Yamaha Midnight Star Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 29 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Yamaha Midnight Star (2001–2003) that have at least 5 complaints. 2003 has the most, with 17. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (26 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Midnight Star model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 17 | 14,850 | 1 | 0 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 7 | 15,750 | 1 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 5 | — | 2 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain26 90%
- Suspension1 3.4%
- Body and structure1 3.4%
- Electrical system1 3.4%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2002: “While riding my motorcycle in dec 2015 on state highway 67. I hear a noise that was a new noise I never hear before and then the motor RPM raced higher, at that time I promptly pulled over, I could not physically see anything or hear any issues, so I returned to the road, and as I was shifting gears, when I got to what should have been 5th gear there was nothing, it responded as if I were in neutral. When I finally returned home, I start research and find there is a manufacturer recall #990021 and NHTSA recall number: 03v309000 for on my motorcycle through the VIN number id. …”
NHTSA complaint #11156750, filed 2018-12, 19,000 miles2003: “When starting the motorcycle the engine coughed (backfired through the carburetor). Subsequent attempts to start the engine were unsuccessful because the starter would no longer engage. This left me stranded and was force to find alternate transportation home in order to pick up my truck & trailer to go back and pick up the motorcycle. Service manager at the Yamaha dealership stated that they see this problem quite often. The repair consists of applying locktite to a starter bolt and re-torqueing the bolt.”
NHTSA complaint #10155039, filed 2006-04, 4,665 miles2001: “Eight months ago consumer received NHTSA recall 03v309000 regarding the second/third pinion gear maybe incorrectly machined, which could cause abnormal wear that eventually results in a broken retainer. Dealership still does not have the parts available to conduct recall repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10087579, filed 2004-08Other Yamaha models
310 complaintsYamaha Yamaha
173 complaintsYamaha YZFR1
156 complaintsYamaha FJR1300
122 complaintsYamaha Road Star Warrior
117 complaintsYamaha Bolt
82 complaintsYamaha Road Star Silverado
74 complaintsYamaha XV1700
56 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology