Yamaha publishes its recall bulletins, which makes its four-strokes easier to check than most. Below are two of its campaigns with full details, the corrosion claims made in court against its first generation F-Series, and the USCG list. The serial number and a Yamaha dealer decide what applies to a given motor.
F200 and F225: throttle linkage bushings
Yamaha's campaign O2003-019 covers some 2002, 2003 and 2004 model F225, LF225, F200 and LF200 outboards. Corrosion or lack of lubrication on the throttle linkage could create enough drag on the bushings that the throttle didn't return to idle after cruising. The engine could then stay at fast idle, and the operator couldn't shift into neutral without shutting the engine off. Dealers replaced the bushings with a new type and cleaned and lubricated the linkage at no charge. Yamaha stresses that only units in the affected serial range are covered.
Where to look. The dealer record for the serial number. On the sea trial, bring the throttle back from cruise and check the engine drops to idle and shifts to neutral cleanly.
V MAX SHO: ignition coils
Yamaha's recall O2022-002R covers some 2021 and 2022 program year VF200LB, VF200XB, VF225LB, VF250LB and VF250XB outboards. The ignition coils "may be energized while the main switch is turned on or, on certain models, may even be energized by power trim and tilt switch operation with the main switch off". Yamaha traces it to faulty engine control software and has dealers modify affected units.
Where to look. The dealer record for the serial number.
First generation F-Series: exhaust corrosion claims
Two Florida owners filed a class action against Yamaha Motor Corporation USA over first generation F-Series four-stroke outboards of model years 2000 to 2005. As Top Class Actions reports it, they claimed a design or manufacturing defect in the coating on the aluminium exhaust parts let hot gases corrode the exhaust passages until holes formed, causing engine problems or failure. They said their own motors were found corroded after about 650 hours, and that some affected motors fail at about 500. These are the plaintiffs' claims.
Where to look. On any early F-Series motor, ask whether the exhaust has been inspected or repaired, and have a Yamaha dealer inspect it before purchase. Note the model year in the report.
Other campaigns on the USCG list
The USCG recall list holds 32 Yamaha records, many for personal watercraft and sport boats. Outboard entries include the F15 and F20, the 90TLR and small F2.5 to F6 motors, and two campaigns listed as covering 11 different models. The public pages don't give the defect.
What to check on a Yamaha four-stroke
| Area | What to look for | Source of the concern |
|---|---|---|
| Recall status | Dealer record for each serial number | Yamaha bulletins, USCG |
| Throttle on 2002 to 2004 F200 and F225 | Return to idle, shift to neutral | Yamaha campaign O2003-019 |
| Ignition on 2021 and 2022 V MAX SHO | Software update done | Yamaha recall O2022-002R |
| Exhaust on 2000 to 2005 F-Series | Corrosion inspection, repairs | Class action claims |
Writing it up
"Outboard, Yamaha F225 of model year 2003: no record of factory modification campaign O2003-019 for this serial number. On sea trial the throttle returned to idle normally. Recommend the serial number is checked with a Yamaha dealer and the campaign completed if outstanding." Record the serial number and model year in the particulars.