RECALLS — MAKE · MODEL · YEAR
2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 recalls
8 safety recall campaigns have been filed for the 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 with Transport Canada and the U.S. NHTSA. Here is what both agencies say.
- Canadian recalls
- 05
- U.S. recalls
- 03
- Total campaigns
- 08
Transport Canada recalls
05- Visual System#2020445
5,320 units affected
Issue: On certain motorcycles, the rear reflectors could have a defect that could reduce the amount of light that is reflected. This could make the motorcycle less visible to others. Safety Risk: A reflector that is difficult to see may make the motorcycle less visible to others. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Yamaha will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your motorcycle to a dealer to replace the rear reflector assembly.
- Engine#2018672
3,640 units affected
On certain motorcycles, the material of the radiator hose may not meet specifications and could crack, resulting in a coolant leak. This could allow for coolant to come into contact with the rear tire, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the affected hose with one of a different design. Note: In the interim, owners are advised to stop use until recall repairs are performed.
- Powertrain#2018671
2,760 units affected
On certain motorcycles, a torsion spring within the transmission could break, making shifting gears difficult or impossible. This could increase the risk of a loss of control that may result in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the torsion spring with one with a different design. Note: In the interim, owners are advised to stop use until recall repairs are performed.
- Fuel System#2017091
2,760 units affected
On certain motorcycles, engine vibration can cause the fuel tank fitting bracket to contact the fuel tank. Over time, this contact may cause fatigue cracking and could result in possible fuel leakage, which in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. In addition, it is possible for water to contaminate the main switch and develop corrosion, which may cause the engine to stall while riding. Both of these conditions could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel tank bracket and the main switch subassembly with parts of a different design.
- Engine#2016314
2,760 units affected
On certain motorcycles, the clutch pressure plate bearing may break if operated frequently due to an insufficient load rating of the bearing. This could cause the clutch to fail, and the transmission to not shift properly. In addition, oil pressure may not be properly regulated due to an improper oil relief valve design in the oil pump, which can excessively stress the oil pump drive gear. This could result in the gear breaking, which could result in engine seizure from lack of oil supply. Either of these conditions could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch pressure plate assembly and oil pump assembly with parts of a different design.
Canadian data updated August 24, 2026
U.S. NHTSA recalls
03- VISIBILITY#20V611000
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2020 YZF-R3, 2020 MT03 and 2018-2020 XMAX scooters. Condensation or other contaminates may adhere to the rear reflector lens reducing its effectiveness.
Risk: A less reflective rear reflector increases the risk of crash.
Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-888-266-3085. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990139.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH#17V112000
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycles. Water can enter and corrode the ignition switch resulting in an unexpected engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch subassembly, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2017. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990112.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY#17V111000
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, engine vibration can cause the fuel tank mounting bracket to contact the fuel tank, which overtime, may result in the tank leaking fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of a ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank bracket. The fuel tank will be inspected and replaced if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 9, 2017. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990112.
Does this recall apply to my vehicle?
Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.
What to do
Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer in both countries. To confirm a recall applies to your specific vehicle, or to book the work, contact your manufacturer or dealer with your full VIN, or use the official channel:
- NHTSA recall lookup (search by VIN) — U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Defects and recalls database — Transport Canada
Check a 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 VIN
A VIN decode confirms your vehicle's exact model year, trim and assembly plant, then runs this same recall check against it.