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1998 Buell S1 LightningProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1998 Buell S1 Lightning, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 8 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls8Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 24, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 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 system20
Fuel system, gasoline20
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Suspension20

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

8 recalls

1998 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

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 →

–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 →

Show 4 more recalls
–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 97V-153 · Sep 12, 1997 · 2,820 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT THE FRONT WHEEL FROM ROTATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

1998 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 1998 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.

RECEIVED EIGHT MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICES. DEALER NOTIFIED AND NO REPAIRS DONE. DEALER INFORMED THAT THEY ARE WAITING ON ALL PARTS BEFORE REPAIRS CAN BE MADE. WAITING SINCE 25 OF MAY 1999. AS OF DECEMBER 30, 1999 PARTS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
Complaint 853344 · Nov 24, 1999
DEALER NOTIFIED OF EIGHT MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICES RECEIVED. AS OF NOW NONE OF THE RECALL REPAIRS WWERE MADE. DEALER INFORMED THAT THEY ARE WAITING ON ALL THE PARTS BEFORE REPAIRS CAN BE MADE. *AK
Complaint 853343 · Nov 24, 1999

Own a 1998 S1 Lightning?

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