The 2003 Yamaha Road Star Limited Edition has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 29,139 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
POWER TRAIN03V3090002003-08-2629,139 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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…
Complaints by component
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
11
1fires
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2
POWER TRAIN
1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1
1fires
Total complaints15
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“I was riding south bound interstate 95 about 65 mph when all of a sudden my yamaha silverado lost speed and started jerking. I pulled the clutch in and let the bike slow down. I then tried to downshift but the shifter was frozen, finally I got it to go into gear. As I started to pick up speed it…”
“I was traveling down the freeway when suddenly 5th gear was gone causing me to suddenly loose speed in heavy traffic. I was able to downshift into 4th gear and continue moving at a slower speed, but 5th gear is completely gone. This is the only time it has occurred to me, but there is absolutely…”
“I have a 2003 yamaha road star limited silver edition motorcycle, which I purchased from malcolm smith motorsports, riverside. In january 2004, with 2,500 miles on the motorcycle, I had a very dangerous malfunction with the rear brake, causing the rear brake to be applied without applying force to…”
“I have a 2003 yamaha road star limited silver edition motorcycle, which I purchased from malcolm smith motorsports, riverside. In january 2004, with 2,500 miles on the motorcycle, I had a very dangerous malfunction with the rear brake, causing the rear brake to be applied without applying force to…”
“Three months ago consumer received a recall letter regarding automatic transmission failure. Dealership still did not have the parts available to conduct recall repairs. Consumer was angry that yamaha had not issued any statement on how long it will take to obtain the component items on recall. *ak”
“Recall of defective transmission. Parts that are needed for repair are not available. No time frame for repairs. Two (2) months since recall notification. Instructed not to use vehicle until completed. Vehicle needs to be insured and loans paid but unable to use vehicle.*ak”
“I have a yamaha road star that has been recalled. I have gotten horrible servie and the motorcycle has been in the shop for three months and scheduled to be there another two. Yamaha is providing no service and no compensation. The bike will be in the shop for four or five months and yamaha…”
“Consumer received a recall letter on january 20, 2004 regarding transmission. Failure. Dealership did not have the parts available to conduct recall repairs. Dealer indicated that the consumer should wait at least five months. *ak”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2003 Yamaha Road Star Limited Edition as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.