2003 Harley-Davidson Flhtc recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. ON CERTAIN DYNA, XL, AND TOURING MOTORCYCLES, THE TAIL LIGHT BULB CAN FALL OUT OF THE SOCKET.
What could happen: THE TAIL LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BULBS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2003 FLHTC.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V218000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-414-342-4680.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Summary: ON CERTAIN DYNA, XL, AND TOURING MOTORCYCLES, THE TAIL LIGHT BULB CAN FALL OUT OF THE SOCKET.
Consequence: THE TAIL LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BULBS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2003 Harley-Davidson Flhtc owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Body / structure (1), Equipment (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
06/19/2008 · Body / structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A DETACHABLE BACKREST THAT KEEPS THE PASSENGER ON THE BIKE. THERE ARE TWO BARS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT THAT KEEP THE BACKREST IN PLACE. WHILE RIDING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE TWO SIDE UPRIGHT BARS RANDOMLY FAILED AND CAUSED THE BACKREST TO COME OUT OF PLACE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFA…