1997 Buell M2 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 30, 2003 · 3 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other M2 years
Not enough data 1st of 4 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Buell M2. That is the most of any M2 model year in the database (4 years). The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (1 complaints, 33%). Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire, 4 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1997 Buell M2 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine and Engine Cooling1
Suspension1
Unknown or Other1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine and Engine Cooling133%———
Suspension133%———
Unknown or Other133%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2002, with 2 complaints
1999: 1199912002: 220022

n = 3 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1997 Buell M2 recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Exterior lighting:turn signalFeb 23, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V036000 · 4,724 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. Failure of one or more turn signal lamps would not be indicated to the operator of the vehicle (no noticeable change in the flashing rate of the turn signal indicator light). This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Risk: An operator would not be aware that the turn signal lamps were not working.

Fix: Dealers will replace the turn signal lamps on these motorcycles.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Throttle fails to return to idle (PE03043) — opened Sep 23, 2003, closed Oct 30, 2003, led to recall 03V427000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Rear shock that was installed on my vehicle as a recall item has failed. *ak

Suspension · received Jan 29, 2002 · NHTSA complaint 757495

This part was replaced as a recall item. The replacement part failed immediatly. The dealer was not given athorization to do this recall. They would not release my vehicle without it being done. This was '!@#$%. Then the recalled part failed immediately. I want to be contacted. No safety defect…

Unknown or Other · received Jan 29, 2002 · NHTSA complaint 757496

Dealer notified owner no parts available for the front isolator motor mount. *ak

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Oct 5, 1999 · NHTSA complaint 850011

Other Buell M2 years

1998 M2 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2002 M221
1999 M201
1998 M211
199731

See all Buell M2 problems by year, every Buell model, or the VIN decoder.

Similar Buell models

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Buell M2?

Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, suspension, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Buell M2?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1997 Buell M2 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other M2 model years, the 1997 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.