Yamaha YZF-R1 years to avoid
The Yamaha YZF-R1 years to avoid are 2007, 2004 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2012 is the cleanest year on record.
208
Total complaints
7
Recall campaigns
1998–2020
Years covered
2
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
YZF-R1 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | High complaint rate | 102 | |
| 2004 | High complaint rate | 43 |
Every YZF-R1 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 15 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2010 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2009 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2007avoid | 102 | 1 | |
| 2006 | 16 | 2 | |
| 2005 | 12 | 4 | |
| 2004avoid | 43 | 3 | |
| 2003 | 4 | 2 | |
| 2002 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2001 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2000 | 0 | 2 | |
| 1999 | 2 | 2 | |
| 1998 | 3 | 2 |
Common questions
What are the worst Yamaha YZF-R1 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the YZF-R1 years to avoid are 2007, 2004. The cleanest year on record is 2012.
What is the best year for the Yamaha YZF-R1?
By complaint volume, 2012 has the cleanest NHTSA record among YZF-R1 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Yamaha YZF-R1 have?
Across all model years, the YZF-R1 has 7 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 208 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.