2003 Yamaha Midnight Star
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Yamaha › Midnight Star › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Yamaha Midnight Star. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Yamaha Midnight Star. Newest first.
In the transmission on certain motorcycles, the second/third pinion gear may be incorrectly machined which could cause abnormal wear that eventually results in a broken retainer circlip.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the circlip breaks, the transmission could lock up, which would also cause the rear wheel to lock up. this could result in loss of control and a crash, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Yamaha will replace the transmission gears and shafts with new ones. owner notification began on september 9, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact yamaha at 1-800-88-yamaha or visit their website at www.yamaha-motor.com.
Owner complaints
17 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Manual transmission
I am writing in regard to the transmission failure that I experienced on saturday, the 25TH of august, 2007 on my 2003 midnight roadstar. Fifth gear was lost while I was leading a group of motorcycles on the interstate. At the time of the failure, I heard a loud metallic click, and thought of a…
I am writing in regard to the transmission failure that I experienced on saturday, the 25TH of august, 2007 on my 2003 midnight roadstar. Fifth gear was lost while I was leading a group of motorcycles on the interstate. At the time of the failure, I heard a loud metallic click, and thought of a breakage of the circlip. This failure had the potential to result in the immediate lockup of the transmission, and resultant lockup of the rear wheel. This event could have led to a catastrophic crash because it occurred at highway speeds with a group of motorcycles immediately behind me. In fifth gear, no power at all IS provided to the drive belt. Gears 1-4 and neutral continued to operate normally during this period. a local yamaha dealer (cycle sport of alexandria, va) has worked on the transmission on two previous occasions; once to replace the clutch in november 2003, and once to accomplish the transmission recall involving the replacement of a circlip that, upon failure, could result in immediate lockup of the transmission, leading to potential immediate lockup of the rear wheel. I have followed the dealers recommendation regarding the engine oil (which IS shared by the transmission) since delivery of the vehicle when it was new. My belief IS that it IS reasonable to expect reliable transmission service beyond 28,000 miles. My concerns include the possibility that the recall was not performed properly, or at all, or that the dealer?s recommendation for the oil used in the bike may have been erroneous. I have communicated this information to yamaha customer service and have not yet received a response. My concern IS that this failure could also happen to others, with potentially catastrophic results. *tr updated 03/13/08. *lj
- Electrical system › Starter assembly
When starting the motorcycle the engine coughed (backfired through the carburetor). subsequent attempts to start the engine were unsuccessful because the starter would no longer engage. this left me stranded and was force to find alternate transportation home in order to pick up my truck &…
When starting the motorcycle the engine coughed (backfired through the carburetor). subsequent attempts to start the engine were unsuccessful because the starter would no longer engage. this left me stranded and was force to find alternate transportation home in order to pick up my truck & trailer to go back and pick up the motorcycle. service manager at the yamaha dealership stated that they see this problem quite often. the repair consists of applying locktite to a starter bolt and re-torqueing the bolt. *nm
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Dt: 2003 , yamaha motorcycle's frame rusted. upon further inspection there was a bracket welded to the frame that cracked. a closer examination revealed all 4 sides of the brackets were cracked. . consumer caught this in time, and there were no accidents or failures. but consumer felt if this…
Dt: 2003 , yamaha motorcycle's frame rusted. upon further inspection there was a bracket welded to the frame that cracked. a closer examination revealed all 4 sides of the brackets were cracked. . consumer caught this in time, and there were no accidents or failures. but consumer felt if this had broken completely the whole suspension would have dropped from the motorcycle. took vehicle to a dealer, who said they could weld this frame or buy a new frame. consumer opted to buy the new frame because he felt this was the safest option. consumer took motorcycle from dealer to an independent shop, who was more trusted by consumer, had discussed reinforcing the bracket if this would be weak. the new frame was double walled in comparison to the old frame which was single walled. at this time motorcycle was being repaired. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Received notification of recall for transmission problem. contacted two dealers for an appointment to repair transmission, but neither dealerships accepting any repairs because parts weren't available. the recall was filed august 2003 but the consumer was not notified until six months later (recall# 03v-309000). *la *nm (nar)
- Power train › Manual transmission
The dealership was unaware as to how long it would take before they received parts to perform transmission recall. *ph the consumer requested the recall to be performed in a timely manner or yamaha should buy the vehicle back. *sc recall #03v309000. *Jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
Recall notice 03v309000 yamaha recall of defective transmission parts that may cause injury or death: I received the notice on january 10, 2004 and contacted the dealer to schedule the required repair. They informed me that the repair kits are to be provided by yamaha and they would call me to…
