Owners have filed 10 complaints
about the 2006 Triumph Rocket III with NHTSA between 2007 and 2022.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2006 Triumph Rocket III
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
660.0%
Median failure at 9,500 miles
Engine & Cooling
220.0%
Median failure at 11,750 miles
Wheels
110.0%
Median failure at 9,870 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
110.0%
Median failure at 2,500 miles
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2007peak 2Mar 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Triumph Rocket III
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE07030Opened 20 Jun 2007Closed 19 Oct 2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
MOTORCYCLE STALLING
FOLLOWING OUR OPENING OF THIS PE AND SUBSEQUENT DISCUSSIONS WITH TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES LTD, THE COMPANY DECIDED TO LAUNCH A SAFETY-RELATED RECALL OF ALL ROCKET III MODEL MOTORCYCLES TO ADDRESS OCCURRENCES OF SUDDEN AND UN-FORESEEN TIP-OUT STALLING.THIS ACTION WAS TAKEN IN LIEU OF RESPONDING TO NHTSA'S INFORMATION REQUEST AND INVOLVES THE INSTALLATION OF AN UPGRADED ECU INCORPORATING REVISED ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE. WITH TRIUMPH'S SAFETY-RELATED RECALL, THIS PE IS CLOSED.
Recalls on the 2006 Triumph Rocket III
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2007336224 units in Canada
Engine
Certain motorcycles may stall when the throttle is returned to the idle position. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the rider's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will update the Electronic Control Module software.
Recall 200606518 units in Canada
Steering
On certain motorcycles, the handlebar clamp bolts may not have received adequate tightening torque during final vehicle assembly. The fitment of the handlebar clamps is a task undertaken by the dealers. Triumph failed to notify dealers of a change in the clamp design which requires a higher torque value. As a result, the handlebar could loosen and cause a loss of vehicle control and a crash. Correction: Dealers will apply correct tightening torque to the handlebar clamp bolts.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 14,000 milesBoynton Beach, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns 2006 Triumph Rocket III. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at approximately 50 MPH, there was a vibration. The contact noticed the rear output shaft bearing assembly had deteriorated. The contact also mentioned that the shift lever was loosened and not installed properly. The contact made it safely to the destination. The contact notified a local dealer and provided the dealer with a video of the failure that was experienced. The motorcycle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The output shaft bearing part was ordered by the contact. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #11456308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,870 milesDoylestown, PA
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION DANGEROUSLY JUMPING OUT OF GEAR BETWEEN 1S AND 2ND, HITS NEUTRAL SPOTS UNDER POWER. ADDITIONALLY GETTING DANGEROUS STEERING SHAKE BETWEEN 45-25 MPH DECELERATIONS. BIKE HAS UNDER 9,900'MILES. DEALER FOUND A TRANSMISSION OIL SEAL INSTALLED BACKWARDS BY FACTORY, UPON TEAR DOWN/DIAGNOSIS OF TRANSMISSION TRIUMPH SO FAR REFUSES ANY HELP, BIKE TOO OLD THEY SAY. BIKE IS A $6,300 TOTAL LOSS' DUE TO REPAIR COST EXCEEDING $6,400+ FOR TRANSMISSION ALONE.
NHTSA complaint #11140802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,870 milesDoylestown, PA
WHEELS
TRANSMISSION DANGEROUSLY JUMPING OUT OF GEAR BETWEEN 1S AND 2ND, HITS NEUTRAL SPOTS UNDER POWER. ADDITIONALLY GETTING DANGEROUS STEERING SHAKE BETWEEN 45-25 MPH DECELERATIONS. BIKE HAS UNDER 9,900'MILES. DEALER FOUND A TRANSMISSION OIL SEAL INSTALLED BACKWARDS BY FACTORY, UPON TEAR DOWN/DIAGNOSIS OF TRANSMISSION TRIUMPH SO FAR REFUSES ANY HELP, BIKE TOO OLD THEY SAY. BIKE IS A $6,300 TOTAL LOSS' DUE TO REPAIR COST EXCEEDING $6,400+ FOR TRANSMISSION ALONE.
NHTSA complaint #11140802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,839 milesPEA Ridge, AR
POWER TRAIN
FIRST NOTICED AFTER PURCHASE IN 2013 WHILE SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR, THE MANUAL FIVE SPEED TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF SECOND GEAR. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME, UNDER VARIOUS LOAD CONDITIONS AND ROAD HAZARDS. SPEAKING WITH TRIUMPH CORPORATE SERVICE, THEY RECOGNIZE THE FAULT, HAVE RECEIVED THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WORLD WIDE, AND OFFER ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS, A PART UPGRADE AS A REPAIR. THEY DO NOT HOWEVER COVER LABOR TO EFFECT THE UPGRADE AFTER THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY PERIOD. NOT EFFECTING A RECALL AND PUTTING THOUSANDS AT RISK. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, AS IT CAUSES ERRATIC MOTORCYCLE BEHAVIOR WHILE IN TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #10619331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesBrockton, MA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TRIUMPH ROCKET III MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,300.
