Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. has been manufacturing utility terrain vehicles (UTV) 4-stroke engines since 1962 with a good reputation.
They started launching the Kawasaki mule pro fxt series in 2014. Is this series any good?
The Kawasaki mule pro fxt series is worth the money without a doubt. However, they have some common problems like – overheating, power steering and brakes not working properly, and not reaching the maximum speed, fuel pump overheating, clutch problem, and sometimes won’t start.
Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT has 3 to 6 Passengers Trans CabTM, 812cc engine, 3-cylinders, and 4 stroke engine.
In this article, I will share with you the most common problems of the Kawasaki mule pro fxt that you must need to know before investing. Let’s deep dive into it.
About Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT
Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT is a series name of UTV, manufactured by Kawasaki. It has different models such as – 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.
They have manufactured 2022 Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT with different models like –
Mule Pro FXTTM, Mule Pro FXTTM EPS, Mule Pro FXTTM EMS CAMO, Mule Pro FXTTM LE. Mule Pro FXT Ranch Edition, and Mule Pro FXT Ranch Edition Platinum.
This UTV is fuel-efficient and eco-friendly with clean engines. This vehicle is famous for its high-power engine.
Once upon a time, it was used for working purposes, but now it is used for amusement (sport).
This vehicle produces less noise and looks nice compared to other vehicles from different brands like – Yamaha, Ranger, Cam-em, Texton Prowler Pro, etc.
However, like other utility terrain vehicles, you will face some problems. Here you go –
Common Problems With Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT
1. Brake Failure After 200 Hours Of Riding
Users are condemning Kawasaki for brake failure after 200+ hours of riding. Usually, Kawasaki assures 600+ hours of riding in the hilly areas.
However, some users say their 2016 and 2018 Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT brake system fails while riding in the paved road and the hilly regions.
If the brake fails, there will be a massacre. Even some of the riders were injured by accidents.
As manufacturers say, this is happening due to lack of maintenance; you should check brakes every day before riding and adequately clean the brake.
If the brake doesn’t produce much resistance, you should stop riding. Then you can check the brake to have a clear idea.
Is it happening due to brake failure? In a hydraulic disc brake failure condition, brakes are getting hot.
For a better experience, you should change brakes and take a new pair. Then listen to the sounds produced by brakes. If it sounds like an electronic issue, you should consult with an expert.
2. Mule Doesn’t Reach The Maximum Speed
Your mule UTV has a maximum of 46 mph (mile per hour) speed, but you can not reach the maximum speed.
Some of the users can not get even 15 mph speed. You may also see that the speed is going up and down.
According to the manufacturer service center, it is caused by the fuel pump difficulty, falling of latches, not using ethanol-free gas.
On top of that, Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT doesn’t reach the maximum speed after years of heavy use.
You can change the fuel filter, and belt to get maximum speed.
Besides, the manufacturer recommends users not to use it in a muddy area. Plus they also suggest using ethanol-free gas.
Above all, if you have a warranty card, you can call the Kawasaki regional representative to solve your problem. They are bound to do it.
3. Steering Problems and Oil Leakage
According to recall number 20-727, the Mule Pro series has steering problems that mean steering doesn’t work correctly. It is manufactural defects.
So, the USA has recalled and announced free repair of steering.
Though there had no death case, 453 incidental reports were issued.
If you drive through deep water, Mule Pro FXT may not work.
The debris ignites on the vehicle exhaust manifold. At the same time, frozen water blocks the breathing hose. As a result, a leak of oil starts.
This can be a hazardous condition. Some users reported having burned their arms and feets.
Again, according to the US recall, you should repair them from the service store.
4. Heat In The Front Seat and Floorboard Area
Riding Mule relentlessly over hours, heats the front seat and floorboard areas.
This problem may not be a big concern for the newbie. But, you can use hood scoops or vents to minimize the heat.
5. Fuel Pump Wear Out/Overheat, and Fan Is Not Working
This is not a common problem, but I found a few users are facing this issue.
If you find this issue is happening with your mule, then contact your dealers.
If the dealer somehow misbehaves (which might happen in some cases), then you can call the Kawasaki service center. They will refund you back if they can’t fix it.
6. Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT Won’t Start
This is caused when any fault is on the ECU. You should contact the dealer, and they will connect it with the battery.
7. Air Filter Problem
When vent hoses are plugging and/or you use high-volume oil, oil drops on the air filter.
As a result, Mule runs roughly for a few days. Finally, Mule stops running.
All you can do-
- Use a diesel Mule,
- Perform leak down test and compression test.
- You can also plug the oil vent hose into the airbox.
- If there is a plastic sleeve, remove it and install a tubing that blocks oil back to the air filter.
General Pros And Cons Of Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT
Kawasaki always launches their products keeping user demands in point. Y
ou can use a Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT in the hilly areas without fearing to break. Mule Pro series are durable and can take more passengers than other UTV on the same budget.
Pros
- High passenger capacity.
- High-power engines help to drive uphills.
- You can drive through deep water.
- Big in size and high weight load capacity.
- Suspension makes rough terrain travel smooth.
- Long-lasting steel cargo bed.
- Responsive braking system.
Cons
- Brake failure after 200 hours of riding.
- Mule doesn’t reach the maximum speed.
- Steering problems and oil leakage.
- Heat in the front seat and floorboard area.
- The fuel pump wears out/overheats, and the fan is not working.
- Kawasaki mule pro fxt won’t start and air filter problem.
Final Verdict
If you read this article before purchasing the Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT, you should consider the pros and cons.
The mule won’t start, and floorboard overheating are not common problems with this UTV, though I have listed them.
You can buy this UTV without a doubt if you maintain it properly, like – cleaning after driving through the muddy area, drying belt after driving through deep water.
Besides, avoiding rough terrain as much as possible will be a wise decision for lasting longer.
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