VehicleVerdict

1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other S3 THUNDERBOLT years?

S3 THUNDERBOLT NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted15 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 15 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 0 complaints
S3 THUNDERBOLT NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S3 THUNDERBOLT years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine150%
Speed Control150%

Does the 1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT have recalls?

6 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.

00V037000BrakesFebruary 14, 2000 · 839 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE LOCATION OF THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN CAUSE IT TO BECOME DAMAGED AND LEAK FLUID.

Consequence

A LOSS OF REAR WHEEL BRAKING CAPABILITIES COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE LINE.

00V038000Fuel SystemFebruary 14, 2000 · 2,912 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE FUEL FILTER CAN LEAK.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER.

99V104000Fuel SystemMay 6, 1999 · 10,556 units

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.

99V105000Fuel SystemMay 6, 1999 · 12,321 units

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.

99V097000OtherApril 29, 1999 · 10,255 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A SIDESTAND SWITCH THAT COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL/QUIT WHEN RIDING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDESTAND SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. LEAVING A STOP, THE ENGINE WENT TO WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. THE BIKE WHEELIED, I FELL OFF AT ABOUT 35 MPH. THE ENGINE THROTTLE STAYED WIDE OPEN UNTIL THE BANK ANGLE SENSOR SHUT IT DOWN. I INJURED MY LEFT SHOULDER AND ELBOW. WHEN I GOT THE BUELL HOME AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 21, 2015 · crash

“I EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. LEAVING A STOP, THE ENGINE WENT TO WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. THE BIKE WHEELIED, I FELL OFF AT ABOUT 35 MPH. THE ENGINE THROTTLE STAYED WIDE OPEN UNTIL THE BANK ANGLE SENSOR SHUT IT DOWN. I INJURED MY LEFT SHOULDER AND ELBOW. WHEN I GOT THE BUELL HOME AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 21, 2015 · crash

1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT — common questions

Is the 1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Buell S3 THUNDERBOLT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Buell S3 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.