Recall 16V459 affects 11,280 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3F/G motorcycles for an oil pump defect. Repair is free at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
Yamaha is recalling 11,280 2015-2016 YZFR3F/G motorcycles under recall 16V459 because an oil pump problem can leave oil pressure improperly regulated, which can make the oil pump drive gear fail and seize the engine. If that happens, the rear wheel can lock suddenly and increase crash risk; Yamaha dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The oil pump on a 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3F/G motorcycle moves engine oil through passages that lubricate bearings, cams, and other moving parts. Its pressure relief valve is supposed to keep oil pressure within the designed range, so the pump supplies oil without overloading its drive gear.
On these motorcycles, an improper pressure relief valve design lets oil pressure go out of regulation. That extra load excessively stresses the oil pump drive gear, the small gear that turns the pump. If the gear breaks, the pump stops supplying oil and the engine can seize from lack of lubrication.
Before failure, a rider can notice a flickering oil pressure light. Yamaha also reported increased abnormal engine sound, so new engine noise together with the oil light is the warning sign to treat seriously.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2015 and 2016 model years for the same YZFR3F/G engine and engine cooling component.
| 2015 Yamaha YZFR3F/G | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| 2016 Yamaha YZFR3F/G | Engine and engine cooling |
| Units affected | 11,280 |
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?
An engine seizure from loss of oil supply can lock the rear wheel suddenly and increase crash risk. A flickering oil pressure light with abnormal engine sound is a warning sign. If that happens, stop riding, move the motorcycle to a safe place, and call a Yamaha dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3F/G is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Yamaha dealer to schedule the free oil-pump replacement that restores proper oil-pressure regulation and helps prevent engine seizure.
- Bring the recall notice if Yamaha mailed one, or reference recall number 16V459 when you call.
- Limit riding until the repair is complete, because an engine seizure can lock the rear wheel suddenly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Yamaha technician replaces the oil pump covered by recall 16V459. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now through a Yamaha dealer. If you've already paid out of pocket for an oil pump related repair before the recall notice, Yamaha's general reimbursement plan on file gives owners a way to claim documented expenses. Contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926 and keep your repair paperwork for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 23, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 5, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 6, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 7, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V459?
Recall 16V459 covers 11,280 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3F/G motorcycles with an oil pump problem that can leave oil pressure improperly regulated. If the oil pump drive gear fails, the engine can seize from lack of oil supply. Yamaha dealers replace the oil pump for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3F/G is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 16V459. If it is, contact a franchised Yamaha dealer to schedule the free oil pump replacement. Reference recall 16V459 and Yamaha recall number 990105 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Yamaha will replace the oil pump free of charge at a franchised Yamaha dealer. Parts and labor are covered for this recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden rear-wheel lockup if the engine seizes from lack of oil supply. That loss of control increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free oil pump replacement with a franchised Yamaha dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V459000 |
|---|---|
| Yamaha customer service | 1-800-962-7926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V459 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V459000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →