U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Yamaha XVS11: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

13 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

25,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 13 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Driveline is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 13 complaints (46.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	1	7.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Driveline

Power Train

Electrical System

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control

Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

Power Train:Manual Transmission

Unknown Or Other

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Power Train:Driveline	6
Power Train	3
Electrical System	2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control	1
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft	1
Power Train:Manual Transmission	1
Unknown Or Other	1

Power Train:Driveline: 6; Power Train: 3; Electrical System: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control: 1; Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft: 1; Power Train:Manual Transmission: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2005

2008

2009

2010

2011

2005: 1; 2008: 4; 2009: 1; 2010: 3; 2011: 4

Pattern summary

Power Train:Driveline leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10126390 · 2005-06-23 (June 23, 2005)

AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM (AIS), IN PARTICULAR, CHROME PIPE, RUSTED OUT LEADING TO AN EXHAUST LEAK. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MOTORCYCLE. MOISTURE COLLECTS IN THE TUBE LEADING TO RUSTING. SOME HAVE REMOVE THE SYSTEM OR PLUGGED THE AIS. SINCE THIS PART OF THE EMMISSION SYSTEM LEADING TO EXHAUST VALVES I AM CONCERNED. A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET SITES REVEALS THIS HAPPENS AND THE SYSTEM IS BEING REMOVED.

Owner-reported narrative. 11,175 miles reported. Look up ODI 10126390 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10224266 · 2008-04-12 (April 12, 2008)

WHILE APPROACHING A TOLL BOOTH A LOUD NOISE SUDDENLY DEVELOPED, EMANATING FROM THE CENTRE GEARBOX AREA OF MY ENGINE/DRIVE TRAIN. INSPECTION DISCOVERED THAT THE MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT TIP HAD SNAPPED AT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT RETAINING NUT. IT IS FURTHER DETERMINED FROM OTHER SUCH RECORDED FAILURES POSTED ON VARIOUS YAMAHA FORUMS THAT THIS FAILURE IS CAUSED BY MICRO PRESSURE FROM REAR DRIVE/UNI JOINT ONTO MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT AND CAUSES STRESS FRACTURE/SEPARATION MID THREAD LEVEL WITH INSIDE OF RETAINING NUT. HI-RES PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE OF THE SHA…

Owner-reported narrative. 58,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10224266 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10227832 · 2008-05-14 (May 14, 2008)

2002 YAMAHA V STAR 1100 CLASSIC - WOULD NOT START, STARTER IS TWISTED, YAMAHA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THAT IMPROPER STARTING CAUSES THIS CONDITION, ALSO INFERS THAT THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. THEY WILL NOT HOWEVER RECALL OR COMPENSATE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM (RESEARCH SHOWS HUNDREDS OF TWISTED STARTERS). *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 19,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10227832 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10231902 · 2008-06-21 (June 21, 2008)

THE MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT BOLT SHEARED OF MY 2002 VSTAR 1100 CLASSIC. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 24,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10231902 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10235570 · 2008-07-23 (July 23, 2008)

PRODUCT IS 2002 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 MOTORCYCLE (XVS1100) PURCHASED IN 2002. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF RIDING, MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY IS IN THE PROCESS OF FAILING, WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. MANY ENTHUSIASTS OF THIS MODEL REPORT FAILURE OF ASSEMBLY WHICH IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT. HAVE NOT REPLACED THE ASSEMBLY YET. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 40,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10235570 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10255938 · 2009-01-22 (January 22, 2009)

I OWN A 02 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 CLASSICA AND IT'S HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT YEARS PRIOR TO 2003 THAT THE STARTER AND STARTER CLUTCH WILL FAIL AND NEED REPLACING. THIS WOULD NORMALLY RUN OVER 800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE AT THE DEALER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALOT TO THESE BIKES AND SOME HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL OF GETTING THE PARTS FOR FREE FROM THE DEALER BUT MANY HAVE NOT BEEN SO LUCKY LIKE MYSELF. IF ONE DEALER REPLACED THE PARTS FOR ON CUSTOMER THEN THIS SHOULD BE DONE TO EVERY BIKE THAT NEEDS THIS TYPE OF REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT THE BIKES MADE AFTER 0…

