2003 Harley-Davidson Fxdl 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 FXDL.
- 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
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Fuel system (2), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Gasoline (1), Unknown Or Other (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (7)
05/02/2011 · Engine
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA GLIDE FXDL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE HAD AN UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TWIN CAM CHAIN TENSIONER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE SINCE THERE WERE NO RELATED…
08/15/2006 · Fuel system
MY HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE STALLED OUT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE LATER BEING THE DATE OF INDICANT. THE STALL WAS CAUSED BY THE SEPARATION OF THE LINING ON THE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. SMALL PIECES OF THIS LINING GOT INTO THE CARBURETOR AND CUT OFF THE FUEL SUPPLY FROM GETTING THROUGH THE PRIMARY AND SCENERY JETS. *JB
02/19/2004 · Transmission / drivetrain
WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE THE DRIVER FELT A VIBRATION IN THE REAR. THE REAR WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP AND THREW THE DRIVER TO THE GROUND. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *NM
02/17/2004 · Unknown Or Other · crash
I AM AN ATTORNEY IN 2 CASES WHERE 2003 MODELS OF HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES, BEING DRIVEN JUST A FEW MILES AWAY FROM THE DEALERS AFTER PURCHASE, SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC FAILURES OF THE FRONT FORKS. ONE RIDER DIED, AND THE OTHER SUFFERED SEVERE INJURY. POROSITY OF THE FORK APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL FACTOR OF THE FAILURES. ONE OCCURRED IN JUNE 2003; A…
07/10/2003 · Suspension
PROBLEMS WITH DYNA LOW RIDER.*MR WHILE DRIVING BIKE AT 55 TO 60 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE VIBRATED SO BAD IT PUT THE CONSUMER HANDS TO SLEEP. THE SHOCKS BOTTOMED OUT WHEN GOING OVER LITTLE BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE TRANSMISSION MADE A NOISE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. *TS. THERE WAS ALSO A RATTLE IN THE MOTOR WHEN FIRST STARTED FOR 5-10 MINUTES, BUT CEASED WHEN THE MOTOR B…
05/12/2003 · Equipment
THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE KICK STAND, AND THE MOTORCYCLE COLLAPSED. *JB
08/29/2002 · Electrical system
TURNING SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT WIRING IS IN WAY OF REAR WHEEL,WIRE COULD BE CUT AND RESULT IN VEHICLE FAILURE. *AK