VehicleVerdict

2003 Yamaha Road Star Warrior problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2003 Yamaha Road Star Warrior — 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.

27

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Road Star Warrior years?

Road Star Warrior NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted86 complaints2002: 86 complaints2003: 27 complaints2004: 12 complaints
Road Star Warrior NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Road Star Warrior years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Yamaha Road Star Warrior problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2281%
Engine311%
Electrical System14%
Other14%

Does the 2003 Yamaha Road Star Warrior have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ON JANUARY 9, 2004 CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING TRANSMISSION. DEALERSHIP STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO CONDUCT RECALL REPAIRS. DEALER HAS BEEN VERY COOPERATIVE. HOWEVER, MANUFACTURER IS THE PROBLEM, THE 1-800 TELEPHONE NUMBER IS DISCONNECTED,AND CONSUMER CANNOT GET IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 27, 2004

“RECALL OF YAMAHA ROAD STAR WARRIOR MOTORCYCLE. YAMAHA DOES NOT HAVE PARTS FOR THE RECALL AND WILL NOT PROVIDE A WARRANTY ON A COMPLETELY REBUILT ENGINE (WITH ONLY 600 ORIGINAL MILES). THE MOTORCYLE IS PARKED WHILE PAYMENTS AND INSURANCE IS PAID. YAMAHA DOES NOT KNOW WHEN TH EPARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 2004

“YAMAHA ROAD STAR WARRIOR ENGINE STALLED ON HIGHWAY EXAMINATION REVEALED A CUT OFF WIRE FROM CPS TIMING SENSOR. WIRE'S ARE UNDER GREAT TENSION. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 19, 2006 · crash

“RIDING 2003 YAMAHA ROADSTAR WARRIOR ON PUBLIC HIGHWAY ENGINE STOPPED, DIAGNOSTIC CODE 12 SHOWED ON SPEEDOMETER CPS( CRANK SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR) WIRE BROKE. NEED TO ORDER NEW SENSOR. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 27, 2006

2003 Yamaha Road Star Warrior — common questions

Is the 2003 Yamaha Road Star Warrior reliable?

The record is thin — 27 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 2003 Road Star Warrior problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (22 complaints), engine (3 complaints), other (1 complaints).

Does the 2003 Yamaha Road Star Warrior have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 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 2003 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.