VehicleVerdict

Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT years to avoid

Across 1997–2000, no single S3 THUNDERBOLT year stands out as one to avoid by our thresholds. The 1998 drew the most complaints; 2000 the fewest.

20

Total complaints

11

Recall campaigns

1997–2000

Years covered

0

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT NHTSA complaints by model year15 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 15 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 0 complaints
Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT NHTSA complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Every S3 THUNDERBOLT year

YearComplaintsRecalls
200002
199926
1998157
199737

Common questions

What is the best year for the Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT?

By complaint volume, 2000 has the cleanest NHTSA record among S3 THUNDERBOLT years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT have?

Across all model years, the S3 THUNDERBOLT has 11 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 20 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.