NHTSA vehicle safety data
1996 Buell S1 Lightning Recalls & Complaints
The 1996 Buell S1 Lightning has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Buell dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Buell S1 Lightning. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
1996 Buell S1 Lightning owner complaints
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Buell S1 Lightning, describing incidents dated September 1, 1997 to September 22, 1999.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 1 complaint
- Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
- Service Brakes 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #850286 · Filed
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES 99V095000/99V097000/99V104000/ 99V105000/99V106000, AND 99V107000 IN THE MAIL. HAD CONTACTED A MOTORCYLE DEALERSHIP. WAS INFORMED HAD NO PARTS FOR MOTORCYCLE. DO NOT KNOW WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. OWNER UPSET*AK.
ODI #551843 · Filed
A DESIGN FLAW CAUSED THE FRONT BRAKE TO COMPLETELY LOCK UP DUE TO EXCESSIVELY LOOSE FLOATING FRONT BRAKE ROTOR THAT WAS GRINDING AGAINST THE BRAKE CALIPER. NLM
ODI #537522 · Filed
THE NEGATIVE BATTERY LEAD FOR THE S1 MODELS IS TOO SHORT. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH SLACK TO ALLOW FOR MOVEMENT DUE TO VIBRATION. THE EFFECTS OF THE LEAD BREAKING IS TOTAL LOSS OF POWER, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO SHUT DOWN AND LIGHTS TO GO OFF.
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1996 Buell S1 Lightning in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE03-043: THROTTLE FAILS TO RETURN TO IDLE
Closed October 30, 2003
BUELL/REAR SHOCK ABSORBER
NHTSA #99V107000 · Suspension — Rear — Shock Absorber · NHTSA notice
Reported May 6, 1999 · BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.
Potentially affected: 8,950 vehicles
Owners notified June 28, 1999 · Vehicles built February 1, 1994 – June 16, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FRONT EYE THAT COULD BREAK.
Safety consequence
IF THE SHOCK EYE SHOULD BREAK, THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WILL DRAG ON THE GROUND POSSIBLY CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 28, 1999.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 BUELL AT 1-414-343-8400.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BUELL/SWINGARM
NHTSA #99V106000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice
Reported May 6, 1999 · BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.
Potentially affected: 8,950 vehicles
Owners notified July 8, 1999 · Vehicles built February 1, 1994 – June 16, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A SWINGARM THAT COULD BREAK.
Safety consequence
IF THE SWINGARM SHOULD BREAK, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWINGARM.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 8, 1999.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 BUELL AT 1-414-343-8400.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BUELL/FUEL TANK VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY
NHTSA #99V105000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported May 6, 1999 · BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.
Potentially affected: 12,321 vehicles
Owners notified June 15, 1999 · Vehicles built February 1, 1994 – April 21, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY THAT COULD BECOME PLUGGED.
Safety consequence
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE THE CARBURETOR TO OVERFLOW FUEL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD ALSO PREVENT SUFFICIENT FUEL FLOW, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO MISFIRE OR STALL.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 15, 1999.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 BUELL AT 1-414-343-8400.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BUELL/FUEL TANK MOUNTING
NHTSA #99V104000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly — Mounting · NHTSA notice
Reported May 6, 1999 · BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.
Potentially affected: 10,556 vehicles
Owners notified June 4, 1999 · Vehicles built February 1, 1994 – April 21, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK MOUNT SYSTEM THAT COULD, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, ALLOW THE FUEL TANK TO SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE.
Safety consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK MOUNT SYSTEM.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 4, 1999. 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 BUELL AT 1-414-343-8400.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BUELL/BATTERY CABLE
NHTSA #99V095000 · Electrical System — 12V/24V/48V Battery — Cables · NHTSA notice
Reported April 29, 1999 · BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.
Potentially affected: 3,878 vehicles
Owners notified May 21, 1999 · Vehicles built January 20, 1995 – June 16, 1998 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. MOTION OF THE BATTERY CABLE CAN LEAD TO BREAKAGE OF ITS TERMINAL.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL/QUIT WHEN RIDING.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND/OR REPLACE THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 21, 1999.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 BUELL AT 1-414-343-8400. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
BUELL/SIDESTAND SWITCH
NHTSA #99V097000 · Unknown or Other · NHTSA notice
Reported April 29, 1999 · BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.
Potentially affected: 10,255 vehicles
Owners notified June 24, 1999 · Vehicles built January 20, 1995 – April 21, 1999 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A SIDESTAND SWITCH THAT COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL/QUIT WHEN RIDING.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDESTAND SWITCH.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 24, 1999.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 BUELL AT 1-414-343-8400. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Buell S1 Lightning model years
Check your 1996 Buell S1 Lightning VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Buell S1 Lightning at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Buell VIN