RecallMyCar

1999 Buell X1 Lightning Recalls, Complaints & Specs

7 safety recalls list the 1999 Buell X1 Lightning, and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

7
safety recalls
2
owner complaints to NHTSA

7 safety recalls for the 1999 Buell X1 Lightning

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. Cables (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 03V427000 Reported 2,830 vehicles potentially affected BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

    On certain motorcycles equipped exclusively with a fuel injection system, the idle control cable can become dislodged from the fuel injection system cable guide due to improper adjustment of the throttle control system.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a throttle cable clamp, which serves to ensure retention of the throttle control cables in the cable guide. Owner notification is expected to begin during november or december 2003. Owners should…

  2. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 00V038000 Reported 2,912 vehicles potentially affected BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. The fuel filter can leak.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel filter.

  3. Service brakes, hydraulic

    NHTSA 99V133000 Reported 1,765 vehicles potentially affected BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. The rear brake reservoir hose can chafe, resulting in loss of brake fluid.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear brake reservoir hose and replace the hose if ncessary.

  4. Cables (electrical system)

    NHTSA 99V134000 Reported 1,765 vehicles potentially affected BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. The positive battery cable can contact the battery carrier.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the positive battery cable routing and correct it if there is any sign of contact.

  5. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 99V105000 Reported 12,321 vehicles potentially affected BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank vent valve assembly.

  6. Service brakes, hydraulic

    NHTSA 99V096000 Reported 1,765 vehicles potentially affected BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. The rear brake line can chafe, resulting in loss of brake fluid.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake line.

  7. Unknown or other

    NHTSA 99V097000 Reported 10,255 vehicles potentially affected BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a sidestand switch that could become inoperative

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the sidestand switch.

2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 1999 Buell X1 Lightning have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 12,000 miles. Complaints peaked in 1999 with 1 filed that year.

Most-reported components

What owners are reporting

“Dt: the contact owns a 1999 buell x1 lightning motorcycle. The motorcycle has a belt instead of the chain, the rear brake line severed because of the belt. After riding the motorcycle the consumer par”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, August 18, 2005 · Service brakes, hydraulic

“Side stand switch was replaced 3 weeks ago on a previous recall by mfg!”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, November 12, 1999 · Fuel system, gasoline

Compare Buell X1 Lightning model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Buell X1 Lightning model year in NHTSA's database.

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1999 Buell X1 Lightning72
2000 Buell X1 Lightning25

Checking a specific 1999 Buell X1 Lightning

How do I know if my 1999 Buell X1 Lightning has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 7 campaigns currently list the 1999 Buell X1 Lightning; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Buell dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 00V038000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

Other Buell models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.