2018 Yamaha Xmax problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (1)
Safety recalls (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:critical Fasteners 2025-11-12 · campaign 25V778000 · 2,715 vehicles ⚠ DO NOT DRIVE
Defect: Yamaha Motor Company, Ltd. (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2018-2022 XMAX scooters. The camshaft retainer bolt may loosen and not properly secure the camshaft, resulting in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Owners are advised not to ride their scooter until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will install a new camshaft plate kit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 20, 2025. Owners may contact Yamaha's customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990184. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 24, 2025.
Visibility 2020-10-05 · campaign 20V611000 · 31,000 vehicles
Defect: Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2020 YZF-R3, 2020 MT03 and 2018-2020 XMAX scooters. Condensation or other contaminates may adhere to the rear reflector lens reducing its effectiveness.
Risk: A less reflective rear reflector increases the risk of crash.
Fix: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-888-266-3085. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990139.
What owners report
2019-06-30 · Engine · 4,300 mi“engine top end catastrophically destructed causing the engine to stop, leading to possible accident. this vehicle has been serviced multiple times for a "ticking" sound. it was supposedly fixed, but then it catastrophically destructed on a 4 lane road leading me to almost be hit by a passing truck. the attached document contains letters that i have…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.