VehicleVerdict

2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other YZF-R3 years?

YZF-R3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted4 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 2 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
YZF-R3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all YZF-R3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Fuel System150%

Does the 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 have recalls?

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

20V611000Visibility & WipersOctober 5, 2020 · 31,000 units

Defect

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2020 YZF-R3, 2020 MT03 and 2018-2020 XMAX scooters. Condensation or other contaminates may adhere to the rear reflector lens reducing its effectiveness.

Consequence

A less reflective rear reflector increases the risk of crash.

Remedy

Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-888-266-3085. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990139.

18V860000TransmissionDecember 4, 2018 · 11,240 units

Defect

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles. The shift shaft torsion spring may fracture, giving the shifter a loose feel and affecting the ability to shift gears.

Consequence

Difficulty shifting gears can cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shift shaft torsion spring, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990126.

18V861000EngineDecember 4, 2018 · 16,760 units

Defect

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles. The upper radiator hose may crack resulting in a coolant leak.

Consequence

If coolant leaks onto the rear tire, it can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will install a new upper radiator hose, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990125.

17V112000Electrical SystemFebruary 21, 2017 · 14,320 units

Defect

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycles. Water can enter and corrode the ignition switch resulting in an unexpected engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch subassembly, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2017. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990112.

17V111000Fuel SystemFebruary 21, 2017 · 14,320 units

Defect

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, engine vibration can cause the fuel tank mounting bracket to contact the fuel tank, which overtime, may result in the tank leaking fuel.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of a ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank bracket. The fuel tank will be inspected and replaced if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 9, 2017. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990112.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 YAMAHA YZF-R3. WHILE DRIVING IN THIRD GEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE POWERED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY IGNITION WAS NOT READING THE KEY CORRECTLY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 19, 2017 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 YAMAHA YZF-R3. WHILE DRIVING IN THIRD GEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE POWERED DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY IGNITION WAS NOT READING THE KEY CORRECTLY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 19, 2017 · fire

2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 — common questions

Is the 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3. 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.