Recall notice 03v309000 yamaha recall of defective transmission parts that may cause injury or death: I received the notice on january 10, 2004 and contacted the dealer to schedule the required repair. They informed me that the repair kits are to be provided by yamaha and they would call me to schedule the repair. I have contacted the dealer several times and the stated that they have received only a few kits and they do not know when or if they will be receiving any additional repair kits. As a result there are people that are now riding the defective motorcycles and are in danger of injury or death. Some of us use our motorcycles as daily transportation; because yamaha refuses to provide the kits in a timely manner, they are putting the public at risk.*ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
The consumer contacted the dealership on january 2004 in reference to nhtsa recall 03v309000/ rear wheel lock up. the dealer informed the consumer that the parts were not available and that it would take another two months for the parts to be available. *nm it was unknown as to when the parts will become available. *sc *jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
I bought a new 2003 yamaha road star motorcycle from hattiesburg cycles in hattiesburg mississippi on 3 january 2004. I was notified 13 january 2004 of a recall involving extensive repairs to the transmission and told not to operate the motorcycle until the repairs were completed due to the…
I bought a new 2003 yamaha road star motorcycle from hattiesburg cycles in hattiesburg mississippi on 3 january 2004. I was notified 13 january 2004 of a recall involving extensive repairs to the transmission and told not to operate the motorcycle until the repairs were completed due to the possibility a failure in which the rear wheel could lock-up causing an accident. since being notified (6 weeks now) my motorcycle has not been repaired and the dealer or yamaha customer service IS unable to provide me with an estimated date when the repairs will be completed. I fell this IS unacceptable I'm am still making $400 payments each month for a motorcycle which I am unable to operate. With my wife and I both working this IS one of my primary means of transportation. I want either a firm delivery date for the required parts and repair date or full re-imbursements of my purchase price. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Consumer received recall 03v309000 concerning transmission failure. consumer contacted the dealer, who did not have the parts to complete the recall repairs. dealer was fixing the showroom motorcycles and not fixing consumers' motorcycles, but telling consumers they didn't have the parts. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Consumer has a concern of additional problems which may arise due to the extent of the vehicle being disassembled to correct the safety defect regarding the transmission. *La *jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
Yamaha motorcycle midnight star recall for tansmission. The yamaha corperation has not been any help what so ever in assisting with timely repairs, or forthcomming with any information what so ever. All that they can tell anyone IS that they have know idea when parts may be available. This IS…
Yamaha motorcycle midnight star recall for tansmission. The yamaha corperation has not been any help what so ever in assisting with timely repairs, or forthcomming with any information what so ever. All that they can tell anyone IS that they have know idea when parts may be available. This IS inexcuseable from such a large corporation. They have told us not to ride but offer no resolve for those of us that depend on our vehical for daily use. They have told me that I must find a way to get it to them, as they do not offer towing, and they are not going to warrenty their work from their own factory traind tech's. This whole idea of having to have a brand new vehical torn apart and rebuilt without so much as a garrantee IS ludicrist. And with now date in sight for repairs. Their attitude IS totaly unacceptable and there so called customer service dept isn't any better. They have taken our money, and with some people still making payments, they offer nothing in anyway to help out except sit in silince and wait and we'll call you. Here we all sit with nothing more than a fouteen thousand dollar piece of art work. I would certainly hope that the nhsta would step in a assist all of us that have be disposed by this whole process, after all what IS concidered to be a timely repair ???? Please step in, and assist ! Signed ,robed and abused. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
On january 9, 2004, yamaha notified me my 2003 midnight star was under recall and not to operate it until repaired. the defect could cause serious injury or death. I immediately notified my nearest dealer who told me they were aware of the problem, but had no parts to repair. I also…
On january 9, 2004, yamaha notified me my 2003 midnight star was under recall and not to operate it until repaired. the defect could cause serious injury or death. I immediately notified my nearest dealer who told me they were aware of the problem, but had no parts to repair. I also contacted the out of state dealer who sold me the motorcycle and they advised the same. I have repeatedly contacted both dealers for status updates. neither has repair kits and yamaha will not tell them when they will arrive. the repair IS going to amount to a rebuild of the engine and transmission. this motorcycle came from the factory with a one year warranty. now yamaha IS going to rebuild the engine and transmission, but offer no warranty. yamaha owes an additional one year warranty on these motors. these repairs may not be done until late summer. it IS absolutely inexcusable for yamaha to treat the consumers in this manner. the recall date IS august of 2003, yet yamaha didn't notify anyone of the danger until january of 2004 and they are not prepared to respond to this problem. additionally, the dealers also have recalls on kawasaki atvs and will be hard pressed to handle the yamaha recall. yamahas failure to notify customers of this defect in a timely manner and their refusal to allocate resources to remedy this situation promptly demonstrates their callous disregard for the their customers. the nhtsa must step in to facilitate the completion of this recall. the nhtsa should also require yamaha to provide a full warranty for the work they are doing. *jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
