Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 1999 Yamaha Road Star with NHTSA between 2001 and 2010.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 15
Against the median year of the Yamaha Road Star. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 73
43% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 compares with every other Yamaha Road Star
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1999 Yamaha Road Star
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Body & Structure
531.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 70,000 mi
Suspension
425.0%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
425.0%
Median failure at 20,692 miles
Wheels
16.3%
Lights
16.3%
Median failure at 15,000 miles
Steering
16.3%
Median failure at 59,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
342.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
342.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
114.3%
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.
Aug 2001peak 2Feb 2010
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Yamaha Road Star
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.
PE03038Opened 11 Aug 2003Closed 6 Nov 2003POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
UNINTENDED REAR WHEEL LOCKUP
SUMMARY: ON AUGUST 22, 2003 YAMAHA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WAS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR2001 XV1600 ?ROAD STAR? MODEL MOTORCYCLES TO ADDRESS TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THOSE VEHICLES.ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD FAIL DUE TO EXCESSIVE BUSHING WEAR ON THE 4TH PINION GEAR.BASED ON ITS ANALYSIS OF FAILED TRANSMISSIONS FROM THE FIELD, THE COMPANY FOUND ?UNEVEN CONTACT BETWEEN THE ENGAGEMENT DOGS ON THE 2ND/3RD PINION GEAR.WHEN IN 4TH GEAR, THESE UNEVEN SURFACES CAUSED UNEVEN BUSHING WEAR IN THE 4TH GEAR BUSHING.THIS WEAR WOULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE 4TH GEAR RETAINING CIRCLIP...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cupertino, CACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND
CONSUMER STATES HE WAS JUST IN A ACCIDENT WITH HIS MOTORCYCLE, WHERE THE KICK STAND SCREW CAME OUT. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE MOTORCYCLE LIKE HIS. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE SIDE STAND SWITCH SCREW COULD LOOSEN DUE TO ENGINE HEAT AND NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND SUBSEQUENTLY WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10073846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 60,000 milesBrownwood, TX
SUSPENSION:REAR
ON MY YAMAHA ROAD STAR MOTORCYCLE THERE IS WHAT I THOUGHT A SOLID RUBBER BUMPER ON THE SHOCK ABSORBER. THIS IS THERE AS A CUSHION IN CASE THE SUSPENSION SHOULD BOTTOM OUT. THE SHOCK ABSORBER IS MOUNTED INSIDE THE SPRING AND IS A SINGLE UNIT MOUNTED UNDER THE MOTORCYCLE. NOT LIKE THE DUAL SHOCK/SPRINGS SEEN ON SOME MOTORCYCLES. ON MY MOTORCYCLE WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A SOLID RUBBER BUMPER TURNED OUT TO BE A SPONGY LOOKING MATERIAL WITH A BLACK COVERING TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE SOLID RUBBER. THE BLACK COVERING HAS NOW DETERIORATED AWAY AND THE SPONGY LOOKING MATERIAL IS NOW EXPOSED AND FLAKING AWAY PIECE BY PIECE. AUTOMOBILE SUSPENSION BUMPERS ARE IN FACT MADE OF SOLID RUBBER AND LAST FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR AND BEYOND. MINE IS NOT THE ONLY MOTORCYCLE THAT HAS EXPERIENCED THIS FAILURE. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THIS: WITH THE BUMPER GONE IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION TO BOTTOM OUT METAL TO METAL WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO BREAK SOMETHING. A SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION AT SPEED COULD EASILY RESULT IN A CRASH THAT WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY INJURE THE RIDER AND POSSIBLY OTHERS. I AM ASKING OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS FAILURE TO REPORT TO YOU. YAMAHA SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO IMMEDIATELY ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL AND REPAIR THE DEFECT ON THE AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES. ALSO, NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS SHOULD BE PROCESSED IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE ALMOST 40 YEARS OF TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE FIELD AND I KNOW THIS CAN BE A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY TO UNSUSPECTING RIDERS. MY MOTORCYCLE IS A 1999 BUT THE OTHER ONE I HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO OWNS A NEWER MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10308906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
1999 YAMAHA 1600 ROADSTAR RECALL FOR TRANSMISSION. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE BIKE WAS RETURNED TO HIM AFTER HAVING THE RECALL WORK DONE ON THE TRANSMISSION, IT WAS LOCKING UP IN 2ND GEAR. WHEN THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, HE WAS TOLD TO COME BACK AT A LATER TIME. THE CONSUMER DID NOT RETURN TO THE DEALER UNTIL THE SPRING AND WAS TOLD TOO MUCH TIME HAD ELAPSED FROM THE ORIGINAL WORK DATE AND THERE WERE TOO MANY MILES ON THE MOTORCYCLE. RECALL 06V397000.
