1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other S3 Thunderbolt years
- Not enough data 3rd of 4 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 6 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt. That ranks 3rd out of 4 S3 Thunderbolt model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 56,483 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 1owner complaints
- 6safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 100% | 56,483 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 100% | 56,483 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt recalls (6)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Vehicle speed control:cables
Problem: On certain motorcycles equipped exclusively with a fuel injection system, the idle control cable can become dislodged from the fuel injection system cable guide due to improper adjustment of the throttle control system.
Risk: Should this occur, the throttle may not return to the idle position when the operator's hand is removed from the twist grip, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a throttle cable clamp, which serves to ensure retention of the throttle control cables in the cable guide. Owner notification is expected to begin during november or december 2003. Owners should contact buell at 1-414-343-8400.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The location of the rear brake line can cause it to become damaged and leak fluid.
Risk: A loss of rear wheel braking capabilities could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear brake line.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The fuel filter can leak.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel filter.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank mount system that could, in the event of a crash, allow the fuel tank to separate from the motorcycle.
Risk: This could result in an explosion or fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank mount system.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged.
Risk: Under certain conditions, this could cause the carburetor to overflow fuel which could result in a fire. This condition could also prevent sufficient fuel flow, which could cause the engine to misfire or stall.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank vent valve assembly.
Unknown or other
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a sidestand switch that could become inoperative
Risk: This condition can cause the engine to stall/quit when riding.
Fix: Dealers will replace the sidestand switch.
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.
I experienced unintended acceleration. Leaving a stop, the engine went to wide open throttle. The bike wheelied, i fell off at about 35 mph. The engine throttle stayed wide open until the bank angle sensor shut it down. I injured my left shoulder and elbow. When i got the buell home and…
Other Buell S3 Thunderbolt years
← 1998 S3 Thunderbolt · 2000 S3 Thunderbolt →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 S3 Thunderbolt | 0 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 | 6 |
| 1998 S3 Thunderbolt | 10 | 7 |
| 1997 S3 Thunderbolt | 2 | 7 |
See all Buell S3 Thunderbolt 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 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt?
Owners most often report engine, vehicle speed control problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 1 complaint.
Was there a recall on the 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt?
Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other S3 Thunderbolt model years, the 1999 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.