This complaint relates to yamaha's failure to perform recall repairs to a 2003 yamaha midnight star (motorcycle) (subject to a recall identified by nhtsa campaign ID no. 03V309000) within a reasonable time after delivery of the vehicle for those repairs. the recall was initiated on august 22, 2003…
This complaint relates to yamaha's failure to perform recall repairs to a 2003 yamaha midnight star (motorcycle) (subject to a recall identified by nhtsa campaign ID no. 03V309000) within a reasonable time after delivery of the vehicle for those repairs. the recall was initiated on august 22, 2003 for a recall involving the very real risk of death or serious bodily injury, yet written notice was not sent out until mid-january, 2004. even after notice was sent out, however, yamaha has not taken seriously the required recall. despite immediate delivery of the motorcycle to a yamaha-authorized service center pursuant to the instructions in the notice of recall, no repairs have been made, and there IS no prediction as to when they will be made. in particular, my motorcycle was delivered to a yamaha-authorized service center over a month ago, yet the repairs have not even been started. this does not appear to be a problem caused by the dealer, but instead by yamaha's falure to make recall repair parts available. I have been informed that the parts may not be available until as late as july 2004. that IS simply an unacceptable, and wholly unreasonable, delay in the provision of parts to resolve a problem which yamaha itself admits may cause death or serious bodily injury. I am certain that nhtsa will not long stand for such delays in such an important, and potentially deadly, recall.*ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Inability of manufacturer to respond to nhtsa mandated recall of 2003 yamaha midnight star motorcycle in a reasonable period of time. recall letter issued by yamaha corporation on january 9, 2004 for recall of 2003 yamaha midnight star motorcycle due to faulty transmission retaining clip which…
Inability of manufacturer to respond to nhtsa mandated recall of 2003 yamaha midnight star motorcycle in a reasonable period of time. recall letter issued by yamaha corporation on january 9, 2004 for recall of 2003 yamaha midnight star motorcycle due to faulty transmission retaining clip which could result in transmission and rear wheel lockup which "could result in loss of control and a crash". advised in recall letter to "not ride your motorcycle until this modification IS performed." to date the dealership has not been provided with parts for repair, and IS unsure of date on which parts will be available. this IS a nationwide problem. some dealership are advising that repairs may not be possible until june or july or 2004. I have been advised that repair may not be until mid-march, but they are speculating due to inability of yamaha corporation to properly address the widespread recall issue. some dealers who have received a few of the recall kits report that the kits had to be returned because they contained the incorrect parts. yamaha corporation not fielding calls from consumers regarding this issue and evasive on answers when they are contacted. motorcycle has been unusable since receipt of recall letter (12 january) to date (16 february). in excess of 30 days with no resolution in site. *ak I continue to make payments on this bike while I cannot operate it on the advice of yamaha corporation. yamaha not addressing the problem in an orderly. am researching in nm lemon law and possible litigation against yamaha corporation if consumer communications does not improve. request your investigation. this involves between 17,000 and 38,000 consumers.
- Power train › Manual transmission
Consumer received recall 03v309000 concerning manual transmission failure. consumer received the recall notice on 1/30/2004. consumer contacted the dealer who did not have the parts, and had no information on when the parts will be available. Dealer had a waiting list with about thirty consumers. also, the manufacturer was contacted, but informed consumer that the parts have not arrived from japan. *ak *jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
The consumer contacted the dealer about recall 03v309000 subject: rear wheel lock up, but was told that the parts were not available. the dealer also informed the consumer that the showroom motor cycles would be fixed before any other motor cycles. the consumer contacted the manufacturer who indicated that the part would become available in one to three months. *nm
- Power train › Manual transmission
This complaint involves the recall of the road star motorcycle for a defect in the transmission. according to the office of defects investigation, the recall date was aug 22, 2003. the letter received advising of the recall was dated jan 9, 2004, with the instruction that the mc was dangerous to…
This complaint involves the recall of the road star motorcycle for a defect in the transmission. according to the office of defects investigation, the recall date was aug 22, 2003. the letter received advising of the recall was dated jan 9, 2004, with the instruction that the mc was dangerous to drive and should not be driven. when called, no parts are available and repair could be up to 3 months, depriving riders from source of transportation. did they leave us in danger from august to mid january? also, why did they not obtain sufficient parts to repair during that time?*ak
Every Yamaha Midnight Star model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.