2003 Yamaha Road Star recalls and problems

The 2003 Yamaha Road Star has 1 safety recall and 105 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Yamaha dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

105

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

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

2003 Yamaha Road 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 Road Star problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	100
Suspension	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Air Bags	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Manual Transmission — 62
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 36
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1
Air Bags › Frontal — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Carburetor System — 1
Suspension › Rear — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 4,000 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 Road Star complaints

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

Suspension · at 29,500 miles · reported Dec 16, 2009

The contact owns a 2003 yamaha roadstar. He experienced difficulty when attempting to raise the vehicle using the jack. Upon further inspection he noticed that the shock spring assembly mount had fractured. He called several dealerships and was told that the failure was never reported. He called the manufacturer and was not provided with assistance because the warranty expired. No repairs were made. The current and failure mileages were approximately 29,500.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 18,000 miles · reported Mar 31, 2007

Carburetor on 2003 yamaha roadstar (Xv1600) will spit gas out on hot cylinder heads and crankcase unpredictably. Happens when restarting engine after engine has been stopped for a short period after coming in from a ride. Ride can be short or long; unpredictable. Was checked by dealer during first few months when new and carb needle was replaced. Problem has persisted and occurs every few months thereafter and is only resolved by turning off fuel valve before stopping so carb empties. Numerous other riders have seen same problem. Last event for me shown below in incident date.

Power Train · reported Feb 24, 2007

While riding m y 2003 yamaha roadstar I had problems getting it to shift into 4th gear. I checked the internet for any recalls on the bike. When I found that there is a recall I took the bike to my local dealer, the ran the VIN# and said that it had already been done. The recall states that after the modifications are complete stamp a "*" above the a on the VIN#. My bike does not have the stamp, the dealer said that don't matter because he knows it was done. I do not feel safe riding the bike since the recall states do not ride serious injury or death will result. If the bike shifted properly…

Power Train · at 2,000 miles · reported Jul 30, 2004

Consumer received recall 03v309000 concerning transmission failure. Consumer had the recall notice since january, and dealer had not received the parts as of yet.

Power Train · reported Jul 30, 2004

Nhtsa recall 03v309000 regarding transmission failure. After having recall repairs done, a week later, consumer heard a loud noise, and took it back to the dealer for inspection.

Other Yamaha Road Star years

2007 2006 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Yamaha Road Star years · All Yamaha models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Yamaha Road Star have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Yamaha Road 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 Road Star?

Owners report power train problems most often (100 reports), followed by suspension (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 4,000 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.