VehicleVerdict

2010 Triumph Thunderbird problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird — 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.

10

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Thunderbird years?

Thunderbird NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted10 complaints2000: 1 complaints2010: 10 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 3 complaints
Thunderbird NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Thunderbird years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Triumph Thunderbird problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control330%
Fuel System220%
Engine110%
Brakes110%
Other110%
Electrical System110%
Suspension110%

Does the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V277000OtherMay 10, 2011 · 1,955 units

Defect

TRIUMPH IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 THUNDERBIRD AND THUNDERBIRD ABS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH AUGUST 2010. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INCOMPATIBLE THREAD LOCKER/SCREW COMBINATION AT THE FRONT FENDER MOUNTING.

Consequence

THE SCREWS MAY WORK LOOSE AND THE SCREW HEADS CAN CONTACT THE SIDE WALL OF THE FRONT TIRE, LEADING TO TIRE DEFLATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW SCREWS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRIUMPH CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 1-678-539-8782.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A LONG STEEP INCLINE AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH,AND DOWN SHIFTING TO SLOW THE MOTORCYCLE,THE MOTOR STACK FIRED THRU THE THROTTLE BODIES AND QUIT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. AS LUCK HAD IT,THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME. HOWEVER,IF I HAD TO ACCELERATE AT THAT INSTANT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 14, 2014

“THIS HAPPENS WHEN SHUTTING THE THROTTLE OFF TO MAKE A CORNER OR A STOP LIGHT, OR TO ADJUST SPEED IN TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE BACKFIRES THROUGH THE INTAKE OF THE THROTTLE BODIES AND THE AIRBOX UNDER THE VEHICLE SEAT AND DIES. THERE IS NO WARNING THIS IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN AND THE ENGINES DIES AND YOU ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 20, 2012

“THIS HAPPENS WHEN SHUTTING THE THROTTLE OFF TO MAKE A CORNER OR A STOP LIGHT, OR TO ADJUST SPEED IN TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE BACKFIRES THROUGH THE INTAKE OF THE THROTTLE BODIES AND THE AIRBOX UNDER THE VEHICLE SEAT AND DIES. THERE IS NO WARNING THIS IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN AND THE ENGINES DIES AND YOU ARE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 20, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V277000 (EQUIPMENT) AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIRS WAS NOT READILY AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 5, 2011

“THE REAR BRAKES ON MY 2010 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD BEGAN MAKING NOISE. I TOOK THE BIKE INTO THE DEALER AND APPARENTLY THE BRAKE PADS ARE WORN TO NOTHING AND THE ROTOR IS WORN TO THE POINT OF HAVING TO BE REPLACED. THE BIKE ONLY HAS 4000 MILES ON IT AND THE FIRST SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE CHECK ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 28, 2011

2010 Triumph Thunderbird — common questions

Is the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2010 Thunderbird problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (3 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints), engine (1 complaints).

Does the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.