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2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 problems

The most common problem on the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 is engine and cooling. It has 3.0 times the complaints of a typical YZF-R3 model year.

Typical year3.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
4
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls 4

Power train: manual transmissionReported December 4, 2018 · 11,240 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles. The shift shaft torsion spring may fracture, giving the shifter a loose feel and affecting the ability to shift gears.
Risk
Difficulty shifting gears can cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shift shaft torsion spring, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1‑800‑962‑7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990126.

Recall number 18V860000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittingsReported December 4, 2018 · 16,760 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles. The upper radiator hose may crack resulting in a coolant leak.
Risk
If coolant leaks onto the rear tire, it can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will install a new upper radiator hose, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1‑800‑962‑7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990125.

Recall number 18V861000 · Recall details

Power train: clutch assemblyReported June 24, 2016 · 11,280 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Yamaha Motor Corporation (Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 YZF-R3 F/G motorcycles manufactured January 1, 2015, to April 15, 2016. The clutch pressure plate bearing may break due to an insufficient load rating, causing the clutch to not disengage and preventing the transmission from shifting properly.
Risk
If the clutch cannot be disengaged, the rider may not be easily able to stop the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Yamaha has notified owners, and dealers will replace the clutch pressure plate bearing, free of charge. The recall began July 11, 2016. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1‑800‑962‑7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990105.

Recall number 16V460000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported June 23, 2016 · 11,280 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 F/G motorcycles manufactured January 1, 2015, to April 15, 2016. Due to an oil pump problem, the oil pressure in these motorcycles may not be properly regulated. As a result, the oil pump drive gear may fail and cause the engine to seize from lack of oil supply.
Risk
If the engine seizes from a lack of oil supply, the rear wheel may lock up suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Yamaha has notified owners, and dealers will replace the oil pump, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1‑800‑962‑7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990105.

Recall number 16V459000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3

What 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I was riding my motorcycle home from work, when the oil pressure light came on on the dash board and then i began to loose power, then my back tire skidded which made me loose control for a few seconds almost causing me to crash, their was cars behind me which had to maneuver to avoid hitting me because of the sudden lost of power.I was very luck to not have fallen or cause an accident. Their was no warning of this problem the bike was riding good and from one second to another the oil pressure light came on and i lost power and for a few seconds control of the motorcycle.

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Fuel system · GA

Motorcycle fuel tank is leaking due to vibration from fuel tank mounting bracket. Fuel lines are also loose and potentially need to be changed out do to age/improper mounting. Just bought this bike from previous seller on 08/12/2025, rode fine on the way home until the day after 08/13/2025 only to realize the bike had not be serviced for it's recall fixes.

Filed Nov 29, 2016 · Engine, Steering · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 yamaha yzf-r3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v459000 (engine and engine cooling) and 16v406000 (steering, suspension). However, the vehicle was not repaired due to recall parts being unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified about the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

Compare the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3

Other model years

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Questions about the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3

Is the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3, 3.0 times a typical YZF-R3 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3?

Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is fuel system (2).

How many recalls does the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 have?

4 recalls, covering power train and engine and engine cooling.

Was there a recall on the 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 18V861000, 16V459000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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