1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 30%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt, 30% of the 10 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Recalls 99 v 107 000/rear shock absorber, 99 v 106 000/swingarm, 99 v 105 000/fuel tank vent valve assembly, 99 v 104 000/fuel tank mounting, 99 v 086 000/sidestand switch and 97 v 153 000/front brake rotor: dealer notified the consumer that the motorcycle have several manufacturer's recalls, and they are unable to repair them because they had no parts.”
NHTSA complaint #866131, filed 2000-07“The failure of the front sprocket could have caused a rear wheel lock up, this in turn could have cuased a collision, injury, or fatality the rear brakes/ and taillights burned out quickly after about 2500 miles. This caused driver to have no indication of braking wich could cause a rear end collision.”
NHTSA complaint #705132, filed 1999-03Related recalls
- 97V153000Sep 12, 1997Vehicle 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…Covers: Buell S3 Thunderbolt 1997–1998, S1 Lightning 1997–1998, M2 Cyclone 1997–1998 +2 more
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 3 | 30% |
Other parts of the 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology