The Triumph Speed Four spans 1994–2016 with 4 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2003, 2016, 2015 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1994, 1995, 1996. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Triumph Speed Four is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1994 to 2016 across multiple generations.
How to read a Triumph Speed Four VIN — every digit explained
Every Triumph Speed Four carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Triumph and the country it was built in (real Triumph codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Speed Four.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- UKSAT · SMT
- Brazil97N
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Speed Four, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Triumph Speed Four have?
The Triumph Speed Four has 4 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1994–2016. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2004 Triumph Speed Four recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. On certain motorcycles, there is a possibility that the fuel pump plate seal may allow fuel to leak from the fuel tank.
Risk. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix. All motorcycles were contained at the u.s. Warehouse and have been repaired.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. On certain motorcycles, the fuel connector linking each of the feed and return fuel hoses to the fuel pump mounting plate may fracture following in-service handling.
Risk. Fuel could escape from the fractured body of the connector onto the engine or side of the bike. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the connector. The recall began on july 30, 2004. Owners should contact triumph at 1-678-854-2010.
2003 Triumph Speed Four recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. On certain motorcycles, the fuel connector linking each of the feed and return fuel hoses to the fuel pump mounting plate may fracture following in-service handling.
Risk. Fuel could escape from the fractured body of the connector onto the engine or side of the bike. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the connector. The recall began on july 30, 2004. Owners should contact triumph at 1-678-854-2010.
2002 Triumph Speed Four recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. On certain motorcycles, the fuel connector linking each of the feed and return fuel hoses to the fuel pump mounting plate may fracture following in-service handling.
Risk. Fuel could escape from the fractured body of the connector onto the engine or side of the bike. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the connector. The recall began on july 30, 2004. Owners should contact triumph at 1-678-854-2010.
Best and worst years for the Triumph Speed Four
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 23 tracked years, the worst years are 2003, 2016, 2015 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1994, 1995, 1996.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 Speed Four | — | Best | |
| 1995 Speed Four | — | Best | |
| 1996 Speed Four | — | Best | |
| 1997 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 1998 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 1999 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2000 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2001 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2002 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2003 Speed Four | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 2004 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2005 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2006 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2007 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2008 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2009 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2010 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2011 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2012 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2013 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2014 Speed Four | — | Average | |
| 2015 Speed Four | — | Avoid | |
| 2016 Speed Four | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Triumph Speed Four problems?
The most-reported Triumph Speed Four problems are Gasoline (2 reports), Fuel System (2 reports) and Power Train (1 reports) — out of 2 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Fuel System 2 Read
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 triumph speed four. While driving 15 mph, the contact stated that the fuel line separated from the fuel tank. The manufacturer made the contact aware of the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 04v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings), but stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 6,600 and the current mileage was 6,800.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 triumph speed four. The contact stated that the fuel connector linking each of the feed and return fuel hoses to the fuel pump mounting plate frequently fractures. As a result, gasoline disperses from the vehicle and increases the risk of serious injury and fire. He took the vehicle to the dealer on two occasions and had the components replaced. Several months after the repair, the failure recurred. In addition, the gasket on the gear shifter is leaking oil. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 6,000 and current mileage was 14,000.
Gasoline 2 Read
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 triumph speed four. While driving 15 mph, the contact stated that the fuel line separated from the fuel tank. The manufacturer made the contact aware of the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 04v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings), but stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 6,600 and the current mileage was 6,800.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 triumph speed four. The contact stated that the fuel connector linking each of the feed and return fuel hoses to the fuel pump mounting plate frequently fractures. As a result, gasoline disperses from the vehicle and increases the risk of serious injury and fire. He took the vehicle to the dealer on two occasions and had the components replaced. Several months after the repair, the failure recurred. In addition, the gasket on the gear shifter is leaking oil. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 6,000 and current mileage was 14,000.
Power Train 1 Read
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 triumph speed four. The contact stated that the fuel connector linking each of the feed and return fuel hoses to the fuel pump mounting plate frequently fractures. As a result, gasoline disperses from the vehicle and increases the risk of serious injury and fire. He took the vehicle to the dealer on two occasions and had the components replaced. Several months after the repair, the failure recurred. In addition, the gasket on the gear shifter is leaking oil. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 6,000 and current mileage was 14,000.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Triumph Speed Four specifications & dimensions
The 2016 Triumph Speed Four. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Triumph Speed Four window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Triumph Speed Four cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Speed Four holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Triumph Speed Four tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Triumph Speed Four get?
MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.
What engines does the Triumph Speed Four have? Power & range
Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.
How much does a Triumph Speed Four cost to own?
A Triumph Speed Four depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Speed Four is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Speed Four loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Speed Four ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Triumph Speed Four safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Speed Four yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Triumph Speed Four last?
A well-maintained Triumph Speed Four typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Triumph Speed Four’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Speed Four’s VIN free →All Triumph Speed Four model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Triumph Speed Four — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2015 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2014 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2013 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2012 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2011 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2010 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2009 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2008 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2007 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2006 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2005 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2004 Speed Four | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 2003 Speed Four | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2002 Speed Four | 1 recall | — | — |
| 2001 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 2000 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 1999 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 1998 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 1997 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 1996 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 1995 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
| 1994 Speed Four | 0 | — | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Speed Four?
By owner-complaint volume, 2003, 2016, 2015 drew the most reports. 1994, 1995, 1996 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Speed Four have?
4 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1994–2016. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
How many miles does a Speed Four last?
A well-maintained Speed Four typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Speed Four reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Speed Four is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Triumph Speed Four warranty?
New Triumph models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Triumph dealer.
Where is the Triumph Speed Four made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Speed Four's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Triumph may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Speed Four have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.