1999 Buell X1 Lightning Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other X1 Lightning years
- Not enough data 2nd of 2 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 7 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Buell X1 Lightning. That ranks 2nd out of 2 X1 Lightning model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (1 complaints, 50%). There are 7 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 2owner complaints
- 7safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1999 Buell X1 Lightning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 50% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 50% | 12,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
1999 Buell X1 Lightning recalls (7)
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The rear brake reservoir hose can chafe, resulting in loss of brake fluid.
Risk: Should this occur, the rider could experience loss of rear braking capabilities.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear brake reservoir hose and replace the hose if ncessary.
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The positive battery cable can contact the battery carrier.
Risk: Should this occur, the motorcycle could stall or quit.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the positive battery cable routing and correct it if there is any sign of contact.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. The rear brake line can chafe, resulting in loss of brake fluid.
Risk: Should this occur, the rider could experience loss of rear braking capabilities.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear brake line.
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.
Dt: the contact owns a 1999 buell x1 lightning motorcycle. The motorcycle has a belt instead of the chain, the rear brake line severed because of the belt. After riding the motorcycle the consumer parked the motorcycle and noticed brake fluid covering the outside of the engine, and the plastic…
Side stand switch was replaced 3 weeks ago on a previous recall by mfg!
Other Buell X1 Lightning years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 X1 Lightning | 5 | 2 |
| 1999 | 2 | 7 |
See all Buell X1 Lightning 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 X1 Lightning?
Owners most often report fuel system, gasoline, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, fuel system, gasoline, accounts for 1 complaint.
Was there a recall on the 1999 Buell X1 Lightning?
Yes, 7 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 1999 Buell X1 Lightning a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other X1 Lightning model years, the 1999 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.