Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 1 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
1 reports
6,600 miles · Mar 20, 2017
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 YAMAHA YZF-R3. WHILE DRIVING IN THIRD GEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE POWERED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY IGNITION WAS NOT READING THE KEY CORRECTLY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER A RECALL, BUT THE FAI…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 YAMAHA YZF-R3. WHILE DRIVING IN THIRD GEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE POWERED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY IGNITION WAS NOT READING THE KEY CORRECTLY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER A RECALL, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FUEL TANK FITTING BRACKET BECAME HOT AND SLOWLY BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V111000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 17V112000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,600.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year