2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 problems, complaints & recalls

2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 recalls (6)

• Recall 20V611000Oct 5, 202031,000 vehicles
  VISIBILITY

  Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2020 YZF-R3, 2020 MT03 and 2018-2020 XMAX scooters. Condensation or other contaminates may adhere to the rear reflector lens reducing its effectiveness.

  Risk: A less reflective rear reflector increases the risk of crash.

  Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-888-266-3085. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990139.

• Recall 17V111000Feb 21, 201714,320 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

  Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, engine vibration can cause the fuel tank mounting bracket to contact the fuel tank, which overtime, may result in the tank leaking fuel.

  Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of a ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank bracket. The fuel tank will be inspected and replaced if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 9, 2017. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990112.

• Recall 17V112000Feb 21, 201714,320 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

  Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycles. Water can enter and corrode the ignition switch resulting in an unexpected engine stall.

  Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch subassembly, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2017. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990112.

• Recall 16V460000Jun 24, 201611,280 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

  Yamaha Motor Corporation (Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 YZF-R3 F/G motorcycles manufactured January 1, 2015, to April 15, 2016. The clutch pressure plate bearing may break due to an insufficient load rating, causing the clutch to not disengage and preventing the transmission from shifting properly.

  Risk: If the clutch cannot be disengaged, the rider may not be easily able to stop the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Yamaha has notified owners, and dealers will replace the clutch pressure plate bearing, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2016. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990105.

• Recall 16V459000Jun 23, 201611,280 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 F/G motorcycles manufactured January 1, 2015, to April 15, 2016. Due to an oil pump problem, the oil pressure in these motorcycles may not be properly regulated. As a result, the oil pump drive gear may fail and cause the engine to seize from lack of oil supply.

  Risk: If the engine seizes from a lack of oil supply, the rear wheel may lock up suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Yamaha has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pump, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990105.

• Recall 15V593000Sep 23, 201516 vehiclesDo not drive
  STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

  Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2015 YZFR3 motorcycles manufactured January 1, 2015, to August 31, 2015. The affected motorcycles may have an incorrectly manufactured upper triple clamp (handle crown) that may crack while riding.

  Risk: If the upper triple clamp fractures, a loss of steering control may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Yamaha will notify customers, and dealers will replace the upper triple clamp with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2015. Owners may contact Yamaha's customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's recall number is 990099.

Recent 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Sep 9, 2026CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   I was riding my motorcycle home from work, when the oil pressure light came on on the dash board and then i began to loose power, then my back tire skidded which made me loose control for a few seconds almost causing me to crash, their was cars behind me which had to maneuver to avoid hitting me because of the sudden lost of power.I was very luck to not have fallen or cause an accident. Their was no warning of this problem the bike was riding good and from one second to…

   NHTSA complaint #11763106 · source
2. Filed Aug 14, 2025GAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Motorcycle fuel tank is leaking due to vibration from fuel tank mounting bracket. Fuel lines are also loose and potentially need to be changed out do to age/improper mounting. Just bought this bike from previous seller on 08/12/2025, rode fine on the way home until the day after 08/13/2025 only to realize the bike had not be serviced for it's recall fixes.

   NHTSA complaint #11680552 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 24, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology