Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A SWINGARM THAT COULD BREAK.
Consequence
IF THE SWINGARM SHOULD BREAK, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWINGARM.
1996 Buell S2t problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1996 Buell S2t — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1996 compare to other S2t years?
Does the 1996 Buell S2t have recalls?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK MOUNT SYSTEM THAT COULD, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, ALLOW THE FUEL TANK TO SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK MOUNT SYSTEM.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY THAT COULD BECOME PLUGGED.
Consequence
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE THE CARBURETOR TO OVERFLOW FUEL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD ALSO PREVENT SUFFICIENT FUEL FLOW, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO MISFIRE OR STALL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FRONT EYE THAT COULD BREAK.
Consequence
IF THE SHOCK EYE SHOULD BREAK, THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WILL DRAG ON THE GROUND POSSIBLY CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER.
Defect
THE THROTTLE CABLE WHEEL OF THE CARBURETOR CAN MOVE ON ITS SHAFT AND COME IN CONTACT WITH THE CARBURETOR SUPPORT BRACKET.
Consequence
THIS COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW THROTTLE SHAFT ON THE AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES.
1996 Buell S2t — common questions
Is the 1996 Buell S2t reliable?
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1996 Buell S2t have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Buell S2t. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1996 Buell S2t under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.