Yamaha YZF-R6 years to avoid
The Yamaha YZF-R6 years to avoid are 2001 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2012 is the cleanest year on record.
63
Total complaints
6
Recall campaigns
1999–2014
Years covered
1
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
YZF-R6 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | High complaint rate | 33 |
Every YZF-R6 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2012 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2010 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2009 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2008 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2007 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2006 | 7 | 3 | |
| 2005 | 2 | 2 | |
| 2004 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2003 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2002 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2001avoid | 33 | 0 | |
| 2000 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 3 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Yamaha YZF-R6 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the YZF-R6 years to avoid are 2001. The cleanest year on record is 2012.
What is the best year for the Yamaha YZF-R6?
By complaint volume, 2012 has the cleanest NHTSA record among YZF-R6 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Yamaha YZF-R6 have?
Across all model years, the YZF-R6 has 6 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 63 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.