1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT problems & recalls
NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT.
Recalls
Unknown Or Other #99V097000 · 1999 · 10,255 units
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline #99V105000 · 1999 · 12,321 units
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline #99V104000 · 1999 · 10,556 units
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic #00V037000 · 2000 · 839 units
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 #00V038000 · 2000 · 2,912 units
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.
Vehicle Speed Control #03V427000 · 2003 · 2,830 units
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.
Recalls can cover only some VINs. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners complain about
Components named in 1 NHTSA owner complaint. Complaints are unverified.
Want the full repair deets? Get the service manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 S3 THUNDERBOLT.
Motorcycle-specific service manuals with step-by-step procedures (Clymer is part of Haynes).
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Specs
Specs coming soon. We only publish specs taken from the manufacturer's own spec sheets.
Other years
FAQ
Does the 1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT have recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if a fix is still open.
What are the most common 1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT problems?
In 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the most-named area is vehicle speed control.