NHTSA complaint #10524373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,500 milesRedding, CA
POWER TRAIN
WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH 2ND GEAR THE BIKE JOLTS AS IT APPARENTLY SKIPPING A TOOTH ON THE GEAR. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE FORUMS AS WELL AS A WORKING WITH TRIUMPH DEALER I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND IT HAS OCCURRED ON HUNDREDS OF THESE BIKES. TRIUMPH ACTUALLY HAD AN UPGRADE KIT TO REPAIR THIS KNOWN ISSUE BUT ONLY IF IT HAPPENED WHILE THE BIKE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. MY BIKE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY ITS AGE BUT STILL ONLY HAD 8K MILES. TRIUMPH REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE. SINCE THEY KNEW ABOUT THE ISSUE AND IN MY OPINION (AS WELL AS THAT OF MANY OTHER OWNERS) IT IS A HAZARDOUS SAFETY ISSUE SO THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX IT AT THEIR EXPENSE. THE REPAIR KIT HAS A REDESIGNED GEAR THAT FIXES THE ISSUE. SINCE I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO REPAIR IT MYSELF I HAVE PAID FOR A VERY EXPENSIVE PAPER WEIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10456182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,500 milesRedding, CA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2006 TRIUMPH ROCKET 3, THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF SECOND GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING. TRIUMPH HAS A TRANSMISSION UPGRADE THAT ADDRESSES THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX IT OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM CAN RESULT IN A CRASH IF THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF GEAR WHEN PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE OR WHEN MOVING FROM A STOP WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND THE MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA complaint #10395623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,500 milesRedding, CA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE ACCELERATING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT TRIUMPH IS CONTENT ON LETTING THEM FAIL AND THEN THE CONSUMER IS STUCK FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THE TRIUMPH FORUMS HAVE SHOWN THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS OF OWNERS. IF THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN WARRANTY THEN THEY HAVE AN UPGRADE KIT THAT THEY INSTALL. HOWEVER THEY ARE PLAYING THE WAIT AND SEE GAME SO THAT THOSE OWNERS THAT HAVE THE ISSUE AFTER THE WARRANTY IS UP THEY CAN CHARGE FOR THE UPGRADE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THE FAILURES CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME. I HAVE READ SOME OF FROM FAILING AS EARLY AS 3K MILES ALL THE WAY OUT TO 35K. TRIUMPH DECIDED TO NOT DO A RECALL AND TO GAMBLE WITH LIVES TO SEE IF THEY CAN GET ALL OF THE PRODUCTION RUNS FROM 2004 THROUGH 2006 TO BE OUT OF WARRANTY. I CONTACTED THE CLOSEST DEALER TO ME AND HE DENIED THAT THERE EVER WAS A PROBLEM. HOWEVER I GAVE HIM THE PART NUMBERS FOR THE UPGRADE KITS AND A LIST OF WHAT WAS IN THEM. HE NEVER RESPONDED AFTER THAT. THE KIT PARTS ARD LISTED BELOW: # T1000008 FOR SILVER ENGINES # T100000) FOR BLACK ENGINES PARTS LISTED AS INCLUDED IN THE KITS INCLUDE : SMALLER DETENT ARM 2NDGEAR GOES FROM 8 ENGAGING DOGS, TO 4 SPARK PLUGS CHANGES FROM DPR8EA-9 TO DPR7EA-9 NEW FUEL SENSOR NEW SEALING WASHERS FOR OIL TANK NEW CAM CHAIN GUIDE PLUS SOME MINOR WIRING PARTS THESE PARTS TAKE CARE OF 2 KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THESE MOTORCYCLES. BOTH OF THEM CAN END IN EITHER A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE (TIMING CHAIN BREAKING CAUSING TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE) AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP PROBLEM. AS AN OWNER OF ONE OF THESE BIKES I AM CONCERNED THAT IT COULD HAPPEN TO ME AND I THINK THAT TRIUMPH SHOULD FACE THE PROBLEMS BEFORE SOMEONE ACTUALLY IS HURT OR KILLED WHEN THESE ITEMS FAIL. BASED ON WHAT I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL FORUMS I HAVE THE INITIAL SYMPTOMS WITH THE BIKE JUMPING OUT OF 2ND GEAR WHILE ACCELERATING SO IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT WILL HAPPEN TO MY BIKE.
NHTSA complaint #10386888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,500 milesRedding, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE TIMING CHAIN HAS STARTED MAKING A RATTLE AND IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO BREAK. AFTER GOOGLING IT I FOUND OUT THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE CHAIN BREAK CAUSING COMPLETE ENGINE DESTRUCTION. SOME HAVE HAD THE MOTOR SEIZE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THE COST OF REPAIRING THIS IS VERY HIGH AND APPARENTLY TRIUMPH CHOOSES TO LET THE MACHINES FAIL AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES SO THAT THEY CAN CHARGE THE CONSUMER FOR THE REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10386049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,500 milesKent, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TRIUMPH ROCKET III. WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD IDLE HIGH AND SHUT OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COMPUTER CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY DOWNLOADED THE NEW ENGINE SOFTWARE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. AS OF DECEMBER 4, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V455000). THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,400. UPDATED 12/18/07
NHTSA complaint #10210760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.