VehicleVerdict

2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 — 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.

15

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2015 compare to other YZF-R1 years?

YZF-R1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted102 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 4 complaints2004: 43 complaints2005: 12 complaints2006: 16 complaints2007: 102 complaints2008: 3 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 1 complaints2015: 15 complaints2020: 1 complaints
YZF-R1 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all YZF-R1 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1067%
Engine427%
Brakes17%

Does the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V802000TransmissionNovember 30, 2015 · 2,921 units

Defect

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2015 YZFR1, YZFR1C, YZFR1MF and YZFR1MFC motorcycles manufactured August 1, 2014, to June 1, 2015. The affected motorcycles have transmission gears that may fail.

Consequence

If the gears fail, the transmission may lock up, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Yamaha has notified owners, and dealers will replace the transmission assembly with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 99100.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT THERE HAS BEEN NO OFFICIAL RECALL FOR THIS MOTORCYCLE. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE AWARE THAT MYSELF HAVE BEEN TOLD TO NOR RIDE THIS MOTORCYCLE AS THE SECOND GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION COULD FAIL AND CAUSE CATASTOPHIC FAILURE, RESULTING IN INJURY AND OR DEATH TO RIDER. THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 25, 2015

“RECALL CAMPAIGN 15V802. OIL WAS LEAKING ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE (REAR TIRE+EXHAUST+ALL THE PLASTIC COVERS+ RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTOR). *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 4, 2016

“THIS IS MY SECOND 2015 YAMAHA YZF-R1 MOTORCYCLE. THE FIRST ONE WAS NEVER REGISTERED, BUT WAS DEFECTIVE ON THE DEALER'S SHOWROOM FLOOR. THIS SECOND MOTORCYCLE WAS A REPLACEMENT FOR THE FIRST. NOW THAT I HAVE RECEIVED THIS RECALL, I WAS TOLD THE MOTORCYCLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT ANY TIME AND THAT IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 4, 2015

2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 — common questions

Is the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 reliable?

The record is thin — 15 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 2015 YZF-R1 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (10 complaints), engine (4 complaints), brakes (1 complaints).

Does the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Yamaha YZF-R1 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the YZF-R1 years to avoid are 2007, 2004. The cleanest record among YZF-R1 years belongs to 2012.

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.