- The problem
- Vehicle description: motorcycles. Failure of one or more turn signal lamps would not be indicated to the operator of the vehicle (no noticeable change in the flashing rate of the turn signal indicator light). This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- An operator would not be aware that the turn signal lamps were not working.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the turn signal lamps on these motorcycles.
Vehicle safety record
1998 Buell S3 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1998 Buell S3 with NHTSA, most often about the lights (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in February 1998 for the turn signal. For comparison, the 1997 has 1 and the 1999 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical S3 year, for its age
#368 most complained-about 1998 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1998 Buell S3 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1998 Buell S3 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
Be the first S3 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 1998 Buell S3
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Headlights go out/come back intermittently. Dealer replaced the connector that had melted. *Ak
Buell S3: every year compared
All S3 years1998 Buell S3 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Buell S3 | 1 | 1 | C | |
| 1998 Buell S3 Thunderbolt | 10 | 7 | D | Compare |
| 1998 Buell S1 White Lightning | 4 | 6 | - | Compare |
| 1998 Buell S1 Lightning | 3 | 8 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Buell S3T | 2 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Buell S1W | 2 | 1 | - | Compare |
| 1998 Buell Thunderbolt | 1 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Buell M2 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1998 Buell S1W White Lightning | 1 | 1 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1998 Buell S3
Does the 1998 Buell S3 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1998 Buell S3: turn signal (February 1998). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Buell S3?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the lights (1).
How many complaints has the 1998 Buell S3 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 3, 1999 and the latest on February 3, 1999. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1998 Buell S3 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Buell S3 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buell S3 years have the most complaints?
1999 (3), 1997 (1), 1998 (1). See every Buell S3 year compared.
What should I do if my 1998 Buell S3 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data