksets showing signs of separation will be replaced free of charge.
Those passing the inspection can continue usage, though Shimano will provide coverage for subsequent failures for several upcoming years. The exact duration of this coverage is yet to be specified.
Replacement Details
Addressing the replacement, Shimano said it would discontinue the affected 11-speed cranks. Replacements will be special versions of current 12-speed cranks, modified for 11-speed drivetrains. They stressed that replacements would align with the original model wherever feasible.
However, some concerns remain unanswered. It’s unclear what Shimano’s course of action will be if they lack suitable replacements for broken cranks. The reason why some cranks fail while others remain intact is also still unknown.
For additional information, visit the recall page on Shimano’s website. Affected consumers can also visit a Shimano retailer for a free crankset inspection, or call (844) 776-0315 for assistance.
