The 2016 Triumph Thruxton has 3 safety recalls and 21 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes (17 complaints).
Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints21filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/center stand
NHTSA recall 20V015000 · Jan 15, 2020 · 3,244 vehicles
Problem: 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
NHTSA recall 18V084000 · Jan 31, 2018 · 2,824 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Components: Electrical system › Software; Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Service brakes, hydraulic
NHTSA recall 16E057000 · Jun 13, 2016 · 119 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Service brakes
17
0
0
0
2,875 mi
Exterior lighting
2
0
0
0
—
Structure Body
1
0
0
0
—
Electrical system
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Oct 18, 2024Service 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 1â. 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 after a google search and there is an forum thread on the issue.
Jul 1, 2022Electrical 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. I had the bike in AZ over last winter and brought it in on a different recall. Moto primo said that the dealer looked at the issue in Phoenix but did not replace the part. They told me that I have to deal with the dealer in Phoenix which is 1800 miles away. This is a very dangerous thing. The needles initially started bouncing when I was driving from…
Jun 7, 2022Service brakes Brakes feel spongy or grinding at times. The grip on the front brakes is not good.
Apr 22, 2021Service 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.
Nov 6, 2020Service 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 maintenance schedule but it has not worked at all. I have read on Triumph groups that this has been existing problems on Thruxton and speed triple models between 2016-2020. However, Thriumph hasnât published a recall for it. It has been a serious safety problem on my bike. Fortunately, I have not had a serious accident but I had some close calls. I am…
Aug 13, 2021Service 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.
Aug 8, 2021Service 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 inititially the new fluid helps, nothing seems to be a permanent fix and the problem returns. More recently I had the front brake calipers disassembled, cleaned, fluids changed and it is still just as bad as ever. I had to replace the stock brake lever with one that is adjustable to get more leverage so that the brake lever does not bottom out…
Jun 24, 2016Service 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 first brake pull. This issue remains to the present day.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
PE21017 · opened Jul 9, 2021 · closed Jan 15, 2025Extended Stopping Distance The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE21017) on July 9, 2021 for model year (MY) 2016-2019 Triumph Thruxton and Speed Triple model motorcycles based on allegations of loss of front braking performance.Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) indicated riders were experiencing a soft front brake lever that could result in an unexpected extended stopping distance. On July 28, 2021, ODI sent an Information Request letter to Triumph to learn more about the subject components and alleged defect.On September 24, 2021, Triumph submitted its response, which ODI analyzed.ODI learned that the majority of the VOQ incidents occurred two or more years after the motorcycle was manufactured. The manufacturer recommends changing the brake fluid every two years, regardless of mileage. As the manufacturerâs warranty lasts for two years from the date of sale, many…