2003 Honda VFR800 recalls and problems

The 2003 Honda VFR800 has 2 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
8
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Honda VFR800 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Honda VFR800 recalls

Recall 07V-359: Electrical System

Reported Aug 15, 2007 · 6,952 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the front fairing sub-harness (Section of the wiring harness) transfers the electrical grounding load of the headlights, front turn signals, instrument panel, and various relays to the main wiring harness via an 18-pin connector. Under certain conditions, the ground wire terminals inside the connector can overheat, resulting in melting of the connector and a loss of power to various circuits.

Risk: As a result, a loss of critical lighting or engine power could occur without warning, which could cause a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a re-designed sub-harness. If damage is found, the main wiring harness will also be replaced free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on september 26, 2007. Owners were re-notified on november 10, 2007, to take their motorcycles to dealers to have the parts installed. Owners may contact honda at 1-866-784-1870.

Recall 05V-010: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jan 24, 2005 · 36,046 vehicles affected · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Problem: Certain motorcycles equipped with combined-brake systems have a proportioning control valve (Pcv) that mechanically proportions brake force when the rear brake is applied. A seal in some pcvs is improperly shaped, and brake fluid leakage may occur.

Risk: If the motorcycle continues to be used after a leak occurs, the rear brake would eventually become inoperative. A loss of rear brake force could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear brake forleakage. If leakage is confirmed, the dealer will replace the pcv free of charge. The recall began on january 31, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 866-784-1870.

2003 Honda VFR800 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System8
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Wiring — 3
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 23,500 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 Honda VFR800 complaints

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

Electrical System · at 50,000 miles · reported Apr 23, 2013
My issue was first discovered in 2012 when I could not start my motorcycle; my first thought was an old battery. Upon researching on vfrdiscussion.com I was exposed to numerous vfr owners with starting issues that was related to the electrical and charging issues, a known issue with my 2003 model year. From the information gathered I started to investigate my motorcycle to see if the issue is indeed true. I did a series of suggested electrical testing with a multimeter and the results prove negative. I proceeded to remove the plastic covering to expose wiring to see if I have burnt connectors…
Electrical System · at 27,239 miles · reported Sep 5, 2007
The contact owns a 2003 honda vfr800. While riding 70 MPH, the headlight shut off without warning. The contact believed that the front fairing sub-harness transferred the electrical grounding load of the headlight to other components and caused the failure. Nhtsa campaign id number 07v359000 (Electrical system:wiring) was referenced. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The powertrain was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 27,239.
Electrical System · at 8,500 miles · reported Jul 10, 2007
2003 honda vfr motorcycle shut off while operating at approx. 30 MPH / 3500 RPM. Safely pulled off road and parked. Headlights & dashboard lights dim, buzzing sound from dashboard. Bike restarted only when headlight fuse was removed. Bike currently at honda dealer for repairs. Extensive discussion of this problem, solution, and electrical system design flaws in numerous 6th generation (2002 - 2007) vfrs available at "http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?showforum=2" (1st thread). Solutions include additional electrical grounds, heavier gauge wiring &/or heavier duty fuse holders. This…
Electrical System · reported Jan 7, 2006
Regarding investigation pe05047 this investigation was closed 12/20/05, but I have read many complaints from owners of this model that are having the same problem. My honda vfr800 shows signs of failure during normal use and there are no "modifications to the wiring harness" as suggested by your investigation. The only auxiliary loads I have on my bike are connected by separate harness directly to the battery and therefore bypass the main wiring harness. Yet a cable, fuse block and a connector on the factory harness directly attached to the battery get hot to the touch in normal use. Several…
Electrical System · reported Nov 14, 2005
Dt: the contact stated the electrical system burned. This caused the headlights not to work. The contact noticed the problem when he purchased the vehicle, and took it to a local dealership, who had the electrical system replaced under warranty. The dealership stated it was because of the previous owner's negligence.

Other Honda VFR800 years

Compare all Honda VFR800 years · All Honda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Honda VFR800 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Honda VFR800: 07V-359 (electrical system), 05V-010 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Honda VFR800?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (8 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 23,500 miles.

Are Honda recall repairs free?

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