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2003 Harley-Davidson XL883Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2003 Harley-Davidson XL883, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage36kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 2, 2006. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Harley-Davidson XL883 has problems

1 complaint 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 system10

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

1 recall

2003 Harley-Davidson XL883 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

Exterior lighting: tail lights

Recall 04V-218 · May 7, 2004 · 31,070 vehicles

Risk. THE TAIL LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 Harley-Davidson.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other XL883 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 XL883 median. How we score

'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'14
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What XL883 owners report

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

WHILE RIDING (IN MOTION) THE MOTORCYCLES ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPS RUNNING, WITH NO SPARK TO THE ENGINE, CAUSING NO ACCELERATION SPEED CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE (YOUR BASICALLY COASTING WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING). THIS CAN BECOME A VERY DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE TO SAY THE LEAST, ESPECIALLY WHEN OTHER…
Complaint 10167262 · Sep 2, 2006 · 36,000 miles

Own a 2003 XL883?

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