2004 Buell XB12S recalls and problems

The 2004 Buell XB12S has 1 safety recall and 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buell dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Buell XB12S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Buell XB12S recalls

Recall 03V-494: Electrical System

Reported Dec 2, 2003 · 581 vehicles affected · BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the wire that provides power to the horn, due to misrouting, can become frayed from contact with the horn bracket mounting bolt. As a result, the horn wire may become exposed, and when the horn button is pushed, either the horn circuit fuse or the key switch fuse can blow.

Risk: If the key switch fuse blows, the vehicle can stall, which could result in a crash. If the horn fuse blows, there will be a loss of power to the horn and rear brake light.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and correct the wire routing, if necessary. Owner notification began on december 23, 2003. Owners should contact buell at 1-414-342-4680.

2004 Buell XB12S problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Exterior Lighting	7
Electrical System	3

Most reported parts

Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 5
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices — 2
Electrical System › Wiring — 1
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 5,300 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 2004 Buell XB12S complaints

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

Exterior Lighting · reported Feb 22, 2007

Headlights become dimmer and dimmer, bulbs ok, chrome finish on inside of headlight housings comes off so bulbs do not reflect making night driving dangerous. Buell chat sites confirm others with xbr models having same failures.

Exterior Lighting · at 4,000 miles · reported Feb 21, 2007

Headlight on buell motorcycles "r" models (2004 to current year) degrades over time. The reflective coating material in the headlight housing degrades and turns to powder and causes the headlight to be un-useful. The degrade is cause by heat from the headlight. Failure isn't corrected as of today.

Exterior Lighting · at 23,870 miles · reported Feb 17, 2007

The coating on the inside of my headlight housing is falling off, drastically decreasing light output. I had them replaced under warranty once for this on 11/18/05, with 23870 miles on the bike. I AM now hardly able to see at night again and I AM sure that people can't see me as well either.

Exterior Lighting · at 5,300 miles · reported Jan 6, 2007

Silver coating on headlights deteriorates rapidly causing poor illumination and unsafe night time driving and reducing the motorcycles visibility during the day. I AM sure the light output is far below DOT standards vehicle is an xb12r firebolt, not an xb12s. The xb12r was not listed as an option.

Electrical System · reported Mar 5, 2004

I AM reporting a potentially hazardous problem with my 2004 buell xb12s motorcycle. I have observed this same situation on all similar bikes that I have looked at. Under the seat, the ECM cable harness rests against the negative battery terminal and there are signs of abrasion from vibration.

Other Buell XB12S years

2006 20052004

Compare all Buell XB12S years · All Buell models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Buell XB12S have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Buell XB12S: 03V-494 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Buell XB12S?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (7 reports), followed by electrical system (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 5,300 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.