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1996 Buell S1 LightningProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1996 Buell S1 Lightning, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 6 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls6Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 12, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Buell S1 Lightning has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Service brakes, hydraulic10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

1996 Buell S1 Lightning recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 99V-105 · May 6, 1999 · 12,321 vehicles

Risk. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE THE CARBURETOR TO OVERFLOW FUEL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Rear: shock absorber

Recall 99V-107 · May 6, 1999 · 8,950 vehicles

Risk. IF THE SHOCK EYE SHOULD BREAK, THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WILL DRAG ON THE GROUND POSSIBLY CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Buell.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other S1 Lightning year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S1 Lightning median. How we score

'96'97'98
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1996 Buell S1 Lightning, and the recalls they led to.

  1. THROTTLE FAILS TO RETURN TO IDLEPE03043 · closed Oct 30, 2003
    Led to recall 03V-427
In owners' words

What S1 Lightning owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE NEGATIVE BATTERY LEAD FOR THE S1 MODELS IS TOO SHORT. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH SLACK TO ALLOW FOR MOVEMENT DUE TO VIBRATION. THE EFFECTS OF THE LEAD BREAKING IS TOTAL LOSS OF POWER, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO SHUT DOWN AND LIGHTS TO GO OFF.
Complaint 537522 · Jun 26, 1998

Own a 1996 S1 Lightning?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.