Recall 15V221 affects 350 2015 Yamaha YZFR1M motorcycles for a rear shock absorber defect. Repair is free at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
Yamaha is recalling 350 2015 YZFR1M motorcycles under recall 15V221 because the rear shock absorber was built with an improperly manufactured damper rod nut. If that nut loosens, shock damping can fail and the rider can lose control, so the Yamaha dealer repair will be free once Yamaha makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The rear shock absorber on the 2015 Yamaha YZFR1M is the main part of the rear suspension that controls how the back wheel moves over bumps and under acceleration. It uses a piston, damper rod, and oil inside the shock body to slow suspension movement so the tire stays settled on the road.
On affected motorcycles, the piston rod nut inside the rear shock was tightened before the piston had full metal-to-metal contact. That leaves the nut at risk of backing off during use. Once it loosens, the shock loses damping, which means the rear suspension no longer controls movement the way it should. In the worst case described by Yamaha, the shock can start to disassemble.
The warning sign is improper rear suspension action. The motorcycle can feel unstable, unsettled, or hard to control from the rear, especially when the suspension is working over bumps or load changes.
Who's affected?
| 2015 Yamaha YZFR1M | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 350 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loosened damper rod nut affects rear shock absorber performance, which can cause poor handling, loss of vehicle control, and increased crash risk. If the rear suspension acts improperly, ride cautiously and schedule the inspection. Repair will be free at any franchised Yamaha dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Yamaha YZFR1M is included in this recall.
- Wait for Yamaha's repair instructions before scheduling dealer work, because the remedy is listed as under development.
- Call Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926 with questions about repair timing.
- Bring the recall notice if Yamaha mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V221 when you call.
- Avoid riding until the rear-shock inspection and replacement is complete; the repair addresses the loose damper-rod nut that affects shock absorber damping.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Yamaha technician will inspect the motorcycle and replace any rear shock absorber covered by the recall. Yamaha has not listed the final remedy as available yet, so do not treat the repair as ready to schedule until Yamaha or the dealer confirms it is open. Once available, the dealer repair will be free, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| April 14, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 24, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| April 24, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 28, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 29, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V221?
Recall 15V221 covers 350 2015 Yamaha YZFR1M motorcycles with a rear shock absorber defect. The damper rod nut can loosen, reducing damping and causing the shock to come apart. Yamaha dealers inspect the motorcycle and replace any affected rear shock absorber for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Yamaha YZFR1M is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 15V221. If it is, contact a franchised Yamaha dealer and ask for the rear shock absorber inspection and replacement. Reference Yamaha recall number 990095 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Yamaha's remedy says dealers inspect the motorcycle and replace any affected rear shock absorber free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of vehicle control. If the damper rod nut loosens, rear shock absorber performance is affected, and the shock can come apart. That increases crash risk. The repair path is a free dealer inspection and replacement of any affected rear shock absorber.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V221000 |
|---|---|
| Yamaha customer service | 1-800-962-7926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V221 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V221000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →