VehicleVerdict

2017 Yamaha YZF-R3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R3 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other YZF-R3 years?

YZF-R3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted4 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 2 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
YZF-R3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all YZF-R3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Yamaha YZF-R3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Engine150%

Does the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R3 have recalls?

3 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.

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.

17V423000OtherJune 30, 2017 · 40 units

Defect

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2017 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles. The affected motorcycles, intended for the US market, may have been manufactured with a Canadian Motor Vehicle Certification Label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence

If the stamped vehicle identification number (VIN) does not match the VIN on the Vehicle Certification Label, owners may be unable to tell if their vehicle is under an important safety recall.

Remedy

Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Vehicle Certification Label, free of charge. The recall began July 21, 2017. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990115.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 YAMAHA YZFR3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE MOTORCYCLE SUDDENLY SHUT COMPLETELY OFF AND COULD NOT RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO MOUNTAIN MOTORSPORTS ROSWELL (10885…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 YAMAHA YZFR3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE MOTORCYCLE SUDDENLY SHUT COMPLETELY OFF AND COULD NOT RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO MOUNTAIN MOTORSPORTS ROSWELL (10885…”

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

2017 Yamaha YZF-R3 — common questions

Is the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R3 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 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.