Thousands of 2022 and 2023 Yamaha WaveRunner FX HO and FX SVHO models equipped with faulty low-fuel warning buzzers – and fuel consumption meters that wiped data every time the engine was switched off – will finally be fixed more than two years after the faults surfaced.
The problems arose when Yamaha WaveRunner introduced new 5-inch and 7-inch touchscreens to 2022 and 2023 versions of the flagship FX HO and FX SVHO series – the most expensive models in the line-up.
Unlike the previous touchscreen used on 2019 to 2021 versions of the Yamaha FX HO and Yamaha FX SVHO, the updated screens in 2022 and 2023 models automatically reset the critical “fuel used” section of the trip meter every time the engine was switched off.
The fuel reset fault made it next to impossible for riders to accurately gauge how much fuel they had used because the data would be lost as soon as the engine was switched off if the rider wanted to take a break, or pull up at a beach.
Most riders keep track of fuel consumption for their entire ride – as they stop and start throughout the day – to ensure they have sufficient fuel to make it back to the boat ramp safely.
The faulty trip meter – combined with a low-fuel warning buzzer that would sound an alarm prematurely, even though there was ample fuel remaining – also made it difficult for riders to predict when they would run out of fuel.
With no fix coming from Yamaha WaveRunner for more than two years, riders were faced with the option of turning around and finishing their ride early – so they weren’t left stranded – or risk running out of fuel if they continued to ignore the low-fuel warning buzzer.
The faults were so frustrating, some customers disabled their low-fuel warning buzzer by unplugging it.
However, this action meant the rider would not be alerted to audible warnings for other potential faults.
The technology glitches prompted customers in the US to launch a legal Class Action against Yamaha WaveRunner, though no such action was launched in Australia.
Yamaha WaveRunner dealers in Australia this week were given a software update and instructions on how to complete the fix on affected models.
After two years of inaction, Yamaha has finally acknowledged it had received numerous reports of a low-fuel alarm sounding “even though sufficient fuel remains in the fuel tank”, and certain trip information “resets to zero when the engine is powered down”.
While the fault falls short of a recall – even though it could be argued there is a risk to human safety if the rider became stranded – customers will not be charged for the repairs, which will be covered under warranty.
Customers of affected 2022 and 2023 FX HO and FX SVHO models are encouraged to contact their nearest Yamaha WaveRunner dealer to book their craft for the free repair, which should take about 30 minutes.
Dealers have told Watercraft Zone affected models will be repaired as each craft comes in for a service.
Meantime, 2024 Yamaha FX HO and FX SVHO models – now both equipped with the same 7-inch screen – will be delivered with the new software update already installed.
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