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1999 Buell S3Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1999 Buell S3, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage33kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 2, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Buell S3 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
Suspension20
Fuel system, gasoline10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Structure10

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

1 recall

1999 Buell S3 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

Suspension: rear

Recall 98V-199 · Aug 25, 1998 · 136 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE REAR SUSPENSION TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING, LEADING TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE.

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

1999 vs. every other S3 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 median. How we score

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

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1999 Buell S3, 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 owners report

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

THE CYCLE HAS CRACKED SHOCK ABSORBERS ON THE REAR SUSPENSIONS THAT ARE ON RECALL. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CLAIMED THE RECALL DID NOT AFFECT THE CONSUMER'S CYCLE. A DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE SHOCK ABSORBER ON THE CYCLE WERE IN FACT THE RECALLED EQUIPMENT. RECALL NO.…
Complaint 10057341 · Feb 2, 2004 · 33,000 miles
RECALL 98 V 199 000/SWING ARM : ALSO OTHER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED ON A FUEL TANK, KICK STAND SWITCH, AND A BRAKE LINE. NONE OF RECALLS HAVE BEEN HONORED SINCE ABOVE INCIDENT DATE. DEALER: SON HARLEY DAVIDSON, DENVER,CO; PHONE# 303/287-7566, STILL UNABLE TO HONOR RECALL. ASKING NHTSA…
Complaint 882655 · Mar 9, 2001

Own a 1999 S3?

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