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1997 Buell S3 Thunderbolt recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

7 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 1997 Buell S3 Thunderbolt. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Buell been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Buell dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

1997 Buell S3 Thunderbolt recalls, newest first

May 6, 1999NHTSA 99V1070008,950 vehicles potentially affected

Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber

Summary
Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a rear shock absorber front eye that could break.
Consequence
If the shock eye should break, the underside of the vehicle will drag on the ground possibly causing loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 6, 1999NHTSA 99V1060008,950 vehicles potentially affected

Suspension › Rear

Summary
Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a swingarm that could break.
Consequence
If the swingarm should break, loss of vehicle control could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the swingarm.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

May 6, 1999NHTSA 99V10500012,321 vehicles potentially affected

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

Summary
Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged.
Consequence
Under certain conditions, this could cause the carburetor to overflow fuel which could result in a fire. This condition could also prevent sufficient fuel flow, which could cause the engine to misfire or stall.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank vent valve assembly.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

April 29, 1999NHTSA 99V09700010,255 vehicles potentially affected

Unknown or other

Summary
Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a sidestand switch that could become inoperative
Consequence
This condition can cause the engine to stall/quit when riding.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the sidestand switch.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

April 26, 1999NHTSA 99V0860005,208 vehicles potentially affected

Suspension › Front

Summary
Vehicle description: motorcycles. The front isolator mount system can lose clamp load and possibly break.
Consequence
This could lead to an unintended distraction to the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front isolator mount system.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

September 12, 1997NHTSA 97V1530002,820 vehicles potentially affected

Service brakes, hydraulic

Summary
Vehicle description: motorcycles. The e-clip which retains the drive pin on the front brake rotor and carrier can separate from the drive pin allowing the pin to move out of position and come in contact with the front brake caliper.
Consequence
This condition can prevent the front wheel from rotating increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will repair these motorcycles.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1997 Buell S3 Thunderbolt with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0

Most complained-about components

  1. Engine and engine cooling › Engine1
  2. Structure › Frame and members1
  3. Suspension1

Other Buell S3 Thunderbolt years

Other 1997 Buell models

Most recalled 1997 vehicles

  1. 1997 Ford F-150 (25 recalls)
  2. 1997 Honda Civic (16 recalls)
  3. 1997 Honda Accord (15 recalls)
  4. 1997 Dodge Caravan (14 recalls)
  5. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (13 recalls)
All of 1997’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 1997 Buell S3 Thunderbolt have any recalls?
7 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: suspension, fuel system, gasoline, unknown or other, service brakes, hydraulic. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 1997 Buell S3 Thunderbolt recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Buell dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 1997 Buell S3 Thunderbolt?
2 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.