Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2006 Triumph Rocket III — 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.
10
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 6 | 60% | — flat |
| Engine | 2 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 10% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 10% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, WHEN THE ENGINE IS RETURNING TO IDLE IT MAY STALL.
Consequence
IF THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS, THE RIDER WILL HAVE TO RESTART THE ENGINE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND DOWNLOAD NEW ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 678-854-2010.
Defect
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE HANDLE BAR CLAMP BOLTS WERE NOT SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED.
Consequence
THE HANDLE BARS COULD LOOSEN WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF THE CLAMP BOLTS AND TIGHTEN IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-854-2010.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2006 TRIUMPH ROCKET 3, THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF SECOND GEAR WHEN ACCELERATING. TRIUMPH HAS A TRANSMISSION UPGRADE THAT ADDRESSES THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX IT OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM CAN RESULT IN A CRASH IF THE TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF GEAR WHEN PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE OR WHEN…”
“THE TIMING CHAIN HAS STARTED MAKING A RATTLE AND IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO BREAK. AFTER GOOGLING IT I FOUND OUT THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE CHAIN BREAK CAUSING COMPLETE ENGINE DESTRUCTION. SOME HAVE HAD THE MOTOR SEIZE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THE COST OF REPAIRING THIS IS VERY…”
“TRANSMISSION DANGEROUSLY JUMPING OUT OF GEAR BETWEEN 1S AND 2ND, HITS NEUTRAL SPOTS UNDER POWER. ADDITIONALLY GETTING DANGEROUS STEERING SHAKE BETWEEN 45-25 MPH DECELERATIONS. BIKE HAS UNDER 9,900'MILES. DEALER FOUND A TRANSMISSION OIL SEAL INSTALLED BACKWARDS BY FACTORY, UPON TEAR DOWN/DIAGNOSIS…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TRIUMPH ROCKET III. WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN COMING TO A STOP. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD IDLE HIGH AND SHUT OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COMPUTER CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY DOWNLOADED THE NEW ENGINE SOFTWARE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE…”
The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), engine (2 complaints), fuel system (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Triumph Rocket III. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.