2003 Yamaha XVS65Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2003 Yamaha XVS65, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 30, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Yamaha XVS65 has problems

5 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
Power train40
Structure10

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

2 recalls

2003 Yamaha XVS65 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

Seats: motorcycle

Recall 05V-067 · Mar 3, 2005 · 179,042 vehicles

Risk. IF THE MOUNTING HARDWARE BECOMES LOOSE ENOUGH TO FALL OFF, THE PASSENGER SEAT CAN FALL OFF THE REAR FENDER.

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 Yamaha.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other XVS65 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 XVS65 median. How we score

'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What XVS65 owners report

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

REAR DIFFERENTIAL PINION GEAR IS NOT LUBRICATED WITH GREASE DURING INITIAL ASSEMBLY. LUBRICATION OF THIS GEAR IS A COMMON PRACTICE IN THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY. THIS OVERSIGHT CAUSES THE GEAR TO SLOWLY WEAR AWAY OVER TIME CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DRIVETRAIN. IF THIS OCCURS IN A BUSY…
Complaint 10910882 · Sep 30, 2016 · 12,800 miles
AS I WAS ABOUT TO LEAVE WORK AND HEAD BACK TO MY HOTEL, MY MOTORCYCLE STOPPED WORKING. I HAD TO LOAD IT ONTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SENT BACK HOME TO BE INSPECTED. UPON INSPECTION MY MECHANIC HAD FOUND A GEAR IN MY FINAL DRIVE HAD CRACKED AND BROKEN. THE PART HAS MADE MY MOTORCYCLE INOPERABLE. IF THIS…
Complaint 10522989 · Jul 3, 2013 · 4,052 miles
YAMAHA XVS 650 DRIVE SHAFT COUPLER FAILS. COULD CAUSE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL. FACTORY DOES NOT LUBRICATE PART AT DURING ASSEMBLY AND DOES NOT INFORM OWNER TO LUBRICATE. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TO MANY OWNERS. THIS HAPPENED TO ME, WITHOUT A MAJOR INCIDENT. YAMAHA DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE ABOUT THIS…
Complaint 10319363 · Mar 12, 2010 · 27,000 miles

Own a 2003 XVS65?

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