2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster recalls and problems

There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster, but owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster problems reported by owners

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

Most reported parts

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,142 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 Harley-Davidson Sportster complaints

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

Structure · at 2,500 miles · reported May 29, 2007

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 2,142 miles · reported Jun 28, 2004

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Mar 30, 2004

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.

Vehicle Speed Control · at 750 miles · reported Sep 10, 2003

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.

Visibility · at 4,100 miles · reported Aug 18, 2003

Left rearview mirror stem broke and mirror fell off. Third time a mirror on the same side has broke off of my 2003 harley davidson 1200 custom sportster. The mirrors are factory and are long stemmed.

Other Harley-Davidson Sportster years

200520032002 2001 2000

Compare all Harley-Davidson Sportster years · All Harley-Davidson models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (3 reports), followed by visibility (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,142 miles.

Are Harley-Davidson recall repairs free?

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