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1997 Buell S3 ThunderboltProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1997 Buell S3 Thunderbolt, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 7 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls7Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage20kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 29, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Buell S3 Thunderbolt has problems

2 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
Engine and engine cooling10
Structure10
Suspension10

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

7 recalls

1997 Buell S3 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 →

Show 3 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

1997 vs. every other S3 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 S3 Thunderbolt median. How we score

'97'98'99'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Buell S3 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 S3 Thunderbolt owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TRAVELING COUNTRY ROAD AT ~60 MPH, WHILE ROUNDING CORNER. MOTORCYCLE STARTED VIBRATING HEAVILY. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD. BUELL STATED THAT PROPER WARRANTY REPAIR HAD BEEN DONE FOR PREVIOUS OWNER, BUT THAT THEY WOULD GOODWILL THE MOTORMOUNT WHICH HAD FAILED. BUT WOULD NOT ASSUME…
Complaint 10079034 · Jun 29, 2004 · 20,100 miles

Own a 1997 S3 Thunderbolt?

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