1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
1 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
56,483 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1999 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 1 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
Engine: 1; Vehicle Speed Control: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 |
2015: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10693161 · 2015-03-09 (March 9, 2015)
I EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. LEAVING A STOP, THE ENGINE WENT TO WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. THE BIKE WHEELIED, I FELL OFF AT ABOUT 35 MPH. THE ENGINE THROTTLE STAYED WIDE OPEN UNTIL THE BANK ANGLE SENSOR SHUT IT DOWN. I INJURED MY LEFT SHOULDER AND ELBOW. WHEN I GOT THE BUELL HOME AND INVESTIGATED, I FOUND THE THROTTLE BODY SHAFT HAD FRACTURED AT THE FIRST SCREW HOLE, LEAVING THE BUTTERFLY FREE TO GO WIDE OPEN. LOOKING AT THE BUELL ENTHUSIAST'S WEBSITE "BADWEATHER BIKERS", I FIND THAT THROTTLE SHAFT BREAKAGE IS NOT UNCOMMON IN FUEL-INJECTED …
Owner-reported narrative. 56,483 miles reported. Look up ODI 10693161 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
00V037000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Reported: 2000-02-14 (February 14, 2000)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE LOCATION OF THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN CAUSE IT TO BECOME DAMAGED AND LEAK FLUID.
Consequence: A LOSS OF REAR WHEEL BRAKING CAPABILITIES COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE LINE.
NHTSA campaign record ↗00V038000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Reported: 2000-02-14 (February 14, 2000)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE FUEL FILTER CAN LEAK.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER.
NHTSA campaign record ↗03V427000 · Vehicle Speed Control:Cables
Reported: 2003-10-30 (October 30, 2003)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V097000 · Unknown Or Other
Reported: 1999-04-29 (April 29, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A SIDESTAND SWITCH THAT COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL/QUIT WHEN RIDING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDESTAND SWITCH.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V104000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Mounting
Reported: 1999-05-06 (May 6, 1999)
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.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK MOUNT SYSTEM.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V105000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 1999-05-06 (May 6, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY THAT COULD BECOME PLUGGED.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA campaign record ↗