Owner-reported narrative. 3,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10255938 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10331867 · 2010-05-23 (May 23, 2010)

WAS DRIVING IN TOWN AROUND 30MPH ,,,ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD AND DEVELOPED A WHINE (SOUNDED LIKE TIRE WHINE)., COULD ONLY HEAR IT DURING DECELERATION. NOISE GRADUALLY GOT LOUDER. LOUD CRUNCH WAS HEARD WHEN NUT HOLDING U-JOINT TO MIDDLE GEAR DISLODGED AND BUSTED SPEEDO PICKUP. I AM A TECHNICAL MECHANIC FOR A CAR BIG CAR COMPANY ....SO AS SOON AS I COULD TAKE IT BACK TO MY SHOP ,,,, I STARTED A DIAGNOSED OF THE PROBLEM....IT TOOK 10 TO 15 MINUTES TO FIND THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVE PINION SHAFT (MIDDLE SHAFT) .. THE JOB STARTED …

Owner-reported narrative. 28,273 miles reported. Look up ODI 10331867 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10334196 · 2010-06-02 (June 2, 2010)

HAD THE MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT BOLT SHEAR OFF MY 1100 V STAR. AS A RESULT OF THE BOLT SHEARING OF FOR NO APPARENT REASON IT LOCKED UP THE REAR TIRE,LOST CONTROL AND NEARLY KILLED MYSELF !!! *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 25,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10334196 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

05V067000 · Seats:Motorcycle

Reported: 2005-03-03 (March 3, 2005)

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE MOUNTING HARDWARE HOLDING THE PASSENGER SEAT TO THE FENDER COULD LOOSEN DUE TO THE PASSENGER'S WEIGHT SHIFTING ON THE SEAT.

Consequence: IF THE MOUNTING HARDWARE BECOMES LOOSE ENOUGH TO FALL OFF, THE PASSENGER SEAT CAN FALL OFF THE REAR FENDER. A PASSENGER ON THE MOTORCYCLE COULD LOSE BALANCE AND FALL, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT'S MOUNTING HARDWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-800-227-5963.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

05V256000 · Seats:Motorcycle

Reported: 2005-06-01 (June 1, 2005)

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYLES, THE ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT MOUNTING HARDWARE HOLDING THE PASSENGER SEAT TO THE FENDER COULD BREAK IF THE MOUNTING HARDWARE IS OVER TIGHTENED.

Consequence: IF THE HARDWARE BREAKS, THE PASSENGER SEAT CAN FALL OFF THE REAR FENDER. THE PASSENGER COULD LOSE BALANCE AND FALL, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: OWNERS MAY ALREADY HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM YAMAHA DATED MARCH 3, 2005, ABOUT THIS DEFECT. IN ORDER TO PROVIDE AN IMPROVED REMEDY TO THE REPAIR OF THE PREVIOUS RECALL, YAMAHA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES AGAIN. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HARDWARE HOLDING THE PASSENGER SEAT TO THE FENDER WITH COMPONENTS OF A DIFFERENT TYPE THAT WILL NOT ALLOW THE SEAT TO FALL OFF. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-800-88-YAMAHA.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

