2003 Kawasaki Vulcan recalls and problems

The 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan has 1 safety recall and 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kawasaki dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 1

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

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

2003 Kawasaki Vulcan recalls

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 Vulcan problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	4
Suspension	1
Fuel System, Gasoline	1
Electrical System	1
Engine	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 2
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 15,737 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 Vulcan complaints

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

Engine · at 500 miles · reported Jul 13, 2013

This motorcycle as others from california, appears to run out of fuel when the tank is 1/2 full or less. It is well documented on the vn forums. It has been given a name of poogs which stands for phantom out of gas syndrome. The dealer escondido cycle center has not been able to fix it. I contacted kawasaki but they will not connect me with a technical adviser. Most owners remove the emission controls. I do not want to. I have had almost 20 incidents on the freeway whereby I had to move to the shoulder with no power. Then the cranking required to start the vehicle drains a battery to near…

Electrical System · at 35,000 miles · reported Mar 6, 2006

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65mph, there was a whining noise emitting from the motorcycle followed by smoke. The contact managed to pull over and extinguish the fire. The fire erupted from the transfer case and drive train. Upon initial inspection, the fire was suspected to be electrical in nature due to damage sustained to the wiring. The motorcycle was not seen by a dealer.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 25,128 miles · reported Nov 17, 2004

After a 15 MPH frontal crash fuel tank started to leak. Motorcycle was towed. Dealership will be notified. The consumer received a recall about the muffler bracket cracking.

Power Train · at 9,900 miles · reported Sep 14, 2004

Rear drive splines on 2003 kawasaki vulcan 750 motorcycle were insufficiently lubricated at factory. Dealer failed to check lubrication as requred at 6000mi maintenance. Read drive failed (Splines sheared) at 9900 miles. Fortunatly rider was able to pull to side of road with out injury. Rear drive was replaced under extended warranty. Vulcan-riding community has noted this problem multiple times on 2003 model vulcan 750 bikes. Return of failed part was requested however was not returned to consumer.

Power Train · at 15,737 miles · reported Feb 19, 2004

The motorcycle's splines on the driveshaft were not properly lubricated at the factory. This caused the splines to over run, and resulted in loss of power to the rear wheels. This made stopping the motorcycle difficult. Model vn750 a-19.

Other Kawasaki Vulcan years

2010 2009 2006 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Kawasaki Vulcan years · All Kawasaki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan: 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 Vulcan?

Owners report power train problems most often (4 reports), followed by suspension (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 15,737 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.