2003 Yamaha XVS65 recalls and problems

The 2003 Yamaha XVS65 has 2 safety recalls and 5 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 XVS65 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Yamaha XVS65 recalls

Recall 05V-256: Seats

Reported Jun 1, 2005 · 46,000 vehicles affected · YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USA

Problem: On certain motorcyles, the original replacement mounting hardware holding the passenger seat to the fender could break if the mounting hardware is over tightened.

Risk: If the hardware breaks, the passenger seat can fall off the rear fender. The passenger could lose balance and fall, causing serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners may already have received a letter from yamaha dated march 3, 2005, about this defect. In order to provide an improved remedy to the repair of the previous recall, yamaha is recalling certain motorcycles again. Dealers will replace the hardware holding the passenger seat to the fender with components of a different type that will not allow the seat to fall off. The recall began on june 15, 2005. Owners may contact yamaha at 1-800-88-yamaha.

Recall 05V-067: Seats

Reported Mar 3, 2005 · 179,042 vehicles affected · YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USA

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the mounting hardware holding the passenger seat to the fender could loosen due to the passenger's weight shifting on the seat.

Risk: If the mounting hardware becomes loose enough to fall off, the passenger seat can fall off the rear fender. A passenger on the motorcycle could lose balance and fall, causing serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger seat's mounting hardware free of charge. The recall began on march 4, 2005. Owners may contact yamaha at 1-800-227-5963.

2003 Yamaha XVS65 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	5
Structure	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Driveline — 2
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Lubricant — 1
Structure › Frame and Members — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 13,500 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 XVS65 complaints

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

Power Train · at 12,800 miles · reported Sep 30, 2016

Rear differential pinion gear is not lubricated with grease during initial assembly. Lubrication of this gear is a common practice in the motorcycle industry. This oversight causes the gear to slowly wear away over time causing catastrophic failure of the drivetrain. If this occurs in a busy intersection serious injury or death may occur. This is a well known problem to yamaha, yet the company has failed to correct this deficiency or make a replacement part available. At the time when my pinion gear failed, I was in motion and the sudden loss of forward momentum placed me in the path of an…

Power Train · at 4,052 miles · reported Jul 3, 2013

As I was about to leave work and head back to my hotel, my motorcycle stopped working. I had to load it onto another vehicle and sent back home to be inspected. Upon inspection my mechanic had found a gear in my final drive had cracked and broken. The part has made my motorcycle inoperable. If this had occurred on a long ride home, the damage could have been severe.

Power Train · at 27,000 miles · reported Mar 12, 2010

Yamaha xvs 650 drive shaft coupler fails. Could cause rider to lose control. Factory does not lubricate part at during assembly and does not inform owner to lubricate. This problem has occurred to many owners. This happened to me, without a major incident. Yamaha does not seem to care about this problem.

Structure · at 13,500 miles · reported Jul 6, 2009

I purchased a used V-star motorcycle and, after only a few months of riding it, the piece that was used to secure my pedal shifter broke off. I was on a back road unable to shift into gear and had to push my bike off to the side of the road for safety. After I found the problem I realized that this very important piece is welded and not bolted on. I had to ride it home in second gear after another biker helped me pop it in gear. I talked with a yamaha representative and they said the warranty is up so they are not responsible to fix the issue. I believe they are responsible for this design…

Other Yamaha XVS65 years

2009 2007 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Yamaha XVS65 years · All Yamaha models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Yamaha XVS65 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Yamaha XVS65: 05V-256 (seats), 05V-067 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Yamaha XVS65?

Owners report power train problems most often (5 reports), followed by structure (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 13,500 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.