13 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

100.0%Usable mileage13 / 13 records

100.0%Valid incident date13 / 13 records

100.0%Valid filing date13 / 13 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates13 / 13 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Power Train:Driveline	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	646.2% ODI 10231902 · 24,000 mi THE MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT BOLT SHEARED OF MY 2002 VSTAR 1100 CLASSIC. *TR Look up ODI 10231902 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10416757 · 103,500 mi FAILURE OF THE MIDDLE DRIVE LINE INSIDE THE MOTOR. *KB Look up ODI 10416757 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	555.6% ODI 10237605 · 27,474 mi MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT RETAINING NUT SNAP.*TR Look up ODI 10237605 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10422652 · 32,553 mi HELLO, I AM WRITING IN REGARDS TO THE 2007 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 CUSTOM. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MID SHAFT BREAKS LEAVING THE NUT TO CHAOTICALLY SHAKE AROUND UNTIL CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE. THERE ARE TESTIMONIES ONLINE HUNDREDS OF PLACES. THEY WILL NOT OFFER A RECALL. THEY ARE QUITE SUSPECT CONSIDERING THAT THE STARTER CLUTCH ON THIS MODEL OFTEN MALFUNCTIONS (WHICH I JUST HAD TO REPLACE), A JOB COSTING WELL OVER A GRAND, AND THEY HAVE NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM EITHER. THE MID SHAFT BREAKAGE IS EXTREMELY … Look up ODI 10422652 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10408473 · 4,500 mi 2008 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 MAKING LOUD WHINE FROM THE MIDDLE GEAR AREA. HAD TO STOP RIDING THE BIKE BECAUSE THE MIDDLE GEAR BOLT HAD CAME LOSE AND THE NUT WAS GOING INTO THE UJOINT. HAD TO HAVE THE HOLE REAREND TAKEN APART AND PUT ON AND RETORE TO SHOP SPEC., DID PUT LOCKTITE ON NUT. THIS IS REALLY BAD BECAUSE THIS WOULD HAVE LOCKED UP THE REAR TIRE AND WOULD HAVE BEEN REAL BAD FOR THE PERSON ON THE BIKE. *TR Look up ODI 10408473 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	323.1% ODI 10255938 · 3,500 mi I OWN A 02 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 CLASSICA AND IT'S HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT YEARS PRIOR TO 2003 THAT THE STARTER AND STARTER CLUTCH WILL FAIL AND NEED REPLACING. THIS WOULD NORMALLY RUN OVER 800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE AT THE DEALER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALOT TO THESE BIKES AND SOME HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL OF GETTING THE PARTS FOR FREE FROM THE DEALER BUT MANY HAVE NOT BEEN SO LUCKY LIKE MYSELF. IF ONE DEALER REPLACED THE PARTS FOR ON CUSTOMER THEN THIS SHOULD BE DONE TO EVERY BIKE THAT NEEDS THIS TYPE OF REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT THE BIKES MADE AFTER 0… Look up ODI 10255938 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10907229 · 50,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 YAMAHA XVS11AR-S. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE NUT SHEARED OFF OF THE MID SHAFT AND THE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. Look up ODI 10907229 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10732843 · 22,541 mi I BEGAN ACCELERATING ON TO THE HIGHWAY WHEN I NOTICED A RATTLING WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE MOTORCYCLE ONCE AS I APPROACHED AN EXIST TO INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLE MY REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP . ONCE I HAD IT TOWED HOME COME TO FIND OUT THE MIDDLE GEAR SHAFT NUT HAD BROKEN OFF WITH PART OF THE SHAFT INSIDE AND FEEL IF THOUGH REPLACING IT AND MAY CAUSE ME SERIOUS INJURY. Look up ODI 10732843 at NHTSA ↗	375.0% ODI 10392713 · 25,500 mi 2006 YAHAMA V-STAR 1100, WHILE DOWNSHIFTING YOU HEAR A WHINING NOISE ON THE MIDDLE SHAFT GEAR, THE SPEEDOMETER ALSO STOPPED WORKING, TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL BIKE, THEY NEED TO TAKE THE ENTIRE ENGINE APART AND REPLACE THE BOLT THAT BROKE OFF THE MIDDLE SHAFT GEAR, THEY HAVE DONE ABOUT 6 OF THIS REPAIRS SINCE THE YEAR 2011 STARTED, THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS HAZARD FOR THE BACK WHEEL CAN LOCK UP, AND YOU ARE LIABLE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. MY WHEELS LOCKED UP GOING 35 MILES PER HOUR AND I WAS REA… Look up ODI 10392713 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	266.7% ODI 10354746 · 14,976 mi STARTER CLUTCH ON 2008 YAMAHA V STAR 1100 MOTORCYCLE IS DEFECTIVE .YAMAHA KNOWS THIS AND IS SELLING A REPAIR KIT FOR AROUND $550.THIS IS HAPPENING ON MOST ALL OF THE V-STAR BIKE AROUND THE 13-30 THOUSAND MILE MARK. *TR Look up ODI 10354746 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Manual Transmission	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	17.7% ODI 10235570 · 40,000 mi PRODUCT IS 2002 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 MOTORCYCLE (XVS1100) PURCHASED IN 2002. