Summary
The Yamaha YZFR3 has 6 recalls covering 2015-2019 model years, with the most serious being three separate brake-related defects on 2019 models where a front brake lever can fracture under hard grip, a loose brake hose holder can damage the hose and leak fluid, or a front brake hose can chafe against the horn wiring and leak fluid, all of which reduce or eliminate front braking ability.
The 2015-2018 models have a recall for the upper radiator hose, which can crack and drip coolant onto the rear tire. Coolant on the tire can cause it to lose grip without warning, leading to loss of control. Going back to the earliest production years, 2015-2016 models have a shift shaft torsion spring in the transmission that can fracture, making the shifter feel loose and unreliable. If the rider cannot get the transmission into the right gear at the wrong moment, control over the motorcycle can be compromised. The 2017 model year has a labeling issue where some units intended for the US market were built with a Canadian certification label, meaning the printed vehicle identification number may not match what is stamped on the motorcycle.