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2003 Buell Firebolt XB9rProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9r, most often about the exterior lighting. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints180 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage12kExterior lighting, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 2, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9r has problems

18 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
Exterior lighting150
Equipment20
Forward collision avoidance20
Hybrid propulsion system20
Fuel system, gasoline10

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

1 recall

2003 Buell Firebolt XB9r 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.

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 Buell.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other Firebolt XB9r 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 Firebolt XB9r median. How we score

'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Firebolt XB9r owners report

Recent exterior lighting complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUELL FIREBOLT XB9R MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD BEYOND THREE FEET WHICH OBSTRUCTED THE VISIBILITY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE HEADLIGHTS WERE IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
Complaint 10410661 · Jul 6, 2011 · 13,000 miles
DEGRADED COATING ON HEADLIGHT REFLECTORS STARTING AS BLACK SPOTS WHICH SPREAD. AFTER REFLECTIVE COATING IS GONE THE BLACK PLASTIC REFLECTORS MELT. I USE OEM BULBS. *TR
Complaint 10207244 · Oct 28, 2007 · 2,500 miles
THE CHROME/PLASTIC REFLECTOR MATERIAL ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT STARTED TO DEGRADE. THE LIGHT REFLECTED AT NIGHT WAS DIM. THE HOUSING ABSORBED THE HEAT FROM THE LIGHT INSTEAD OF REFLECTING THE LIGHT. THE HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED BY BUELL MOTORCYCLE COMPANY.*AK
Complaint 10196709 · Jul 18, 2007 · 10,579 miles

Own a 2003 Firebolt XB9r?

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