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF RIDING, MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY IS IN THE PROCESS OF FAILING, WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. MANY ENTHUSIASTS OF THIS MODEL REPORT FAILURE OF ASSEMBLY WHICH IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT. HAVE NOT REPLACED THE ASSEMBLY YET. *TR Look up ODI 10235570 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	333.3% ODI 10292122 · 23,000 mi MOTORCYCLE IS A 2005 YAMAHA V-STAR 1000 WITH 23,000 MILES ON IT, AND IT BEGAN MAKING A LOUD WHINING NOISE, WHICH SEEMED TO BE AT IT WORST DURING THE FIRST 2-3 MILES OF OPERATION. AFTER CONSULTING WITH A WEB FORUM DEDICATED TO THESE MOTORCYCLES, I DISCOVERED THE THREADED END OF THE INTERMEDIATE DRIVESHAFT HAD BROKEN, AND THE NUT WHICH RETAINS THE U-JOINT YOKE WAS FREE TO MOVE AROUND INSIDE THE U-JOINT. THERE WAS ALSO LIMITED DAMAGE TO THE U-JOINT YOKE, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE NUT MOVING AROUND WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS OPERATING. THIS APPEARS TO … Look up ODI 10292122 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	215.4% ODI 10227832 · 19,500 mi 2002 YAMAHA V STAR 1100 CLASSIC - WOULD NOT START, STARTER IS TWISTED, YAMAHA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THAT IMPROPER STARTING CAUSES THIS CONDITION, ALSO INFERS THAT THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. THEY WILL NOT HOWEVER RECALL OR COMPENSATE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM (RESEARCH SHOWS HUNDREDS OF TWISTED STARTERS). *TR Look up ODI 10227832 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10745957 · 17,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 YAMAHA XVS11. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A LOOSE NUT IN THE MID-DRIVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000. Look up ODI 10745957 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	17.7% ODI 10224266 · 58,500 mi WHILE APPROACHING A TOLL BOOTH A LOUD NOISE SUDDENLY DEVELOPED, EMANATING FROM THE CENTRE GEARBOX AREA OF MY ENGINE/DRIVE TRAIN. INSPECTION DISCOVERED THAT THE MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT TIP HAD SNAPPED AT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT RETAINING NUT. IT IS FURTHER DETERMINED FROM OTHER SUCH RECORDED FAILURES POSTED ON VARIOUS YAMAHA FORUMS THAT THIS FAILURE IS CAUSED BY MICRO PRESSURE FROM REAR DRIVE/UNI JOINT ONTO MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT AND CAUSES STRESS FRACTURE/SEPARATION MID THREAD LEVEL WITH INSIDE OF RETAINING NUT. HI-RES PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE OF THE SHA… Look up ODI 10224266 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10354189 · 23,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 YAMAHA XVS11. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH HE NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS READING A SPEED OF 0 MPH. HE CONTINUED DRIVING AND BEGAN TO HEAR A CLANKING NOISE. AS HE CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY LUNGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 23,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10354189 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10224291 · 4,000 mi MOTORCYCLE STARTED MAKING A HIGH PITCH SOUND ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE DURING DECELERATION. IT WAS FOUND TO BE THE CENTER DRIVE SHAFT NUT HAD BROKE OR BACKED OFF LETTING THE SHAFT SPLINES SLIDE FREELY. *TR Look up ODI 10224291 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	17.7% ODI 10227832 · 19,500 mi 2002 YAMAHA V STAR 1100 CLASSIC - WOULD NOT START, STARTER IS TWISTED, YAMAHA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THAT IMPROPER STARTING CAUSES THIS CONDITION, ALSO INFERS THAT THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. THEY