NHTSA vehicle safety data

2016 Triumph Thruxton Recalls & Complaints

The 2016 Triumph Thruxton has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 21 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Triumph dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Triumph Thruxton. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2016 Triumph Thruxton owner complaints

Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Triumph Thruxton, describing incidents dated June 24, 2016 to October 18, 2024.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 17 complaints
Exterior Lighting 2 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint
Structure 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11620724 · Filed October 18, 2024
the front brakes are inconsistent when engaged. the first squeeze of the brakes are spongy and almost completely squeeze down and then subsequent braking with completely clamp in 1”. The problem does not go away even after bleeding the brakes. This has occurred since ownership of over 1 year. I only…
ODI #11495521 · Filed November 30, 2022
The wire harness has torn under ignition. The traction control stops working, needles bounce, and at times will not start. The wire pulls when the handlebars are turned to the right. I brought it to Moto primo to have it fixed. There was a recall for this issue and they want to charge me over $700…
ODI #11468569 · Filed June 10, 2022
Brakes feel spongy or grinding at times. The grip on the front brakes is not good.

Read all 21 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2016 Triumph Thruxton 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 PE21-017: Extended Stopping Distance
Closed January 15, 2025

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Side Stand Spring May Fracture

NHTSA #20V015000 · Structure — Motorcycle — Kickstand/Center Stand · NHTSA notice

Reported January 15, 2020 · Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD

Potentially affected: 3,244 vehicles

Repair completion: 40.69% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Triumph campaign SRAN 570 · Owners notified February 24, 2020 · Vehicles built March 15, 2016 – July 24, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Thruxton, 2016-2019 Thruxton R and 2020 Thruxton TFC motorcycles. The side stand spring may fracture, possibly allowing the side stand switch to activate and shut off the engine.

Safety consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand spring, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2020. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SRAN 570.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Engine may Stall

NHTSA #18V084000 · Electrical System — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported January 31, 2018 · Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD

Potentially affected: 2,824 vehicles

Repair completion: 67.21% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Triumph campaign 33 · Owners notified March 7, 2018 · Vehicles built January 6, 2016 – December 22, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Thruxton and Thruxton R motorcycles. The engine may stall if the throttle is open or closed quickly while the clutch lever is pulled in.

Safety consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is 33.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Increased Stopping Distance due to Brake Lever

NHTSA #16E057000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA notice

Reported June 13, 2016 · Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD

Potentially affected: 119 vehicles

Repair completion: 80.67% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified July 7, 2016

Defect description

Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain accessory Adjustable Brake Levers, sold as part of an aftermarket lever replacement kit, part number A2021334. These brake levers are intended for installation on 2016 and 2017 Thruxton 1200, Street Twin, Bonneville T120, and Bonneville T120 Black motorcycles. Under certain conditions, the brake levers may contact the handlebar before maximum braking force is applied.

Safety consequence

Without the ability to apply maximum front braking, the distance needed to stop the motorcycle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake levers, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2016 Triumph Thruxton. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

21 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Triumph Thruxton.

Service Brakes

ODI #11620724

Incident: October 18, 2024 · Filed: October 18, 2024

the front brakes are inconsistent when engaged. the first squeeze of the brakes are spongy and almost completely squeeze down and then subsequent braking with completely clamp in 1”. The problem does not go away even after bleeding the brakes. This has occurred since ownership of over 1 year. I only came across other owners with the same issue after a google search and there is an forum thread on the issue.

Electrical System

ODI #11495521

Incident: July 1, 2022 · Filed: November 30, 2022

The wire harness has torn under ignition. The traction control stops working, needles bounce, and at times will not start. The wire pulls when the handlebars are turned to the right. I brought it to Moto primo to have it fixed. There was a recall for this issue and they want to charge me over $700 for an issue that they are obviously aware of. I had the bike in AZ over last winter and brought it in on a different recall. Moto primo said that the dealer looked at the issue in Phoenix but did not replace the part. They told me that I have to deal with the dealer in Phoenix which is 1800 miles away. This is a very dangerous thing. The needles initially started bouncing when I was driving from Phoenix to Minneapolis. It was doing it again when I was in MN. I went to blogs and read that there were issues where the wires stretch and tear when the bars are turned to the right. I looked at the wiring and it was torn and stretches when the bars were turned.

