2003 Yamaha Midnight Star recalls and problems

The 2003 Yamaha Midnight Star has 1 safety recall and 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Yamaha dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Yamaha Midnight Star vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Yamaha Midnight Star recalls

Recall 03V-309: Power Train

Reported Aug 26, 2003 · 29,139 vehicles affected · YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USA

Problem: In the transmission on certain motorcycles, the second/third pinion gear may be incorrectly machined which could cause abnormal wear that eventually results in a broken retainer circlip.

Risk: If the circlip breaks, the transmission could lock up, which would also cause the rear wheel to lock up. This could result in loss of control and a crash, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Yamaha will replace the transmission gears and shafts with new ones. Owner notification began on september 9, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact yamaha at 1-800-88-yamaha or visit their website at www.yamaha-motor.com.

2003 Yamaha Midnight Star problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	15
Structure	1
Electrical System	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Manual Transmission — 15
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1
Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 23,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Yamaha Midnight Star complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 28,378 miles · reported Sep 5, 2007

I AM writing in regard to the transmission failure that I experienced on saturday, the 25th of august, 2007 on my 2003 midnight roadstar. Fifth gear was lost while I was leading a group of motorcycles on the interstate. At the time of the failure, I heard a loud metallic click, and thought of a breakage of the circlip. This failure had the potential to result in the immediate lockup of the transmission, and resultant lockup of the rear wheel. This event could have LED to a catastrophic crash because it occurred at highway speeds with a group of motorcycles immediately behind me. In fifth gear…

Electrical System · at 4,665 miles · reported Apr 11, 2006

When starting the motorcycle the engine coughed (Backfired through the carburetor). Subsequent attempts to start the engine were unsuccessful because the starter would no longer engage. This left me stranded and was force to find alternate transportation home in order to pick up my truck & trailer to go back and pick up the motorcycle. Service manager at the yamaha dealership stated that they see this problem quite often. The repair consists of applying locktite to a starter bolt and re-torqueing the bolt.

Structure · at 23,000 miles · reported Jul 28, 2005

Dt: 2003 , yamaha motorcycle's frame rusted. Upon further inspection there was a bracket welded to the frame that cracked. A closer examination revealed all 4 sides of the brackets were cracked. . Consumer caught this in time, and there were no accidents or failures. But consumer felt if this had broken completely the whole suspension would have dropped from the motorcycle. Took vehicle to a dealer, who said they could weld this frame or buy a new frame. Consumer opted to buy the new frame because he felt this was the safest option. Consumer took motorcycle from dealer to an independent shop…

Power Train · reported Apr 29, 2004

The consumer contacted the dealership on january 2004 in reference to NHTSA recall 03v309000/ rear wheel lock up. The dealer informed the consumer that the parts were not available and that it would take another two months for the parts to be available. It was unknown as to when the parts will become available.

Power Train · reported Apr 15, 2004

The dealership was unaware as to how long it would take before they received parts to perform transmission recall. The consumer requested the recall to be performed in a timely manner or yamaha should buy the vehicle back. Recall #03v309000.

Other Yamaha Midnight Star years

20032002 2001 2000

Compare all Yamaha Midnight Star years · All Yamaha models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Yamaha Midnight Star have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Yamaha Midnight Star: 03V-309 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Yamaha Midnight Star?

Owners report power train problems most often (15 reports), followed by structure (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 23,000 miles.

Are Yamaha recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Yamaha dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.