WILL NOT HOWEVER RECALL OR COMPENSATE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM (RESEARCH SHOWS HUNDREDS OF TWISTED STARTERS). *TR Look up ODI 10227832 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10419091 · 16,000 mi I WAS RIDING DOWN I-25 NORTH GETTING OFF ONTO THE I-70 WEST EXIT. I WAS GOING TO MY MECHANIC BECAUSE I HEARD A "METAL BOUNCING AROUND" NOISE IN THE BACK OF MY BIKE. WHEN I GOT ONTO THE EXIT MY TIRE LOCKED UP AND I SKID TO THE SIDE WHERE MY BIKE WENT DOWN. AFTER I GOT TO MY MECHANIC WE TOOK THE BACK APART AND FOUND OUT MY MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT BROKE. AS I WAS LOOKING FOR PARTS I WAS INFORMED THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. I NEED THIS INVESTIGATED. IT WILL COST ME $3250 TO FIX THE BIKE. Look up ODI 10419091 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10392713 · 25,500 mi 2006 YAHAMA V-STAR 1100, WHILE DOWNSHIFTING YOU HEAR A WHINING NOISE ON THE MIDDLE SHAFT GEAR, THE SPEEDOMETER ALSO STOPPED WORKING, TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL BIKE, THEY NEED TO TAKE THE ENTIRE ENGINE APART AND REPLACE THE BOLT THAT BROKE OFF THE MIDDLE SHAFT GEAR, THEY HAVE DONE ABOUT 6 OF THIS REPAIRS SINCE THE YEAR 2011 STARTED, THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS HAZARD FOR THE BACK WHEEL CAN LOCK UP, AND YOU ARE LIABLE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. MY WHEELS LOCKED UP GOING 35 MILES PER HOUR AND I WAS REA… Look up ODI 10392713 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 10748454 · 8,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 YAMAHA XVS11VR MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE THAT CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND THE ENGINE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT BOLT HAD FRACTURED AND THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED. AS A RESULT, BOTH THE DRIVE SHAFT AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. Look up ODI 10748454 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Power Train:Driveline	24,250–28,205 mi	26,500 mi	6	ODI 10231902 · 24,000 mi THE MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT BOLT SHEARED OF MY 2002 VSTAR 1100 CLASSIC. TR Look up ODI 10231902 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10331867 · 28,273 mi WAS DRIVING IN TOWN AROUND 30MPH ,,,ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD AND DEVELOPED A WHINE (SOUNDED LIKE TIRE WHINE)., COULD ONLY HEAR IT DURING DECELERATION. NOISE GRADUALLY GOT LOUDER. LOUD CRUNCH WAS HEARD WHEN NUT HOLDING U-JOINT TO MIDDLE GEAR DISLODGED AND BUSTED SPEEDO PICKUP. I AM A TECHNICAL MECHANIC FOR A CAR BIG CAR COMPANY ....SO AS SOON AS I COULD TAKE IT BACK TO MY SHOP ,,,, I STARTED A DIAGNOSED OF THE PROBLEM....IT TOOK 10 TO 15 MINUTES TO FIND THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVE PINION SHAFT (MIDDLE SHAFT) .. THE JOB STARTED … Look up ODI 10331867 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10334196 · 25,000 mi HAD THE MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT BOLT SHEAR OFF MY 1100 V STAR. AS A RESULT OF THE BOLT SHEARING OF FOR NO APPARENT REASON IT LOCKED UP THE REAR TIRE,LOST CONTROL AND NEARLY KILLED MYSELF !!! TR Look up ODI 10334196 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	20,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10255938 · 3,500 mi I OWN A 02 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 CLASSICA AND IT'S HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT YEARS PRIOR TO 2003 THAT THE STARTER AND STARTER CLUTCH WILL FAIL AND NEED REPLACING. THIS WOULD NORMALLY RUN OVER 800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE AT THE DEALER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALOT TO THESE BIKES AND SOME HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL OF GETTING THE PARTS FOR FREE FROM THE DEALER BUT MANY HAVE NOT BEEN SO LUCKY LIKE MYSELF. IF ONE DEALER REPLACED THE PARTS FOR ON CUSTOMER THEN THIS SHOULD BE DONE TO EVERY BIKE THAT NEEDS THIS TYPE OF REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT THE BIKES MADE AFTER 0… Look up ODI 10255938 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10405560 · 20,000 mi WHEN STARTING AND SHUTTING OFF THE MOTORCYCLE, THERE TENDS TO BE A LOUD CLUNK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I PURCHASED THIS BIKE FROM A PRIVATE OWNER IN 2010. I HAVE ALL OF THE SERVICE DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS