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2004 Bigdog RidgebackProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2004 Bigdog Ridgeback, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints40 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage5kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 24, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 Bigdog Ridgeback has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system30
Engine and engine cooling20
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Suspension10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

2004 Bigdog Ridgeback recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical system

Recall 10V-180 · May 3, 2010 · 1,895 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE THE MOTORCYCLE TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER TO VARIOUS COMPONENTS, WHICH CAN LEAD TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Motorcycle: kickstand/center stand

Recall 06V-019 · Jan 25, 2006 · 9,726 vehicles

Risk. THIS WILL ALLOW THE KICKSTAND TO DEPLOY INTO THE EXTENDED POSITION AND CAUSE A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 04V-164 · Apr 6, 2004 · 2,098 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE OR FRONT BRAKE CONTROL TO BIND, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Bigdog.

Best & worst years

2004 vs. every other Ridgeback year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Ridgeback median. How we score

'04'05'06'08
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2004 Bigdog Ridgeback, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Motorcycle StallingRQ10002 · closed May 10, 2010
    Led to recall 10V-180
In owners' words

What Ridgeback owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

APPARENTLY THERE WAS A RECALL I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF. NOW THE COMPANY IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS, SO WHAT AM I TO DO? I HAVE NO HEADLIGHT, HORN, AND THE BIKE WON'T START. *TR
Complaint 10605673 · Jun 24, 2014 · 5,000 miles
EHC MODULE ON 2004 BIG DOG RIDGEBACK MOTORCYCLES, IT OCCURS EVERYTIME I TRY TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, THE ENGINE STALLED GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND ALMOST DIDN'T GET OUT OF TRAFFIC, THE LIGHTS, SPEEDOMETER AND OTHER SAFETY SIGNALS STOP WORKING AND I AM TOLD OTHER YEARS…
Complaint 10365891 · Nov 15, 2010 · 7,500 miles
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM THE STALLING OCCURRED WHILE STOPPED AT…
Complaint 10113080 · Mar 25, 2005 · 150 miles

Own a 2004 Ridgeback?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.