2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R recalls and problems

The 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R has 1 safety recall and 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buell dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
18
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R recalls

Recall 02V-270: Unknown or Other

Reported Oct 3, 2002 · 371 vehicles affected · BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the side stand legs have the potential to bend or break.

Risk: This could cause the motorcycle to fall increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the side stand. Owner notification began october 16, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buell at 1-414-342-4680.

2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Exterior Lighting17
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Hybrid Propulsion System2
Equipment2
Fuel System, Gasoline1

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 13
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices — 3
  • Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter — 2
  • Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer › Lpg Systems › Lines and Fittings — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,579 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · at 13,000 miles · reported Jul 6, 2011
The contact owns a 2003 buell firebolt xb9r motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights would not illuminate the road beyond three feet which obstructed the visibility. The failure recurred whenever the headlights were in operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.
Exterior Lighting · at 2,500 miles · reported Oct 28, 2007
Degraded coating on headlight reflectors starting as black spots which spread. After reflective coating is gone the black plastic reflectors melt. I use OEM bulbs.
Exterior Lighting · at 10,579 miles · reported Jul 18, 2007
The chrome/plastic reflector material on the low beam headlight started to degrade. The light reflected at night was dim. The housing absorbed the heat from the light instead of reflecting the light. The headlight was replaced by buell motorcycle company.
Exterior Lighting · at 10,000 miles · reported Jul 11, 2007
The contact owns a 2003 buell firebolt xb9r. The contact stated that the vehicle's headlights are dimming. He replaced the bulbs, but the heat of the headlights cause the bulbs to dim. The vehicle has not been diagnosed. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage is 25,000 and failure mileage was 10,000.
Exterior Lighting · at 15,000 miles · reported Jun 26, 2007
The low beam headlight was getting progressively dimmer over time. Upon disassembly I found the reflector area to be dull and partially blackened. Any attempt to clean away the black area only enlarged it as the reflector area had turned to powder. I swapped out parts from the high beam to restore the low beam operation. I have not yet determined a course of action to permanently remedy the situation.

Other Buell Firebolt XB9R years

No other model years have data.

Compare all Buell Firebolt XB9R years · All Buell models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R: 02V-270 (unknown or other). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (17 reports), followed by forward collision avoidance (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,579 miles.

Are Buell recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buell dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.