BIKE FROM THE PREVIOUS OWNER, ALL MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED ON SCHEDULE. JUST RECENTLY, I HAD AN ISSUE WHERE THE BIKE WOULD NOT TURN OVER AT ALL. THE STARTER MOTOR WOULD JUST SPIN AND WHINE, AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. I REMOVED THE STARTER MOTOR AND LOOKED AT IT, AND INSIDE, THERE ARE 4 BRUSHES. ONE BRUSH WAS COMPLETELY DEST… Look up ODI 10405560 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10425897 · 53,000 mi MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT SNAPPED OFF WHERE THE NUT GOES ON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAS HAPPENED ON MANY OF THESE BIKES. THE BACK WHEEL CAN LOCK UP AND PUT THE MOTORCYCLE INTO A SKID CAUSING AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD EASILY RESULT IN DEATH. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE DRIVE TRAIN WAS SKIPPING AND LOCKING UP. UPON INSPECTION I SEEN THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD SNAPPED OFF. I PLAN ON CONTACTING YAMAHA TO SEE WHAT THEY PLAN TO DO ABOUT THIS. THIS WAS POOR DESIGN BECAUSE THE HAVE MAD… Look up ODI 10425897 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	11,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10227832 · 19,500 mi 2002 YAMAHA V STAR 1100 CLASSIC - WOULD NOT START, STARTER IS TWISTED, YAMAHA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THAT IMPROPER STARTING CAUSES THIS CONDITION, ALSO INFERS THAT THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. THEY WILL NOT HOWEVER RECALL OR COMPENSATE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM (RESEARCH SHOWS HUNDREDS OF TWISTED STARTERS). *TR Look up ODI 10227832 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10255938 · 3,500 mi I OWN A 02 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 CLASSICA AND IT'S HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT YEARS PRIOR TO 2003 THAT THE STARTER AND STARTER CLUTCH WILL FAIL AND NEED REPLACING. THIS WOULD NORMALLY RUN OVER 800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE AT THE DEALER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALOT TO THESE BIKES AND SOME HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL OF GETTING THE PARTS FOR FREE FROM THE DEALER BUT MANY HAVE NOT BEEN SO LUCKY LIKE MYSELF. IF ONE DEALER REPLACED THE PARTS FOR ON CUSTOMER THEN THIS SHOULD BE DONE TO EVERY BIKE THAT NEEDS THIS TYPE OF REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT THE BIKES MADE AFTER 0… Look up ODI 10255938 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control	Too few reports for a range	11,175 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10126390 · 11,175 mi AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM (AIS), IN PARTICULAR, CHROME PIPE, RUSTED OUT LEADING TO AN EXHAUST LEAK. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MOTORCYCLE. MOISTURE COLLECTS IN THE TUBE LEADING TO RUSTING. SOME HAVE REMOVE THE SYSTEM OR PLUGGED THE AIS. SINCE THIS PART OF THE EMMISSION SYSTEM LEADING TO EXHAUST VALVES I AM CONCERNED. A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET SITES REVEALS THIS HAPPENS AND THE SYSTEM IS BEING REMOVED. Look up ODI 10126390 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft	Too few reports for a range	58,500 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10224266 · 58,500 mi WHILE APPROACHING A TOLL BOOTH A LOUD NOISE SUDDENLY DEVELOPED, EMANATING FROM THE CENTRE GEARBOX AREA OF MY ENGINE/DRIVE TRAIN. INSPECTION DISCOVERED THAT THE MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT TIP HAD SNAPPED AT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT RETAINING NUT. IT IS FURTHER DETERMINED FROM OTHER SUCH RECORDED FAILURES POSTED ON VARIOUS YAMAHA FORUMS THAT THIS FAILURE IS CAUSED BY MICRO PRESSURE FROM REAR DRIVE/UNI JOINT ONTO MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT AND CAUSES STRESS FRACTURE/SEPARATION MID THREAD LEVEL WITH INSIDE OF RETAINING NUT. HI-RES PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE OF THE SHA… Look up ODI 10224266 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Manual Transmission	Too few reports for a range	40,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10235570 · 40,000 mi PRODUCT IS 2002 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 MOTORCYCLE (XVS1100) PURCHASED IN 2002. