Yamaha YZF-R3 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 11 safety recalls on file for the Yamaha YZF-R3, across 7 model years (2015–2021). The 2015 model year has the most complaints (3). The most reported problem area overall is engine.
Yamaha YZF-R3 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
No YZF-R3 model year stands out with more than twice the complaints of a typical year.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2015 YZF-R3: 3 complaints, 6 recalls
- 2017 YZF-R3: 1 complaint, 3 recalls
- 2016 YZF-R3: 1 complaint, 5 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 Yamaha YZF-R3 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Yamaha YZF-R3 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 YZF-R3 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2020 YZF-R3 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2019 YZF-R3 | 0 | 5 | — | — | |
| 2018 YZF-R3 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2017 YZF-R3 | 1 | 3 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2016 YZF-R3 | 1 | 5 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2015 YZF-R3 | 3 | 6 | — | Engine |
More from Yamaha: all Yamaha models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Yamaha YZF-R3 years should you stay away from?
No year stands out at twice the typical count; the most complaints are for 2015 (3), 2017 (1), 2016 (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 Yamaha YZF-R3?
Engine, with 3 complaints across 2 model years.
How many recalls does the Yamaha YZF-R3 have?
11 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.