VehicleVerdict

2003 Yamaha Road Star problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 105 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.6 times the median Road Star year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 11 Road Star years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 95% of all reports (100 of 105), far ahead of suspension at 2.

105

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Road Star years?

Road Star NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted105 complaints1999: 16 complaints2000: 19 complaints2001: 60 complaints2002: 88 complaints2003: 105 complaints2004: 23 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 3 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints
Road Star NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Road Star years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Yamaha Road Star problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission10095%
Suspension22%
Airbags11%
Brakes11%
Fuel System11%

Does the 2003 Yamaha Road Star have recalls?

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

10E041000OtherAugust 23, 2010 · 300 units

Defect

YAMAHA IS RECALLING CERTAIN ACCESSORY YAMAHA DOUBLE "T" FAT HANDLEBARS , PART NUMBERS STR-5PX75-12-00 AND STR-4WM75-12-00, MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1, 2008 THROUGH JULY 31, 2009, TO BE USED ON MODEL YEAR 2002-2009 XV1700PC WARRIOR, 1999-2003 VX1600 AND 2004-2010 XV1700 ROAD STAR MOTORCYCLES. THESE HANDLEBARS MAY HAVE TUBING THINNER THAN DESIGNED WHERE THE BARS NARROW FOR THE SWITCH HOUSINGS AND GRIPS.

Consequence

THE AFFECTED HANDLEBARS COULD BE WEAK ENOUGH IN THE AREA TO BREAK. SHOULD THIS BREAKAGE OCCUR WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING OPERATED, THE OPERATOR COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

YAMAHA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED HANDLEBARS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-962-7926.

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.

“YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION HAS ISSUED A RECALL AND AFTER OVER A MONTH OF WAITING STILL NO PARTS TO FIX THE MOTORCYCLE. (ROAD STAR 3003) LOCAL DEALER IN FORT WALTON BEACH HAS LIED TO ME FOR OVER A MONTH. SAID I WAS FIRST ON THE LIST TO BE REPAIRED THEN SATURDAY I FIND OUT THAT I AM ACTUALLY 30TH ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 25, 2004

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 YAMAHA ROAD STAR. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REAR TIRE STRUCK THE TOP OF THE REAR FENDER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR SHOCK MOUNT CAUSED THE FAILURE; AS OF NOVEMBER 19, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 59,000. UPDATED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 4, 2007

“CARBURETOR ON 2003 YAMAHA ROADSTAR (XV1600) WILL SPIT GAS OUT ON HOT CYLINDER HEADS AND CRANKCASE UNPREDICTABLY. HAPPENS WHEN RESTARTING ENGINE AFTER ENGINE HAS BEEN STOPPED FOR A SHORT PERIOD AFTER COMING IN FROM A RIDE. RIDE CAN BE SHORT OR LONG; UNPREDICTABLE. WAS CHECKED BY DEALER DURING FIRST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 4, 2007

“WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH BOTH FRONTAL DOOR AIR BAGS WENT OFF INADVERTENTLY. DRIVER WAS NOT HURT, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THIS WAS AN INSURANCE CLAIM ISSUE. AT THIS TIME DEALERSHIP COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 23, 2004

2003 Yamaha Road Star — common questions

Is the 2003 Yamaha Road Star reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 105 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 11 Road Star years. It is one of the Road Star years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Road Star problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (100 complaints), suspension (2 complaints), fuel system (1 complaints).

Does the 2003 Yamaha Road Star have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Yamaha Road Star. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Yamaha Road Star years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Road Star years to avoid are 2003, 2002, 2001. The cleanest record among Road Star years belongs to 2009.

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.