VehicleVerdict

2013 Yamaha Xtz12 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 2013 Yamaha Xtz12 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Xtz12 years?

Xtz12 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted11 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 1 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints
Xtz12 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Xtz12 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Yamaha Xtz12 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine327%
Speed Control218%
Electrical System218%
Tires & Wheels19%
Lighting19%
Fuel System19%
Other19%

Does the 2013 Yamaha Xtz12 have recalls?

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

18V695000Electrical SystemOctober 4, 2018 · 4,736 units

Defect

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Yamaha XTZ12 Super Tenere motorcycles. Over time, a gap may develop in the protective sealant where the lead wires of the accelerator position sensor (APS) and throttle position sensor (TPS) connect to the electronic control unit (ECU). This may cause corrosion on the wires, preventing the engine from returning to idle after the throttle is released.

Consequence

If the engine does not return to idle when the throttle is released, it can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will bypass the wire lead connection with a new sub lead harness multi-connector, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990122.

14V044000LightingFebruary 10, 2014 · 24,000 units

Defect

Yamaha Motor Corporation USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 YZFR1 motorcycles manufactured October 2008 through August 2013 and 2012-2013 XTZ12 motorcycles manufactured October 2011 through August 2013. In the affected motorcycles, use of the headlight may generate enough heat to cause the bulb connections to expand, resulting in arcing in the headlight bulb socket which could cause the socket to overheat, melt and cause the headlight to malfunction.

Consequence

A headlight failure reduces the rider's ability to see clearly and the motorcycle's visibility to oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Yamaha will notify owners and dealers will replace the headlight socket, free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2014. 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.

“THE MOTORCYCLE WILL SOMETIMES ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN, OTHER TIMES IT WILL RANDOMLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS A WIDELY DISCUSSED PROBLEM BY XTZ1200 OWNERS. SO FAR YAMAHA HAS YET TO ISSUE A TECHNICAL BULLETIN OR A RECALL. I HAVE A VIDEO THAT SHOWS THE MOTORCYCLE ACTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 1, 2017

“INTERMITTENTLAY THE VEHICLE STALLS WHEN IDLING, IT ALSO CAN RISE TO 3500RPM WITHOUT ANY USER INPUT. THIS LEADS TO DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR WHEN APPROACHING OR DEPARTING AN INTERSECTION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 1, 2017

“THE MOTORCYCLE WILL SOMETIMES ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN, OTHER TIMES IT WILL RANDOMLY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS A WIDELY DISCUSSED PROBLEM BY XTZ1200 OWNERS. SO FAR YAMAHA HAS YET TO ISSUE A TECHNICAL BULLETIN OR A RECALL. I HAVE A VIDEO THAT SHOWS THE MOTORCYCLE ACTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 1, 2017

“I WASN'T NOTIFIED OF YAMAHA 2014 RECALL TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT SOCKET. I WAS SURPRISED BY YAMAHA DEALER BARNES BROS. TODAY WHEN TOLD THAT MY MOTORCYCLE IS DUE FOR THIS RECALL. AS ORIGINAL OWNER, I'VE HAD THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE BOHN YAMAHA DEALER FOR 4 YEARS. SO I CALLED YAMAHA TODAY AT 1-[PHONE] AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 28, 2018

“MOTORCYCLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, REAR WHEEL SPOKE BROKE AND CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGES TO MOTORCYCLE (SWING ARM, EXHAUST AND WHEEL) AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS. I BELIEVE THAT SPOKES ARE FAILING DUO TO DEFECTS IN MATERIALS OR BAD DESIGN. YAMAHA DECLINED SAFETY ISSUE AND WARRANTY COVERAGE STATING THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 2, 2016

2013 Yamaha Xtz12 — common questions

Is the 2013 Yamaha Xtz12 reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2013 Xtz12 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), speed control (2 complaints).

Does the 2013 Yamaha Xtz12 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Yamaha Xtz12. 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.