Recall 18V861 affects 16,760 2015-2018 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles for a cracking upper radiator hose and coolant leak. Repair is free at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
Yamaha is recalling 16,760 2015-2018 YZFR3 motorcycles because the upper radiator hose can crack and leak coolant. If coolant reaches the rear tire, it can cause loss of control and increase the risk of a crash; Yamaha dealers will replace the hose free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The upper radiator hose on 2015-2018 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles carries hot coolant between the engine and the radiator. That flow lets the radiator pull heat out of the engine and helps keep the operating temperature in the normal range. The hose has to stay flexible and sealed while it is exposed to heat, pressure, and vibration.
On affected motorcycles, the hose material was not cured correctly during vulcanization, the process that gives rubber its final strength and shape. That defect can let the hose crack. Once a crack opens, coolant can leak from the cooling system instead of circulating through the engine and radiator.
Owners can look for a visible bulge in the radiator hose, coolant smell, visible coolant loss, or an engine temperature increase. Those are warning signs that the hose is losing its seal.
Who's affected?
All four model years share the same cooling-system hose and fitting component.
| 2017 Yamaha YZFR3 | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
|---|---|
| 2016 Yamaha YZFR3 | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2015 Yamaha YZFR3 | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| 2018 Yamaha YZFR3 | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| Units affected | 16,760 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A coolant leak onto the rear tire can reduce traction, cause loss of control, and increase the risk of a crash. Watch for a bulging radiator hose, coolant smell, visible coolant loss, or rising engine temperature. If you see these signs, stop riding and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2018 Yamaha YZFR3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Yamaha dealer to schedule the free upper radiator hose replacement for the coolant leak risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Yamaha mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V861 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop riding if you see coolant leaking or the rear tire gets wet.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Yamaha technician installs a new upper radiator hose to replace the hose covered by recall 18V861. The replacement part and labor are free under the recall. This repair addresses the hose cracking that can lead to a coolant leak. If you already paid for a related upper radiator hose repair before the recall work, Yamaha has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and payment records to the service desk when you ask about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 4, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 17, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 21, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 21, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 27, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V861?
Recall 18V861 covers 16,760 2015-2018 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles with an upper radiator hose that can crack and leak coolant. If coolant reaches the rear tire, the rider can lose control, increasing crash risk. Yamaha dealers will install a new upper radiator hose for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2018 Yamaha YZFR3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V861. If it is, contact a franchised Yamaha dealer to schedule the upper radiator hose replacement. Reference recall number 18V861 and Yamaha recall number 990125 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Yamaha will install a new upper radiator hose free of charge at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
Is it safe to ride my Yamaha YZFR3 before the repair?
The safety risk is coolant leaking onto the rear tire, which can cause a loss of control and increase crash risk. Check your VIN first. If your motorcycle is included, call a Yamaha dealer and ask how soon the hose replacement can be completed.
What if I bought my Yamaha YZFR3 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific YZFR3 is included, then reference recall 18V861 when you contact a franchised Yamaha dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V861000 |
|---|---|
| Yamaha customer service | 1-800-962-7926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V861 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V861000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →