Buell S2 Thunderbolt Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 30, 2003 · 4 owner complaints analyzed

NHTSA has 4 owner complaints and 8 safety recalls on file for the Buell S2 Thunderbolt, across 2 model years (1995–1996). The 1995 model year has the most complaints (3). The most reported problem area overall is fuel system, gasoline.

Peak: 1995, with 3 complaints
1995: 3199531996: 119961

n = 4 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Buell S2 Thunderbolt years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

No S2 Thunderbolt model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 1995 S2 Thunderbolt: 3 complaints, 8 recalls
  2. 1996 S2 Thunderbolt: 1 complaint, 4 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Buell S2 Thunderbolt problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Fuel System, Gasoline320
Steering110
Suspension110

All Buell S2 Thunderbolt model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
1996 S2 Thunderbolt14—Fuel System, Gasoline
1995 S2 Thunderbolt38—Fuel System, Gasoline

More from Buell: all Buell models · VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Buell S2 Thunderbolt years should you stay away from?

No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 1995 (3), 1996 (1). Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Buell S2 Thunderbolt?

Fuel System, Gasoline, with 3 complaints across 2 model years.

How many recalls does the Buell S2 Thunderbolt have?

8 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.