Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | 0 | 2 |
| 2019 | 0 | 2 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 | 3 |
| 2015 YZF-R3 | 3 | 4 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Engine2
- Unknown or other1
- Suspension1
- Steering1
- Electrical system1
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 73 YZF-R3 vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died, and 69 people died inside them. These are counts, not crash rates: a model with more cars on the road shows up more often, and people killed outside the vehicle are not counted here.
| Model year | Vehicles in fatal crashes | Deaths in the vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | 10 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2021 | 9 | 7 |
| 2020 | 5 | 5 |
| 2019 | 7 | 6 |
| 2018 | 1 | 1 |
| 2017 | 11 | 10 |
| 2016 | 10 | 10 |
| 2015 | 17 | 17 |
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain) · how we count
EU safety alerts
Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the YZF-R3 in 5 alerts. European versions can differ from the North American car.
The rear retro-reflector does not properly reflect the light coming from behind the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle would not be sufficiently visible for the following traffic, increasing the risk of an accident.
The front brake pipe can be damaged by a loose connection to the front wheel fork and by getting into contact with a cable. This can lead to a sudden drop in braking pressure, increasing the braking distance and the risk of an accident.
The handbrake lever may be defective and could break. This may result in loss of control over the vehicle, leading to an accident.
Possible defective hose on the radiator. A leak from the radiator hose may allow coolant to escape and get onto the rear tyre. This could cause the rider to lose control over the vehicle, leading to an accident.
Engine vibrations can cause the tank to start leaking fuel. Furthermore, water seeping into the ignition lock can cause corrosion on the circuit board, which would lead to total electrical failure.
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0
Recalls
5 campaigns cover the YZF-R3.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2019-2021 YZF-R3 motorcycles, 2019-2020 XMAX (CDZ300) scooters, and 2020 MT03 motorcycles. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) printed on the Federal Certification label may not match the VIN stamped on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA recalls