VehicleVerdict

1999 Yamaha YZF-R6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1999 Yamaha YZF-R6 — 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other YZF-R6 years?

YZF-R6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted33 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 33 complaints2002: 3 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 2 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 7 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 3 complaints
YZF-R6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all YZF-R6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Yamaha YZF-R6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure133%
Tires & Wheels133%
Transmission133%

Does the 1999 Yamaha YZF-R6 have recalls?

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

00V076000OtherMarch 13, 2000 · 17,146 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE SCREWS HOLDING THE SIDESTAND SWITCH CAN LOOSEN AND FALL OUT DUE TO ENGINE HEAT AND VIBRATION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SIDESTAND SWITCH WOULD NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY, SO IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE SIDESTAND IN THE DOWN POSITION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION WOULD INCREASE THE RISK THAT THE SIDESTAND COULD HIT THE GROUND DURING A TURN, WHICH COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SCREWS HOLDING THE SIDESTAND SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“REAR RIM ON A YAMAHA 1999 R6 CRACKED IN 3 PLACES RESULTING IN A CRASH THE BIKE IS TOTALED AND I ENDED UP WITH ROAD RASH. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 13, 2007 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 YAMAHA YZFR6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A CRACK THAT RUNS FROM THE LEFT SIDE TO UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE'S FRAME. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY A STRESS FRACTURE WHICH IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 3, 2007

1999 Yamaha YZF-R6 — common questions

Is the 1999 Yamaha YZF-R6 reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Yamaha YZF-R6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Yamaha YZF-R6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Yamaha YZF-R6 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the YZF-R6 years to avoid are 2001. The cleanest record among YZF-R6 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.