NHTSA complaint #10244790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesArlingtyon, TN
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
I LEARNED OF THE YAMAHA 1999 ROADSTAR RECALL AND TOOK MY BIKE IN TO A YAMAHA DEALER TO BE FIXED. MY BIKE HAD BEEN RUNNING GREAT WITH NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. THE DEALER HAS HAD THE BIKE NOW FOR 8 WEEKS. THEY GOT THE BIKE BACK TOGETHER A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AND IT FIRED UP. I WENT TO RIDE IT HOME AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD COUGH AND BLOW BLACK SMOKE, BUT TO KEEP ON RIDING IT. IT DIED OUT ON ME AFTER ABOUT 20 MILES AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER HAS GIVEN US THE RUN AROUND THE ENTIRE TIME THEY HAVE HAD THE BIKE. NOW, IT WILL NOT RUN AT ALL AND THEY ARE SUGGESTING THAT I SPEND OVER 1000.00 JUST IN PARTS TO REPLACE PARTS THAT WERE NOT BAD IN THE FIRST PLACE. THEY DID SOMETHING WRONG TO IT DURING THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE RECALLED PARTS AND NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR THEIR MISTAKES. THEY DISTURBED THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AND SHORTED OUT MODULE AND POSSIBLY THE COMPUTER. THEY ARE BLAMING ME FOR THE YEAR OF THE BIKE BEING 9 YEARS OLD. WELL, THE BIKE ONLY HAS 20,000 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS NEVER HAD A PROBLEM NEVER. MY HUSBAND CALLED THE YAMAHA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THEM AS WELL. YAMAHA TOLD US THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM THAT IT WAS BETWEEN US AND THE DEALER. WHAT CAN WE DO TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM? I NOW HAVE A BIKE THAT IS NOT IN RUNNING CONDITION AT ALL AND THE DEALER CANNOT FIX THE BIKE. PLEASE HELP US.
NHTSA complaint #10231299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesAlban, TX
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 YAMAHA ROADSTAR WITH A CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE OF 75000 MILES. THE STEEL FRAME THAT THE MONO SHOCK BOLTS CRACKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN RIDING LESS THAN 5 MPH AND HITTING A BUMP THE SHOCKS WOULD NOT RESPOND. HE TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO A DEALER, EASTERN MOTOR SPORTS SOUTH, AND WAS TOLD THAT HE NEEDED A NEW FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER SOLD THE CONTACT A NEW FRAME AT HALF PRICE. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE HOW THE STEEL FRAME FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10187803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICED AND I CONTACTED ALL THE AUTHORIZED DEALERS IN TOWN AND AFTER 4 WEEKS I AM STILL WAITING FOR PARTS AND SERVICE. IS THERE ANYWAY YOU CAN SPEED UP THIS PROCESS AND GET MY MODIFICATION COMPLETED SO I CAN ENJOY 80 DEGREE WEATHER ON MY YAMAHA ROADSTAR?!!
NHTSA complaint #10174150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,385 milesAzle, TX
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #06V397000, REGARDING THE POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE SERVICE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL WORK. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BIKE IS BEING FIXED. UPDATED 12/05/06.
NHTSA complaint #10172967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesMadison, MS
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
DT: CONTACT STATED THE FRAME ON MOTORCYCLE SEVERELY CRACKED AT THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AND HAS CAUSED THE UNSAFE TO RIDE.. DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE FRAME. THEY OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED HE OBSERVED RUST ONT HE FRAME WHICH CAUSED THE CRACKING. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 11/29/05
NHTSA complaint #10141905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cupertino, CACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND
CONSUMER STATES HE WAS JUST IN A ACCIDENT WITH HIS MOTORCYCLE, WHERE THE KICK STAND SCREW CAME OUT. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE MOTORCYCLE LIKE HIS. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE SIDE STAND SWITCH SCREW COULD LOOSEN DUE TO ENGINE HEAT AND NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND SUBSEQUENTLY WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10073846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WELD ON THE CROSS BARS OF THE HANDLE BARS GAVE WAY. VEHICLE ALMOST COLLIDED WITH A RETAINER WALL.
NHTSA complaint #10056003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesDublin, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
THE HEAD LIGHT LENS FELL OFF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10017910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rock Falls, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLES REAR STRUTS SNAPPED AND CAUSED THEM TO RUB AGAINST THE REAR TIRE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10012516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MI
STRUCTURE
THE REAR FRAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA complaint #10011685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brownwood, TX
WHEELS
1999 YAMAHA ROAD STAR REAR WHEEL HUB FAILURE. YAMAHA EXPECTS THE DEALERS TO DISASSEMBLE AND REASSEMBLE THE WHEEL WITHOUT ANY SPECIFICATIONS. IE. RIM TO HUB OFFSET MEASUREMENT, ETC. IN MY CASE THE RIM IS POSITIONED NOTICEABLY OFF TTO THE LEFT AFTER THE REPAIR WAS FINISHED. YAMAHA WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY MEASUREMENTS AND WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE THE WHEEL REPAIRED. I AM UNABLE TO USE THE WHEEL ON THE MOTORCYCLE AT THIS TIME BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10000589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ramona, OK
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
CONSUMER ADVISED A DESIGN PROBLEM EXISTS WITH BIKE'S REAR SINGLE SHOCK. THE WELDED POINT WHERE THE SHOCK CONNECTS WITH BIKE'S FRAME IS PULLING THE SHOCK MOUNTS OFF. AS A RESULT THE MOUNTS ARE BEGINNING TO CRACK. TS
NHTSA complaint #8022395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fall River, WI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SHOCK MOUNT CRACKED AND TURNED AWAY FROM FRAME, ALSO WELDS ARE BREAKING WHICH CAN CAUSE A CRASH. DEALER REPLACED FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #893775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fall River, WI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
SHOCK MOUNT CRACKED AND TURNED AWAY FROM FRAME, ALSO WELDS ARE BREAKING WHICH CAN CAUSE A CRASH. DEALER REPLACED FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #893775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.