Yamaha Recalls Thousands of XMAX Scooters Due to Potential Engine Stalling Risk

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is initiating a recall affecting approximately 2,715 of its 2018-2022 XMAX scooters. The recall addresses a defect where the camshaft retainer plate may not adequately secure the retainer bolt, potentially leading to the camshaft becoming improperly fastened. This issue was identified by Yamaha Motor Co., LTD. following a quality control review and analysis of similar international models.

The identified defect stems from insufficient consideration of the mounting structure for the retainer plate that secures the camshaft. This can result in an insufficient tightening force on the retainer bolt. If the camshaft becomes unsecured, it may cause the engine to stall unexpectedly and become inoperable, increasing the risk of a loss of control and subsequent crash, potentially resulting in severe injury or death. Riders may experience engine noise, poor performance, degraded running conditions, and difficulty starting prior to an engine stall.

Yamaha has determined that affected units require a factory modification campaign. The remedy involves the installation of a new camshaft plate kit. The revised camshaft retainer plate, identified by the part number B74-1112F-09-00, is black and stamped with an “O” on its surface. This differs from the original plate, which had a slightly different shape and lacked the “O” stamp. The new design is intended to better locate and secure the camshaft.

The company has confirmed that units produced after May 2022, specifically model year 2023 and later, were manufactured with the updated camshaft retainer plate and are therefore not affected by this recall. Vehicles with VINs starting from MH3SH19Y4NK001361 and later are also excluded from this campaign.

Yamaha dealers in the United States will perform the necessary repairs at no cost to consumers. This includes both parts and labor, with dealers to be reimbursed for the campaign parts kit at $6.40 and 1.1 hours of labor at their posted rate. This repair campaign is expected to remain open for the foreseeable future, with Yamaha intending to make repair kits or replacement parts available for approximately 15 years or until all affected units have been repaired.

Consumers are advised not to drive their affected scooters and to park them outdoors until the repair can be completed. Yamaha anticipates commencing dealer and customer notifications around November 20, 2025, with all notification materials expected to be printed and ready for mailing by November 24, 2025. The ability for consumers to check their vehicle’s VIN for recall eligibility is scheduled to be available starting November 24, 2025.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.

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