Yamaha Motor Corporation USA is recalling certain models of 2019 – 2021 Yamaha YZF-R3 supersport motorcycle, 2020 Yamaha MT-03 naked streetfighter and 2019 – 2020 Yamaha XMAX (CDZ300) scooter for a minor issue with the VIN plate. According to the NHTSA, the Motor Vehicle Certification Label may have an incorrect Vehicle Identification Number on it. Yamaha is recalling a total of 8,281 units of which 5% may have the defect.
The Problem
During the assembly process, technicians might have confirmed only the last few characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) instead of the complete 17 digit number this does not comply with the Motor Vehicle Certification Label as the reproduction on the Motor Vehicle Certification label may not match the VIN. According to the report, the official VIN stamp is correct. The error is easily visible with visual / comparison of Official stamped B-VIN and Vehicle Certification Label as all 17 digits of stamped VIN must match with all 17 digits of VIN reproduced on Vehicle Certification Label.
The Solution
Once the approval from the NHTSA for the owner’s notification letter comes through, the company will be issuing notifications to the owner’s of the units. Yamaha will also issue a Technical Bulletin for the affected VIN range. The affected motorcycles will get a replacement Vehicle Certification Label that matches the stamped VIN. The notifications for the recall commence from 16th February 2021.
Correction Measures
The brand is also taking corrective action at the assembly line from September 2020, where the assembler checks all 17 digits of the VIN plate before the assembly of the motorcycle, an inspector double-checks the 17 digits on the VIN plates during the final inspection and by the end of 1st quarter 2021 an automatic camera system that triple checks and records the information will be in place.
Safety Risk
There is no difference or affect in form, fit or function of the motorcycle pertaining to the recall and no safety risk to the rider or other road users.
In the recent past, Yamaha has recalled the 2015-2020 Yamaha YZF-R3, MT-03 and Xmax for a manufacturing defect with the rear reflectors.
