1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Buell › S3 Thunderbolt › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Vehicle description: motorcycles. the location of the rear brake line can cause it to become damaged and leak fluid.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A loss of rear wheel braking capabilities could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear brake line.
Vehicle description: motorcycles. the fuel filter can leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel filter.
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 and remedy
Risk
This could result in an explosion or fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank mount system.
Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank vent valve assembly.
Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a sidestand switch that could become inoperative
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause the engine to stall/quit when riding.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the sidestand switch.
Owner complaints
1 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
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…
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 1999 - 2007 buells. Several others have experienced unintended acceleration, as I did. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Throttle fails to return to idle
To address the problem described above, buell IS recalling those fuel-injected motorcycles that it built without a throttle cable control clamp.for more information on this subject, please refer to the memorandum entitled the scope of buell's safety recall, 03v-427 copy attached.
Every Buell S3 Thunderbolt model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.