Yamaha's lineup has 83 recorded NHTSA recalls across 101 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.4/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Yamaha's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Yamaha — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Yamaha is a globally recognized Japanese brand celebrated for its innovative engineering across motorcycles, marine engines, and musical instruments. Known for reliability and performance, Yamaha vehicles and equipment are favored by enthusiasts and professionals alike, from adventurous riders to serious boaters. ForCar.org allows you to decode any Yamaha VIN to instantly access a comprehensive record of your vehicle’s specifications, recall history, and detailed technical information.
All Yamaha models 101
Every Yamaha model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Yamaha Motorcycles 101
Yamaha recalls
Across the Yamaha lineup, ForCar tracks 83 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Yamaha recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Yamaha model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Yamaha FJR1300 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Yamaha YZF-R3 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Yamaha YZF-R6 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Yamaha XMAX | 4.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Yamaha MT-10 | 4.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Yamaha YZF-R1 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Yamaha FJ09 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Yamaha XV1900 Stratoliner | 4.0 /5 | |
| 09 | Yamaha XT250 | 4.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Yamaha FZ-10 | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Yamaha: Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Yamaha reliable?
Across rated models, Yamaha averages a 4.4/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 96 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Yamaha competes globally in motorcycles, ATVs, marine engines and adjacent powersport segments against Honda (its main rival), Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW, Ducati and KTM in motorcycles. The brand's positioning emphasizes engineering refinement and broad model coverage from 50cc scooters through 1000cc+ supersport bikes. Yamaha's marine outboard division is the world's largest by volume and serves as a separate profit center within Yamaha Motor.
Yamaha models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Yamaha model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Yamaha FJR1300 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Yamaha YZF-R1 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Yamaha XV1900 Stratoliner | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Yamaha FZ09 | 4.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Yamaha FJ09 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 06 | Yamaha XT250 | 4.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Yamaha YZF-R6 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Yamaha TW200 | 4.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Yamaha YZF-R3 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Yamaha PW50 | 3.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Yamaha models
Fuel-economy rankings for Yamaha are being compiled — check back shortly.
Safest Yamaha models
NHTSA safety rankings for Yamaha are being compiled — check back shortly.
Tired of ads? Go Pro.
- Zero ads — clean, fast pages
- Exact mileage-adjusted car values
- Full research reports + PDF
- Market charts & price-drop alerts
- …and much more
Get a Yamaha window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Yamaha's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Yamaha window stickers →How to read a Yamaha VIN
Every Yamaha built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Yamaha and the country it was built in.
- 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 it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Where to find your Yamaha VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Yamaha
Yamaha Motor was spun off from the Nippon Gakki Co. (now Yamaha Corporation) in 1955 to commercialize Genichi Kawakami's 1953 motorcycle prototype, the YA-1 (Red Dragonfly) — a two-stroke 125cc machine that won the 1955 Mount Fuji Hill Climb. The 1965 250cc DT-1 invented the dual-sport motorcycle category. Yamaha entered the marine outboard market in 1960, ATV market in 1979 (founding the YFM200 Moto-4) and snowmobile market in 1968. The R1 (1998) introduced the crossplane-crank inline-four engine to mass-market sportbikes.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1955 |
| Headquarters | Iwata, Japan |
| Slogan | "Revs Your Heart" |
| Models tracked | 101 (1981–2026) |
Yamaha — frequently asked
How do I decode a Yamaha VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Yamaha models are there?
ForCar tracks 101 Yamaha models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Yamaha made?
Yamaha is headquartered in Iwata, Japan, founded in 1955. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Yamaha recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Yamaha model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Yamaha is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Yamaha warranty?
New Yamaha vehicles come with 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 Yamaha dealer.