VehicleVerdict

2012 Triumph Thunderbird problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2012 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Thunderbird years?

Thunderbird NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted10 complaints2000: 1 complaints2010: 10 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 3 complaints
Thunderbird NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Thunderbird years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Triumph Thunderbird problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control1100%

Does the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird have recalls?

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

13V032000Tires & WheelsJanuary 29, 2013 · 250 units

Defect

Triumph Motorcycles (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Daytona 675 and Street Triple motorcycles and 2012 Thunderbird and Thunderbird Storm motorcycles. The wheels were assembled with bearings of an unknown quality.

Consequence

Wheel bearings of poor quality could fail unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a motorcycle crash.

Remedy

Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected bearings free of charge. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010 for more information.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE RIDING HOME IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THE HEATED THROTTLE GRIP SUDDENLY BROKE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO DROP IMMEDIATELY TO IDLE. I HAD TO QUICKLY TAKE EVASIVE MANEUVERS TO AVOID CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AS OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WERE NOT EXPECTING MY MOTORCYCLE TO SUDDENLY SLOW TO A STOP. THE GRIP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 3, 2013

2012 Triumph Thunderbird — common questions

Is the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird reliable?

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

Does the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 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.