2016 Triumph Thruxton problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (17) · Exterior Lighting (2) · Structure:body (1)
Safety recalls (3)
Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/Center Stand 2020-01-15 · campaign 20V015000 · 3,244 vehicles
Defect: Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Thruxton, 2016-2019 Thruxton R and 2020 Thruxton TFC motorcycles. The side stand spring may fracture, possibly allowing the side stand switch to activate and shut off the engine.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand spring, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2020. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is SRAN 570.
Electrical System:software 2018-01-31 · campaign 18V084000 · 2,824 vehicles
Defect: Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Thruxton and Thruxton R motorcycles. The engine may stall if the throttle is open or closed quickly while the clutch lever is pulled in.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph's number for this recall is 33.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2016-06-13 · campaign 16E057000 · 119 vehicles
Defect: Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain accessory Adjustable Brake Levers, sold as part of an aftermarket lever replacement kit, part number A2021334. These brake levers are intended for installation on 2016 and 2017 Thruxton 1200, Street Twin, Bonneville T120, and Bonneville T120 Black motorcycles. Under certain conditions, the brake levers may contact the handlebar before maximum braking force is applied.
Risk: Without the ability to apply maximum front braking, the distance needed to stop the motorcycle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake levers, free of charge. The recall began July 7, 2016. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010.
Service bulletins (104)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-09-22 · COM2_35786 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
dealer notice announcing the availability of daignostic software and dealers should begin using it immediately.
Electrical System 2026-07-14 · COM1-35109 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
dealer notice announcing the availability of triumph diagnostic tool 2026-07 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
Electrical System 2026-06-23 · COM2 - 34886 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
dealer notice announcing the availability of triumph diagnostic tool 2026-06.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
Electrical System 2026-05-19 · COM6 - 34491 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
dealer notice announcing the availability of triumph diagnostic tool version 2026-06 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
Unknown Or Other 2026-05-19 · COM5 - 34490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
dealer notice announcing the availability of technical bulletin 264.
Unknown Or Other 2026-05-18 · TB264 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
technical bulletin 264 provides instructions that relates to: triumph diagnostic tool - new motorcycle connection and diagnostics workflow, triumph diagnostic tool - end of support for microsoft windows 10.
Showing the 6 most recent of 104 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-10-18 · Service Brakes“the front brakes are inconsistent when engaged. the first squeeze of the brakes are spongy and almost completely squeeze down and then subsequent braking with completely clamp in 1”. the problem does not go away even after bleeding the brakes. this has occurred since ownership of over 1 year. i only came across other owners with the same issue afte…”
2022-11-30 · Electrical System“the wire harness has torn under ignition. the traction control stops working, needles bounce, and at times will not start. the wire pulls when the handlebars are turned to the right. i brought it to moto primo to have it fixed. there was a recall for this issue and they want to charge me over $700 for an issue that they are obviously aware of…”
2022-06-10 · Service Brakes“brakes feel spongy or grinding at times. the grip on the front brakes is not good.…”
2022-05-01 · Service Brakes“the front brake requires a first 'pump' to become effective. on subsequent application the brakes work as expected. after a short time i need to 'pump' the brake again (when first applying the brakes i can almost pull the lever to the grip). this is a known problem on many owner forums. due to the safety hazard this should really be addressed.…”
2021-08-24 · Service Brakes“very time i push the front breaks, it feel spongy. first push the leveler goes almost all way down. it becomes more firm once you push it two or three time more, however, it vanishes after that. i took it to the dealer but they said that the breaks are working good. i have also changed the break fluid and bled the system according to the maintenan…”
2021-08-13 · Service Brakes“front brake lever has an issue wherein it is soft and requires multiple pulls or deploys to full engage resulting in both inconsistent and unsafe operation. it has been ongoing and apparently widespread with other owners and not something repair shops have been able to localize or remedy.…”
2021-08-10 · Service Brakes“i have had this motorcycle since new in 2016 and have put 20,000 miles on it. it has for most of its life had a problem with the brembo front brakes where they do not fully engage until you pump the brake lever twice. i had taken it to the dealer multiple times while under warranty and had the brake fluid replaced and bled multiple times. while …”
2021-07-28 · Service Brakes“the front brake lever first pull has always been soft, since the motorcycle was new. the second pull is firm and as one would expect. i brought the motorcycle to the dealer where i purchased it and had them inspect the brakes and perform a bleed operation, which i had to pay for. the technician found nothing wrong and there was no change in the…”
2021-01-14 · Service Brakes · 2 mi“when using the front brake, i have to press the lever in once, then press it a second time to experience its proper braking potential. this has been an ongoing issue since owning the bike. i've noticed how jerky the brake would react. very "squishy" when pressing the brake lever first pump, then reacts immediately with subsequent brake pumping. thi…”
2021-01-14 · Service Brakes · 800 mi“the first squeeze of the front brake lever is soft and mushy. when released and squeezed again, the lever firms up and has less travel. the front brake is inconsistent and thus dangerous. this is a constant problem in all riding situations.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.