2003 Harley-Davidson Softail recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2003 Harley-Davidson Softail owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (3), Gasoline (3), Body / structure (2), Engine (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 (7)
04/17/2012 · Fuel system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFT TALE DEUCE MOTORCYCLE. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS CAUSING FRICTION TO THE INNER FUEL TANK AND BORE SEVERAL HOLES IN THE FUEL LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FUEL LINES WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 30,000. UPDATED 06/05/…
07/05/2004 · Equipment
MOST OF THE HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES HAVE THE PASSENGER FOOTREST RIGHT BESIDE OR OVERTOP OF THE EXHAUST. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO ACTUALLY BURN THROUGH MY PROTECTIVE BOOTS I WEAR. I HAVE NOT BEEN INJURED YET, BUT SHOULD A CHILD OR PERSON WHO DOES NOT WEAR PROTECTIVE SHOES COULD SERIOUSLY HAVE MAJOR BURNS TO THEIR FEET AND ANKLES.*AK
02/10/2004 · Wheels / tires
4 TIRES WERE REPLACED WITHIN 1,000 MILES DUE TO TIRES BEING OUT OF ROUND. *AK
11/19/2003 · Body / structure
PROBLEMS WITH FRAME ON 2003 SUNDANCE SOFTAIL. *MR THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY AND WOULD NOT TRACK ON THE HIGHWAY. THE FRAME WAS TAKEN TO AN UNINTERESTED THIRD PARTY AND PLACED ON A LASER FRAME MACHINE. THE RESULTS SUPPORTED THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER EVALUATION. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE CONSUME…
11/02/2003 · Fuel system · crash · fire
MY BROTHER HAD A LOW SPEED (UNDER 20 MPH) CRASH ON A 2003 HARLEY HERITAGE SOFTAIL. UPON HITTING THE GROUND, THE BIKE BURST INTO FLAMES. THIS IS VERY UNUSUAL AS THE SPEED WAS LOW, THE IMPACT WAS NOT SEVERE (MY BROTHER ENDED UP WITH A SEVERELY SPRAINED ANKLE), BUT THE BIKE WAS TOTALED. I BELIEVE THERE IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN. THE BIKE IS A FUEL INJECTED TWIN…
07/12/2003 · Body / structure
WHEN GETTING OFF OF BACK OF HARLEY DAVIDSON MY LEG GOT CAUGHT ON THE LICENSE PLATE AND TORE MY LEG OPEN. WENT TO ER WHERE I HAD TO HAVE STITCHES ON THE INSIDE OF THE WOUND AND ON THE OUTSIDE. VERY PAINFUL! PLACEMENT OF LICENSE PLATE HOLDER IS NOT SAFE.*AK
04/04/2003 · Fuel system
GASOLINE LEAK FROM FUEL LINE ON HARLEY-DAVIDSON FWSTI 2003. *JB