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF RIDING, MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY IS IN THE PROCESS OF FAILING, WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. MANY ENTHUSIASTS OF THIS MODEL REPORT FAILURE OF ASSEMBLY WHICH IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT. HAVE NOT REPLACED THE ASSEMBLY YET. *TR Look up ODI 10235570 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	19,500 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10227832 · 19,500 mi 2002 YAMAHA V STAR 1100 CLASSIC - WOULD NOT START, STARTER IS TWISTED, YAMAHA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THAT IMPROPER STARTING CAUSES THIS CONDITION, ALSO INFERS THAT THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. THEY WILL NOT HOWEVER RECALL OR COMPENSATE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM (RESEARCH SHOWS HUNDREDS OF TWISTED STARTERS). *TR Look up ODI 10227832 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2007: 1 complaints · 2008: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2007	1	1	1
2008	0	0	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2007	2	0	0
2008	3	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Power Train:Driveline	Power Train	Electrical System	Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control	Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft	Power Train:Manual Transmission	Unknown Or Other
Power Train:Driveline	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Power Train	0	—	1 ODI 10255938 · 3,500 mi I OWN A 02 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 CLASSICA AND IT'S HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT YEARS PRIOR TO 2003 THAT THE STARTER AND STARTER CLUTCH WILL FAIL AND NEED REPLACING. THIS WOULD NORMALLY RUN OVER 800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE AT THE DEALER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALOT TO THESE BIKES AND SOME HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL OF GETTING THE PARTS FOR FREE FROM THE DEALER BUT MANY HAVE NOT BEEN SO LUCKY LIKE MYSELF. IF ONE DEALER REPLACED THE PARTS FOR ON CUSTOMER THEN THIS SHOULD BE DONE TO EVERY BIKE THAT NEEDS THIS TYPE OF REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT THE BIKES MADE AFTER 0… Look up ODI 10255938 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	0	1 ODI 10255938 · 3,500 mi I OWN A 02 YAMAHA VSTAR 1100 CLASSICA AND IT'S HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT YEARS PRIOR TO 2003 THAT THE STARTER AND STARTER CLUTCH WILL FAIL AND NEED REPLACING. THIS WOULD NORMALLY RUN OVER 800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE AT THE DEALER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALOT TO THESE BIKES AND SOME HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL OF GETTING THE PARTS FOR FREE FROM THE DEALER BUT MANY HAVE NOT BEEN SO LUCKY LIKE MYSELF. IF ONE DEALER REPLACED THE PARTS FOR ON CUSTOMER THEN THIS SHOULD BE DONE TO EVERY BIKE THAT NEEDS THIS TYPE OF REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT THE BIKES MADE AFTER 0… Look up ODI 10255938 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10227832 · 19,500 mi 2002 YAMAHA V STAR 1100 CLASSIC - WOULD NOT START, STARTER IS TWISTED, YAMAHA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THAT IMPROPER STARTING CAUSES THIS CONDITION, ALSO INFERS THAT THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. THEY WILL NOT HOWEVER RECALL OR COMPENSATE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM (RESEARCH SHOWS HUNDREDS OF TWISTED STARTERS). *TR Look up ODI 10227832 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Power Train:Manual Transmission	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Unknown Or Other	0	0	1 ODI 10227832 · 19,500 mi 2002 YAMAHA V STAR 1100 CLASSIC - WOULD NOT START, STARTER IS TWISTED, YAMAHA ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THAT IMPROPER STARTING CAUSES THIS CONDITION, ALSO INFERS THAT THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM. THEY WILL NOT HOWEVER RECALL OR COMPENSATE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM (RESEARCH SHOWS HUNDREDS OF TWISTED STARTERS). *TR Look up ODI 10227832 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

1 patterns with matching reports.

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 7.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 19,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10227832 · 19,500 mi

Look up ODI 10227832 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule