VehicleVerdict

2002 Yamaha Road Star Warrior problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 86 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Road Star Warrior year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 3 Road Star Warrior years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 81% of all reports (70 of 86), far ahead of engine at 4.

86

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Road Star Warrior years?

Road Star Warrior NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted86 complaints2002: 86 complaints2003: 27 complaints2004: 12 complaints
Road Star Warrior NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Road Star Warrior years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Yamaha Road Star Warrior problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission7081%
Engine45%
Fuel System45%
Brakes22%
Other22%
Speed Control22%
Electrical System22%

Does the 2002 Yamaha Road Star Warrior have recalls?

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

03V309000TransmissionAugust 26, 2003 · 29,139 units

Defect

IN THE TRANSMISSION ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE SECOND/THIRD PINION GEAR MAY BE INCORRECTLY MACHINED WHICH COULD CAUSE ABNORMAL WEAR THAT EVENTUALLY RESULTS IN A BROKEN RETAINER CIRCLIP.

Consequence

IF THE CIRCLIP BREAKS, THE TRANSMISSION COULD LOCK UP, WHICH WOULD ALSO CAUSE THE REAR WHEEL TO LOCK UP. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND A CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

YAMAHA WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEARS AND SHAFTS WITH NEW ONES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-800-88-YAMAHA OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.YAMAHA-MOTOR.COM.

02V181000Fuel SystemJuly 23, 2002 · 5,451 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FUEL TANK BRACKET WASHER AND DAMPER DO NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE TANK FROM ENGINE VIBRATION.

Consequence

OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, VIBRATION MIGHT DAMAGE THE TANK WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK BRACKET WASHER AND DAMPER WITH ONES OF A NEW TYPE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 10,2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-800-88-YAMAHA (1-800-889-2624).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I'VE TRIED TO TURN MY MOTORCYCLE IN FOR THE RECALL (FIX) SINCE 2/4/04, BUT I'M TOLD THAT NO RECALL KITS HAVE BEEN SHIPPED OUT TO FIX THE BIKES YET AND IT'S OK TO RIDE THE BIKES. I WOULD LIKE TO BE INFORM ON WHAT'S GOING ON. IS IT SAFE TO RIDE OR NOT ,IF NOT THEN SHOULDN'T YAMAHA PICK UP THE PACE IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 4, 2004

“THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED AND WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED TO STOP AT A LIGHT. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *TS *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 17, 2003

“THE FUEL FILTER ASSEMBLY TO THE FRONT OF THE TANK WILL RELEASE THE INNER SLEEVE AT THE ELBOW SPILLING FUEL ALL OVER MOTOR. IF MOTOR IS HOT, CAN RESULT IN FIRE AND HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE JUST STARTED RIDING WHEN IT HAPPENED TO ME.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 9, 2019

“1) CODE 12, CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. MOTORCYCLE LOSES ALL POWER AT ANY SPEED. MOTORCYCLE INOPERATIVE. NO PRIOR INDICATION OR WARNING. 2) THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. TWICE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS EXCEEDING 80 MPH. THIS WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FATALITY AND NEEDS TO BE DEEMED AS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 24, 2006

“RECALL ISSUED JANUARY 30, 2004 AND MOTORCYCLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE MOTORCYCLE CANNOT BE USED UNTIL ALL RECALL REPAIRS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. *PH *MR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

2002 Yamaha Road Star Warrior — common questions

Is the 2002 Yamaha Road Star Warrior reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 86 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 3 Road Star Warrior years. It is one of the Road Star Warrior years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Road Star Warrior problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (70 complaints), engine (4 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).

Does the 2002 Yamaha Road Star Warrior have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Yamaha Road Star Warrior. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Yamaha Road Star Warrior under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Yamaha Road Star Warrior years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Road Star Warrior years to avoid are 2002. The cleanest record among Road Star Warrior years belongs to 2004.

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.