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1998 Buell S1w White LightningProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1998 Buell S1w White Lightning, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 4, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Buell S1w White Lightning has problems

1 complaint 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
Engine and engine cooling10
Exterior lighting10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Structure10
Suspension10

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

1 recall

1998 Buell S1w White 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

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 S1w White 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 S1w White Lightning median. How we score

'98'99
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1998 Buell S1w White 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 S1w White Lightning owners report

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

CONSUMER RECEIVED EIGHT MANUFACTURER'S. RECALLS FROM 18 MAY 99 THROUGH 20TH JULY 99, AND DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED ANY OF THEM BECAUSE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE: 1. 808 TURN SIGNAL, 2. 810 FRONT ISOLATOR MOUNT 3. 811 NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE 4. 813 SIDE STAND SWITCH 5. 814 FUEL TANK MOUNT 6. 815 FUEL…
Complaint 844369 · Aug 4, 1999

Own a 1998 S1w White Lightning?

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