2003 Harley-Davidson Fxdwg 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 FXDWG.
- 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 Fxdwg owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
07/24/2014 · Transmission / drivetrain
AFTER A LONG DAY OF RIDING WHEN SHUTTING OFF MOTOR HEARD A NOISE IN THE PRIMARY CHAIN AREA REMOVED COVER TO FIND THAT THE ENGINE COMPENSATOR NUT WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE ABOUT TO FALL OFF I HAVE NEVER TOUCHED THIS AREA AND HAVE PERFORMED THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE BIKE IE OIL CHANGES AND INSPECTION AS I'VE READ SEVERAL MODEL YEAR BIKES HAVE HAD THE SAME PR…
01/25/2005 · Fuel system
THIS IS A MODIFICATION TO COMPLAINT 10107892 WHICH HAD THE WRONG PHONE NUMBER. MY 2003 HARLEY FXDWG WAS RIDDEN TO ORANGE COUNTY HARLEY DAVIDSON AND SAT IN THE SUN FOR 1 HOUR. THE TEMP WAS 64-70. I HAD HALF A TANK OF GAS, WHICH WAS CHEVRON 91 OCT. GETTING BACK ONTO THE 405 FREEWAY AT 70 MPH THE BIKE FELT AS IF IT LACKED POWER. AFTER 30 SEC THE BIKE STARTED…
01/25/2005 · Fuel system
MY 2003 HARLEY FXDWG WAS RIDDEN TO ORANGE COUNTY HARLEY AND SAT IN THE SUN FOR 1 HOUR. THE TEMP WAS 64-70 AND I HAD HALF A TANK OF GAS, WHICH WAS CHEVRON 91 OCT. GETTING BACK ONTO THE 405 FREEWAY AT 70 MPH THE BIKE FELT AS IF IT LACKED POWER. AFTER 30 SEC THE BIKE STARTED SPUTTERING AS IF IT WASN'T GETTING ENOUGH GAS OR WAS VAPOR LOCKING CAUSING ME TO LO…