2003 Kawasaki VN1600-A1 recalls and problems

The 2003 Kawasaki VN1600-A1 has 3 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kawasaki dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Kawasaki VN1600-A1 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Kawasaki VN1600-A1 recalls

Recall 07V-216: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported May 17, 2007 · 4,352 vehicles affected · KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the fuel tank is mounted to the chassis by means of tabs that are spot welded to the tank, then braised/welded around a portion of their circumference.

Risk: Under certain conditions, repeated stress can crack the tank at the location of the tabs, and allow fuel to leak.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank. The recall began on june 25, 2007. Owners may contact kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381.

Recall 04V-063: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Feb 18, 2004 · 5,850 vehicles affected · KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the muffler brackets could crack allowing the muffler to become loose and potentially separate from the main exhaust pipes.

Risk: This could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reinforce the muffler brackets. Owner notification began on february 17, 2004. Owners should contact kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381.

Recall 04V-023: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jan 12, 2004 · 6,958 vehicles affected · KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.

Problem: On certain 2003 vulcan 1500 classic, 1500 drifter, 2003-2004 1500 mean streak, 2003 1600 classic, and 2003-2004 nomad fl model motorcycles, high oil pressure upon a cold start-up can deform the oil filter cartridge.

Risk: This could cause oil to leak from the oil filter, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the oil filter. Owner notification began on february 2, 2004. Owners should contact kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.

2003 Kawasaki VN1600-A1 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Fuel System, Gasoline	3
Power Train	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Fuel/Propulsion System	1

Most reported parts

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
Power Train › Driveline — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 35,000 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 Kawasaki VN1600-A1 complaints

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

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 68,000 miles · reported May 27, 2012

Fuel tank started to leak while sitting in garage, fuel was puddling on the floor. Further investigation revealed that the tank was leaking where the mounting plate is attached to the fuel tank. Corresponds with recall #07v216000 issued in june 2007. A VIN search on kawasaki's website resulted in a notice that this vehicle was not affected by the recall, however the tanks is leaking as described by the mentioned recall.

Power Train · at 35,000 miles · reported May 24, 2006

I was traveling north on state road 17 from dayton bike week when my kawasaki vulcan 1600 started to make a high pitched winding noise then the cover just before the dive shaft shoot off in to the traffic behind me, then the motor cycle caught fire. I pulled of the road and a bystander had some water in a cooler we extinguished the fire, I put my bike in the shop at jacksonville power sport it was there for about a month they said all they could do was replace the wiring harness which came out to over $900.00 now its at another kawasaki shop in jacksonville and they are having problems fixing…

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 16,000 miles · reported Oct 25, 2005

Dt: the contact stated that there was a hairline crack in the fuel tank. He first noticed the problem because of the smell of leaking fuel. Also, where the exhaust pipe bracket connects to the muffler was weak from stress crack failures. There was a recall for the exhaust pipe issue, which was repaired under the recall. Now, the exhaust pipe has a welding problem.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 19,700 miles · reported Jul 20, 2005

Unexpected gas sleakage from gas tank. No accident or any other incident to justify the leak. Tank will have to be removed and rewelded. Leakage amounts to 1/2 teaspoon a day. Concerend about housing vehice in garage

Other Kawasaki VN1600-A1 years

No other model years have data.

Compare all Kawasaki VN1600-A1 years · All Kawasaki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Kawasaki VN1600-A1 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Kawasaki VN1600-A1: 07V-216 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-063 (engine and engine cooling), 04V-023 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Kawasaki VN1600-A1?

Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (3 reports), followed by power train (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 35,000 miles.

Are Kawasaki recall repairs free?

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