VehicleVerdict

2014 Yamaha Bolt problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 104 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Bolt year — the 2014 model ranks #1 of 2 Bolt years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 54% of all reports (56 of 104), far ahead of speed control at 23.

104

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other Bolt years?

Bolt NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted104 complaints2014: 104 complaints2015: 8 complaints
Bolt NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bolt years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Yamaha Bolt problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5654%
Speed Control2322%
Lighting77%
Visibility & Wipers66%
Other55%
Steering33%
Body & Structure22%
Suspension11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2014 Yamaha Bolt have recalls?

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

13V298000Electrical SystemJuly 8, 2013 · 3,900 units

Defect

Yamaha Motor Company (Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2014 XVS950CU (Bolt) motorcycles manufactured March 2013 through June 2013. Slack or sag in the wiring harness may allow it to contact the exhaust manifold causing the wires to melt, and possibly short circuit.

Consequence

If the wires short circuit, the fuses will blow which may cause the engine to stall. An engine stall while riding, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness and secure it away from the exhaust. If the wiring harness is damaged, it will first be replaced. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Owners may contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“SPEEDOMETER CAN'T BE SEEN WHEN TRAVELING INTO THE SUN OR ANY TIME THE SUN IS AT THE WRONG ANGLE THAT IT CREATES A NON READABLE DISPLAY, WHICH HAPPENS TO BE ALMOST ANY TIME THE SUN IS OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD NOT BEING ABLE TO READ YOUR SPEED AS WELL AS POSSIBLY CAUSING SPEEDING TICKETS. THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 4, 2018

“DURING THE DAY OR WHEN THE SUN IS BRIGHT I CAN NOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER READING. ITS DIGITAL AND THERE ISN'T MUCH CONTRAST SO I CANT SEE HOW FAST I AM GOING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. THIS CAN CAUSE ME TO CHECK MY SPEED FOR LONGER PERIODS OF TIME AND CAN CAUSE A SPEEDING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 31, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 YAMAHA BOLT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER EXHIBITED DARK COLORS AND WHEN DRIVING UNDER THE SUN, THE SPEEDOMETER COULD NOT BE READ BECAUSE IT WAS TOO DIM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 24, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 YAMAHA BOLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIGITAL ODOMETER WAS NOT VIEWABLE DURING THE DAYLIGHT DUE TO A GLARE. AS A RESULT, THE SPEED WAS NOT MONITORED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ODOMETER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 4, 2014

“INSTRUMENTATION SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, TRIP METER AND INFORMATION LIGHTS I.E. TURN SIGNAL, HIGH BEAM INDICATOR, FUEL LEVEL ETC. VERY DIFFICULT AND DISTRACTING TO READ WHILE RIDING. OCCURS IN ALL LIGHT CONDITIONS. DUE TO DARK INSTRUMENT FACE, IT POSES A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE OF ADDED TIME TO FOCUS ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 8, 2014

2014 Yamaha Bolt — common questions

Is the 2014 Yamaha Bolt reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 104 complaints put the 2014 model at #1 of 2 Bolt years. It is one of the Bolt years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 Bolt problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (56 complaints), speed control (23 complaints), lighting (7 complaints).

Does the 2014 Yamaha Bolt have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2014 Yamaha Bolt. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Yamaha Bolt years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Bolt years to avoid are 2014.

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.