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1996 Buell S2 ThunderboltProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1996 Buell S2 Thunderbolt, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Fuel system, gasoline

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 30, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Buell S2 Thunderbolt 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
Fuel system, gasoline10

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

4 recalls

1996 Buell S2 Thunderbolt 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 →

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 S2 Thunderbolt 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 S2 Thunderbolt median. How we score

'95'96
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1996 Buell S2 Thunderbolt, 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 S2 Thunderbolt owners report

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

RECALLS 99V107/99V106/99V105, AND 99V10;, EASTGATE HARLEY DAVIDSON 699 OLD STATE ROUTE 74, CINNANNTI OH 45245 [PHONE], THESE RECALLS HAVE NOT BEEN MODIFIED. A DEFECTS STILL EXISTS AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. MANUFACTURER STATED IT WOULD TAKE A MONTH TO RECEIVE THE PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER…
Complaint 849622 · Sep 30, 1999

Own a 1996 S2 Thunderbolt?

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