Service Brakes

ODI #11468569

Incident: June 7, 2022 · Filed: June 10, 2022

Brakes feel spongy or grinding at times. The grip on the front brakes is not good.

Service Brakes

ODI #11462976

Incident: April 22, 2021 · Filed: May 1, 2022

The front brake requires a first 'pump' to become effective. On subsequent application the brakes work as expected. After a short time I need to 'pump' the brake again (when first applying the brakes I can almost pull the lever to the grip). This is a known problem on many owner forums. Due to the safety hazard this should really be addressed.

Service Brakes

ODI #11430365

Incident: November 6, 2020 · Filed: August 24, 2021

Very time I push the front breaks, it feel spongy. First push the leveler goes almost all way down. It becomes more firm once you push it two or three time more, however, it vanishes after that. I took it to the dealer but they said that the breaks are working good. I have also changed the break fluid and bled the system according to the maintenance schedule but it has not worked at all. I have read on Triumph groups that this has been existing problems on Thruxton and speed triple models between 2016-2020. However, Thriumph hasn’t published a recall for it. It has been a serious safety problem on my bike. Fortunately, I have not had a serious accident but I had some close calls. I am writing from Mexico City, Mexico. Thanks and regards

Service Brakes

ODI #11428977

Incident: August 13, 2021 · Filed: August 13, 2021

Front brake lever has an issue wherein it is soft and requires multiple pulls or deploys to full engage resulting in both inconsistent and unsafe operation. It has been ongoing and apparently widespread with other owners and not something repair shops have been able to localize or remedy.

Service Brakes

ODI #11428493

Incident: August 8, 2021 · Filed: August 10, 2021

I have had this motorcycle since new in 2016 and have put 20,000 miles on it. It has for most of its life had a problem with the brembo front brakes where they do not fully engage until you pump the brake lever twice. I had taken it to the dealer multiple times while under warranty and had the brake fluid replaced and bled multiple times. While inititially the new fluid helps, nothing seems to be a permanent fix and the problem returns. More recently I had the front brake calipers disassembled, cleaned, fluids changed and it is still just as bad as ever. I had to replace the stock brake lever with one that is adjustable to get more leverage so that the brake lever does not bottom out against the handlebar. When that happens you need to quickly pump the brakes to actually stop. It can be very scary. The service manager at my local Triumph dealer apologized that they were not able to make the brakes work properly. Also with very inconsistent brake response it can be challenging to properly judge stopping distances and required reaction times.

Service Brakes

ODI #11426874

Incident: June 24, 2016 · Filed: July 28, 2021

The front brake lever first pull has always been soft, since the motorcycle was new. The second pull is firm and as one would expect. I brought the motorcycle to the dealer where I purchased it and had them inspect the brakes and perform a bleed operation, which I had to pay for. The technician found nothing wrong and there was no change in the first brake pull. This issue remains to the present day.

Service Brakes

ODI #11388167

Incident: January 14, 2020 · Filed: January 14, 2021

THE BRAKES DO NOT HAVE PRESSURE ON THE FIRST PULL. THE PRESSURE IS BUILT BY PUMPING THE BRAKE LEVER BUT WILL THEN LOSE PRESSURE AGAIN WITHIN 15 MINUTES. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY THE BRAKES COULD TAKE TOO LONG TO ENGAGE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL 2016-2019 TRIUMPH THRUXTON 1200 R MOTORCYCLES.

Service Brakes

ODI #11388116

Incident: December 2, 2019 · Filed: January 14, 2021

THE FIRST SQUEEZE OF THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER IS SOFT AND MUSHY. WHEN RELEASED AND SQUEEZED AGAIN, THE LEVER FIRMS UP AND HAS LESS TRAVEL. THE FRONT BRAKE IS INCONSISTENT AND THUS DANGEROUS. THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM IN ALL RIDING SITUATIONS.

Other Triumph Thruxton model years

Check your 2016 Triumph Thruxton VIN

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