Models
Every Buell model with a safety record. Open one to see it year by year.
| Model | Years | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1125R | 2008–2010 | 45 |
| 1125CR | 2009–2010 | 44 |
| XB12R | 2004–2009 | 18 |
| S1 Lightning | 1996–1998 | 13 |
| S3 Thunderbolt | 1997–2000 | 13 |
| X1 Lightning | 1999–2000 | 7 |
| Blast | 2004–2009 | 5 |
Also on record, with too little data for a page of its own: Firebolt XB9R · XB12X · M2 Cyclone · XB12S · M2 · S3 · Thunderbolt · XB12XT · S1 White Lightning · S2 Thunderbolt · X1 · 1125 · Blast P3 · Buell · Cyclone · S3T · S1W · S1W White Lightning · S2 · XB9SX · Lightning LOW · S1 · S2T · XB12SCG · XB12SS · XB9S · 1190 RX Hammerhead · 1190 SX · M2L · S3T Thunderbolt · XB12XP · xb9r · XB9SL.
NHTSA recalls, complaints and manufacturer communications (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Complaints by model year
All Buell models together. Newer years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints
What owners report
- Electrical system90
- Exterior lighting58
- Suspension44
- Fuel system, gasoline28
- Engine and engine cooling25
- Service brakes, hydraulic17
- Engine17
- Unknown or other11
NHTSA ODI complaints, by the system named in the complaint
Latest recalls
Buell Motorcycles (Buell) is recalling certain 2021-2022 1190 RX and SX motorcycles. The index spring may be installed improperly.
BUELL IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 XB12X AND XB12XT MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 20 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2009. THE RIGHT HAND SIDE FOOTPEG MOUNT MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO INCORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.
BUELL IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2009 XB12SS MOTORCYCLES. THE FRONT BRAKE LINE MAY CONTACT THE FRONT TIRE. THIS CONTACT COULD CAUSE A HOLE TO DEVELOP IN THE FRONT BRAKE LINE, ALLOWING BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
BUELL DISTRIBUTION COMPANY IS RECALLING 3,316 MY 2008 1125R, MY 2009 XB12R AND XB12SCG MOTORCYCLES. THE SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES HAVE A FRONT BRAKE LINE WHICH MAY CONTACT THE FRONT TIRE. THE CONDITION COULD CAUSE A HOLE TO DEVELOP IN THE FRONT BRAKE LINE, ALLOWING BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
BUELL IS RECALLING 140 MY 2009 1125CR MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES CAN EXPERIENCE A PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE REAR CYLINDER CAM CHAIN TENSION GUIDE (PART NUMBER F0020.1AM). THIS CAN CAUSE PLASTIC DEBRIS TO BLOCK THE OIL PUMP SCREEN, POSSIBLY LEADING TO OIL STARVATION AND ENGINE SEIZURE.
BUELL IS RECALLING 624 MY 2008-2009 XB12XT AND MY 2009 XB12XP MOTORCYCLES. THE WINDSHIELDS MAY BECOME DISLODGED AND ALLOW THE WINDSHIELD TO EITHER STRIKE OR DISTRACT THE RIDER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING RIDDEN AT A HIGH SPEED.
BUELL IS RECALLING 1,307 MY 2007-2008 BLAST MOTORCYCLES. THE FUEL TANK MAY EXPERIENCE SOME LOCAL DEFORMATION UNDER HIGH-HEAT CONDITIONS THAT CREATES CONTACT OF THE TANK WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD. IN SOME OF THESE CASES, THE CYLINDER HEAD RUBBING ON THE FUEL TANK HAS CREATED A FUEL LEAK.
BUELL IS RECALLING 1,579 MY 2008 1125R MOTORCYCLES. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE 5TH GEAR GALLING ON THE CLUTCH SHAFT DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE GEAR TO SEIZE TO THE SHAFT, RESULTING IN REAR WHEEL LOCK-UP.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
EU safety alerts
3 Buell alerts in Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, since 2007.
| 0787/09 0787/09 · 19 Jun 2009 | Injuries |
| 0936/08 0936/08 · 1 Sept 2008 | Injuries |
| 0282/07 0282/07 · 30 Mar 2007 | Injuries |
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0 · all EU alerts