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1998 Buell S3tProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1998 Buell S3t, most often about the structure. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage19kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 12, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Buell S3t 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
Structure10
Suspension10

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

1 recall

1998 Buell S3t 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.

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 S3t 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 S3t median. How we score

'97'98'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1998 Buell S3t, 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 S3t owners report

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

MOTORCYCLE HANDLING SUDDENLY DETERIORATED, BECAME UNSTABLE. UPON STOPPING TO INVESTIGATE COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE. WENT IMMEDIATELY TO BUELL DEALERSHIP WHERE CERTIFIED BUELL TECHNICIAN ADJUSTED REAR SHOCK PRELOAD. THIS IMPROVED THE HANDLING SOMEWHAT BUT DID NOT CORRECT IT. ANOTHER BUELL TECHNICIAN…
Complaint 10072457 · May 12, 2004 · 19,091 miles

Own a 1998 S3t?

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