Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2008 Triumph Rocket III — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
6
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 4 | 67% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 17% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DURING ACCELERATION BIKE DROPS BETWEEN GEARS AND YOU HAVE NO POWER IT IS IN NUETRAL HAVE TO TRY.TO SHIFT UP OR DOWN AND PRAY YOU GET IT BEFORE SOMEONE HITS YOU FROM BEHIND. HAPPENS MOST OF THE TIME WHEN YOU DOWN SHIFT MAKE A TURN AND TRY TO ACCELERATE. ALSO AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND ACCELERATION IT…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TRIUMPH ROCKET III. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH UPWARD ON A HILL, THE MOTOR VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE STAYING IN GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND MULTIPLE REPAIRS WERE…”
“METZELER ME880 TIRE PRODUCED CUPPING AND TIRE SEPARATION AFTER 3000 MILES OR WEAR. METZELER CONTINUES TO IGNORE MY REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION INTO THIS TIRE WHICH SHOULD HAVE DELIVERED A MINIMUM OF 6000 MILES. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS SEVERAL SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH THE SAME TIRE. GIVEN THAT…”
The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 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.