VehicleVerdict

2016 Triumph Thruxton problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 21 complaints on file for the 2016 Triumph Thruxton — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

21

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Thruxton years?

Thruxton NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted21 complaints2004: 1 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2013: 1 complaints2014: 0 complaints2016: 21 complaints2017: 6 complaints2018: 3 complaints2019: 1 complaints
Thruxton NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Thruxton years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Triumph Thruxton problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1781%
Lighting210%
Electrical System15%
Body & Structure15%

Does the 2016 Triumph Thruxton have recalls?

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

20V015000Body & StructureJanuary 15, 2020 · 3,244 units

Defect

Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Thruxton, 2016-2019 Thruxton R and 2020 Thruxton TFC motorcycles. The side stand spring may fracture, possibly allowing the side stand switch to activate and shut off the engine.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand spring, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2020. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SRAN 570.

18V084000Electrical SystemJanuary 31, 2018 · 2,824 units

Defect

Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Thruxton and Thruxton R motorcycles. The engine may stall if the throttle is open or closed quickly while the clutch lever is pulled in.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is 33.

16E057000BrakesJune 13, 2016 · 119 units

Defect

Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain accessory Adjustable Brake Levers, sold as part of an aftermarket lever replacement kit, part number A2021334. These brake levers are intended for installation on 2016 and 2017 Thruxton 1200, Street Twin, Bonneville T120, and Bonneville T120 Black motorcycles. Under certain conditions, the brake levers may contact the handlebar before maximum braking force is applied.

Consequence

Without the ability to apply maximum front braking, the distance needed to stop the motorcycle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake levers, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The front brake requires a first 'pump' to become effective. On subsequent application the brakes work as expected. After a short time I need to 'pump' the brake again (when first applying the brakes I can almost pull the lever to the grip). This is a known problem on many owner forums. Due to the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 22, 2021

“NEW MOTORCYCLE AND FIRST NIGHT OUT WITH IT. INSTRUMENT PANEL AT NIGHT IS NOT LEGIBLE. THE LIGHTING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER) IS TOO DIM TO BE ABLE TO READ THE NUMBERS MAKING IT IMPOSIBLE TO DETERMINE SPEED AND RPMS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 4, 2016

“The wire harness has torn under ignition. The traction control stops working, needles bounce, and at times will not start. The wire pulls when the handlebars are turned to the right. I brought it to Moto primo to have it fixed. There was a recall for this issue and they want to charge me over $700…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 1, 2022

“I HAVE HAD 3 SIDE STAND SPRINGS FAIL DURING THIS CALENDAR YEAR 2020, IN LESS THAN 3,000 TOTAL MILES. 2 OF THE FAILED SPRINGS HAVE BEEN UPGRADED PARTS FROM A TRIUMPH INTERNAL SAFETY BULLETIN REPLACEMENT. THIS LAST SPRING FAILED 900 MILES AFTER IT WAS INSTALLED ONLY A MONTH AND A HALF AGO. ALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 28, 2020

2016 Triumph Thruxton — common questions

Is the 2016 Triumph Thruxton reliable?

The record is thin — 21 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 Thruxton problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (17 complaints), lighting (2 complaints), electrical system (1 complaints).

Does the 2016 Triumph Thruxton have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Triumph Thruxton. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Triumph Thruxton 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.