VehicleVerdict

2000 Buell S3-T THUNDERBOLT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2000 Buell S3-T THUNDERBOLT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 2000 Buell S3-T THUNDERBOLT have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V427000Speed ControlOctober 30, 2003 · 2,830 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED EXCLUSIVELY WITH A FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, THE IDLE CONTROL CABLE CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM CABLE GUIDE DUE TO IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM.

Consequence

SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE THROTTLE MAY NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR'S HAND IS REMOVED FROM THE TWIST GRIP, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THROTTLE CABLE CLAMP, WHICH SERVES TO ENSURE RETENTION OF THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLES IN THE CABLE GUIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUELL AT 1-414-343-8400.

00V163000SuspensionJune 16, 2000 · 6,219 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER CAN BREAK, DRAGGING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ON THE GROUND.

Consequence

THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SHOCK REINFORCEMENT PACKAGE (SRP) WHICH PROTECTS THE STRUCTUAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. A NEW SHOCK ABSORBER IS CURRENTLY BEING DEVELOPED. WHEN THE NEW SHOCK ABSORBER IS AVAILABLE, IF AN OWNER CHOSES, THEY CAN HAVE IT INSTALLED AT NO CHARGE THROUGH THE DEALER NETWORK.

2000 Buell S3-T THUNDERBOLT — common questions

Is the 2000 Buell S3-T THUNDERBOLT reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2000 Buell S3-T THUNDERBOLT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Buell S3-T THUNDERBOLT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Buell S3-T THUNDERBOLT 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.