2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster.

Most common 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster problems

Problem areas named in the 8 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine And Engine Cooling	3
Visibility	2
Structure	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Steering	1

What owners report

2007-05-29, Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER SPORT. THE FRAME BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED DUE TO METAL FATIGUE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PART BUT IT FAILED AGAIN AFTER 2,500 MILES. THE PART WAS REPLACED A THIRD TIME AND HAS FAILED AGAIN. THE # OF CYLINDERS WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 7,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500. UPDATED 06/26/07. *JB

2004-06-28, Engine And Engine Cooling
SPEEDOMETER-TACHOMETER BRACKET BREAKS FROM EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATION THROUGH MOUNTING BOLT HOLES CAUSING GAUGE ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF WHILE RIDING. UNIT HANGS BY THE WIRES & INTERFERES WITH THE STEERING FORKS & CONTROL OF VEHICLE. ALSO EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATION AS DEEMED NORMAL BY THE MANUFACTURER CAUSES NUMBNESS IN THE HANDS & FEET WITHIN 7 MILES OF RIDING & ULTIMATELY DIFFICULTY IN CONTROLLING VEHICLE.*AK

2004-03-30, Engine And Engine Cooling
OK, MY COMPLAINT IS ON A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200 CUSTOM SPORTSTER. THE FRONT HEADLIGHT HAS FALLEN OFF DUE TO THE BOLT SHEARING FROM VIBRATION AND SO HAS THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ON THE LEFT SIDE. HARLEY HAS REPLACED THE ENGINE AT ABOUT 1300 MILES, STATING THAT IT HAD AN UNSAFE VIBRATION. THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT DID NOT FIX THE EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AND I HAVE SINCE LOST THESE PARTS. THEY NOW TELL ME THAT THE UNSAFE VIBRATION IS INDEED SAFE. *AK

2003-09-10, Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE RIDING SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT REGISTER THE CORRECT RATE OF SPEED. WHEN THIS OCCURS CONSUMER HAS TO REACH DOWN AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF WHILE STILL RIDING, AND TURN IT BACK ON AGAIN BEFORE THE SPEEDOMETER WILL SHOW THE CORRECT THE RATE OF SPEED. VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT REPAIR SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED.*AK

2003-09-02, Engine And Engine Cooling
2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER LEAKING OIL OUT OF THE AIR CLEANER.*MR *TS

2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster questions

Does the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (3), Visibility (2), Structure (2).

How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.