Recall 21V806 affects 233 2020-2021 Yamaha XVS950 motorcycles for an engine-case oil leak. Do not drive. Free repair at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
Oil reaching the rear tire can cause loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Do not drive or ride the motorcycle, even for short trips. If you see oil seepage on the engine or droplets under the bike, keep it parked and call the dealer about moving it. Repair is free at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
Yamaha is recalling 233 2020-2021 XVS950 motorcycles under recall 21V806 because the engine case can leak oil onto the rear tire, which can cause loss of control and raise crash risk. Do not drive the motorcycle until a Yamaha dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The engine crankcase on the 2020-2021 Yamaha XVS950 is the metal housing that surrounds and supports the lower engine parts. It holds engine oil inside the engine and gives the crankshaft and related parts a sealed structure to run in. That seal matters because oil belongs inside the case, not on the outside of the engine or near the rear tire.
On affected motorcycles, the crankcase casting was made after an incorrect amount of mold-release agent was applied during manufacturing. That changed casting temperatures and left porosity in the metal. Porosity means tiny openings in the case material. Oil can seep through those openings, then travel down the engine and onto nearby surfaces. If enough oil reaches the rear tire, traction is reduced.
An owner can notice oil seepage on the engine or small droplets on the ground under the motorcycle after it has been parked. Those are warning signs that oil is escaping from the crankcase.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2020 and 2021 model years, both tied to the same engine crankcase component.
| 2021 Yamaha XVS950 | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2020 Yamaha XVS950 | Engine |
| Units affected | 233 |
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?
Oil reaching the rear tire can cause loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Do not drive or ride the motorcycle, even for short trips. If you see oil seepage on the engine or droplets under the bike, keep it parked and call the dealer about moving it. Repair is free at any franchised Yamaha dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Yamaha XVS950 is included in this recall.
- Do not drive or ride the motorcycle until the engine inspection and repair are complete.
- Arrange a tow or trailer transport if the motorcycle has to be moved to the dealer; do not ride it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Yamaha dealer to schedule the free engine inspection and engine replacement if the engine case is leaking oil onto the rear tire.
- Bring the recall notice if Yamaha mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V806 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Do not drive or ride the motorcycle until the repair is complete. At the dealer, a Yamaha technician inspects the engine for the oil leak condition and replaces the engine if needed. The inspection, replacement engine, and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related engine oil leak repair before the recall notice, Yamaha has a general reimbursement plan on file. Bring your repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit a documented claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 15, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 29, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| October 29, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 29, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 1, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V806?
Recall 21V806 covers 233 2020-2021 Yamaha XVS950 motorcycles with an engine-case oil leak that can put oil on the rear tire and create a loss-of-control risk. Do not drive or ride the motorcycle until a Yamaha dealer completes the free inspection and repair.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Yamaha XVS950 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 21V806. If it is included, Do not drive or ride it. Contact a franchised Yamaha dealer and ask for the recall inspection and engine replacement, as necessary. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Yamaha to repair this defect at no cost. A franchised Yamaha dealer will inspect the motorcycle and replace the engine, as necessary, free of charge under recall 21V806.
What does Do not drive mean for this Yamaha recall?
Do not drive means the motorcycle should stay parked until the dealer repair is complete. Yamaha advised owners not to ride affected XVS950 motorcycles because engine oil on the rear tire creates a loss-of-control risk.
When were owners notified about recall 21V806?
Yamaha mailed owner notification letters on October 29, 2021. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 21V806 when you contact a franchised Yamaha dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V806000 |
|---|---|
| Yamaha customer service | 1-800-962-7926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V806 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V806000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →