Kawasaki Mule Pro MX Problems – What Should You Control?

The Kawasaki Mule Pro MX stands out against the competition because of its level of refinement and decent legroom for a utility-focused ride. Its strong towing and hauling capacity, which are the basic reasons why people buy side-by-sides, are also praised. Despite the "Pro MX" name only debuting in 2019, the Mule traces its history back to the Mule 1000 introduced in 1988. The decades of history of this utility terrain vehicle means that Kawasaki had plenty of time to fine-tune it to the present.

The continued production of the Mule range to this day just speaks about the versatility of its lineup over the years and its long-standing reputation in the market. However, the storied past of the Mule means it had to undergo trial by fire along the way as it had to contend with plenty of issues, because after all, no vehicle is ever perfect so plenty of problems may start to manifest after prolonged use, and the Mule Pro MX is no exception.

Common Problems Experienced by Kawasaki Mule Pro MX Owners

This article centers on the common problems experienced by Kawasaki Mule Pro MX owners based on customer reports as well as official releases of Kawasaki. It covers the issues relevant to the model regardless of its trim level since the debut of the series in 2019 up to the present.

With that, here are the common problems encountered by Kawasaki Mule Pro MX users in the past couple of years:

• Engine Stalling
• Braking Issues
• Overheating
• Suspension Problems
• Oil and Fuel Leaks

As a bonus, we will also explore ways of keeping such problems under your complete control through some DIY fixes so you can shave off some cash with minor issues instead of bringing it to an auto shop right away where you can be charged more for the repairs due to the addition of labor fees and higher pricing of parts replacements.

• Engine Stalling

The Kawasaki Mule Pro MX has a capable engine that makes it fit for both recreation and heavy work. It produces approximately 44 hp with a claimed torque of 42.7 lb-ft at 5,000 RPM. All that power is managed via a CVT automatic transmission with high and low range as well as reverse. The setup allows a carry weight of up to 700 lbs. and a towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs.

If the UTV's engine is stalling, struggling to start, or experiencing intermittent power losses, that's something that you should take seriously because the issue may be a symptom of a bigger problem. Neglecting to address this issue during its infancy can lead to accidents and damage to other parts of your vehicle, too.

One of the most common causes of engine stalling in the Kawasaki Mule Pro MX is a dirty air filter. If your air filter is clogged, it can restrict airflow to the engine and cause it to stall. The remedy for this is to simply clean your air filter. If it already appears to be worn out replace it to prevent air particulates from entering the air ducts of the engine.

Another common cause of engine stalling is a faulty spark plug. If your spark plug is damaged or dirty, it can prevent the engine from igniting properly, causing it to stall. Start by inspecting your spark plug, especially its terminal, and softly brush off any grime that has accumulated there. Dirt can prevent the proper contact of the terminal with the ignition system resulting in this problem, so clean it well but with utmost care because your spark plug is a sensitive component of the UTV. If it looks worn out, however, it will no longer function as intended so better replace it immediately.

A faulty fuel system can also hinder the proper delivery of fuel to the engine. This causes it to struggle in performance or even stall. Cleaning the filters and adjusting the fuel injectors accordingly should be your initial course of action here. But then again, if one or both show signs of serious deterioration in quality, better have the said parts changed.

• Braking Issues

The Kawasaki Mule Pro MX is a versatile and powerful UTV that can tackle a variety of terrain. However, it has been known to have issues with its brakes, which can be dangerous for both the vehicle and its occupants.

There are a few possible causes for this braking issue, including the build-up of brake dust on the rotors, a leak in the hydraulic system, or worn-out brake pads.

An easy fix is to clean the brake rotors with a degreaser or sandpaper. This will remove any build-up of brake dust and allow the pads to make full contact with the rotors. Check the hydraulic system for leaks and replace any worn-out parts as well. Have any defective components replaced right away.

• Overheating

Overheating is a common issue in the Kawasaki Mule Pro MX after prolonged use. It can cause damage and fire to the engine and other components plus it can be dangerous for the rider.

The most common culprit in overheating is a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause the engine's temperature to get out of control. Clean the air filter if it's only dirty but have it replaced if it's already damaged.

Another common cause of overheating is insufficient coolant or leaks. If the engine is overheating, it is important to stop and turn it off as soon as possible. Allowing the engine to continue running when it is overheating can cause serious damage. Once the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level and top it up if necessary. If the coolant level is draining quicker than it used to be, there may be a leak in the system. Check for leaks in the hose, sealant and gasket. Repair or replace them if necessary.

In some cases, overheating can be caused by a faulty thermostat. The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant through the engine, and a faulty thermostat can cause the engine to overheat. Replacing the thermostat can fix this problem.

If the engine is still overheating, it may be necessary to replace the radiator. A broken-down radiator can cause the engine to overheat, and replacing it can solve the issue.

• Suspension Problems

The Kawasaki Mule Pro MX rides on a very versatile and durable chassis with an outstanding suspension. However, once it gets exposed to abuse or regular wear and tear, it could be the source of an assortment of problems. These can manifest through a very rough ride quality with unusual sounds emanating from the base of the UTV.

Suspension problems can have a major impact on the performance of your UTV. If not addressed properly, they can lead to decreased traction, increased body roll, and even instability at high speeds. Additionally, suspension problems can make your UTV uncomfortable to ride, especially over rough terrain.

These can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, incorrect adjustment, and even damage. So first, check the air pressure in your shocks. If it is low, inflate them to the recommended level. Second, check the spring rate and adjust it if necessary. Lastly, inspect the shocks for any damage and replace them if needed.

Corrosion can occur in the other parts of the suspension system as well. Have the problematic components repaired or replaced immediately to prevent more trouble from occurring.

• Oil and Fuel Leaks

Oil and fuel leaks in the Kawasaki Mule Pro MX can result to a number of problems for the UTV. If not fixed, they can lead to engine damage, decreased performance, and even fire.

There are a few common causes of oil and fuel leaks in the Kawasaki Mule Pro MX. One is a faulty gasket or seal. Another is a cracked or damaged hose. And finally, a leak can also be caused by a loose connection between parts.

Fortunately, there are some DIY solutions that can fix most oil and fuel leaks without having to take the UTV to a mechanic. First, check all of the gaskets and seals to see if any need to be replaced. Next, inspect all of the hoses for cracks or damage. If any are found, they should be changed with new ones. Finally, check all of the connections between parts to make sure they are tight.

Conclusion

We hope that you won't end up experiencing any of the common Kawasaki Mule Pro problems shown here. Should you find yourself facing one or a combination of them though, we hope that the solutions provided here will get your UTV running back to normal in no time. If they persist, it would be wise to bring them right away to a professional mechanic.

Keeping the problems within your control as soon as their symptoms start manifesting is the best way to ensure your UTV's ideal performance, fuel economy, reliability, and longevity. Likewise, regular preventive maintenance as well as responsible riding are other ways for you to control the risk of these issues.