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2003 Kawasaki NinjaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2003 Kawasaki Ninja, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints54 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage1kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 5, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Kawasaki Ninja has problems

5 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
Engine and engine cooling31
Electrical system10
Power train10
Steering11
Structure10

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

1 recall

2003 Kawasaki Ninja 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: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 02V-324 · Dec 6, 2002 · 9,787 vehicles

Risk. THIS CAN CREATE THE POTENTIAL FOR A LOSS OF TRACTION FOR BRAKING OR CORNERING, AND CAN 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 Kawasaki.

Best & worst years

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

'95'96'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'14'18'19'20'21
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Ninja owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN OCTOBER 2003. HE WAS WARNED NOT TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE THE MUFFLER WOULD FALL OFF. CONSUMER HAD BEEN WAITING MORE THAN 90 DAYS FOR REPLACEMENT. *AK
Complaint 10052056 · Dec 29, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH MUFFLER FELL OFF WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING MOTORCYCLE TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. AS A RESULT, DRIVER WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND SPRAINED HIS ANKLE. A WEEK LATER, A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE MUFFLER BRACKETS.*AK
Complaint 10046230 · Nov 3, 2003 · 2,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, VEHICLE'S SPEED WILL START DECEASING, UNTIL VEHICLE LOSSES ALL POWER. THE DEALERSHIP HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO FIX PROBLEM, BUT IT STILL EXIST. TS RADIATOR OVERFLOWED. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. DEALER COULD NOT FIND A REMEDY. VEHICLE WAS ALSO JUMPING OUT OF 2ND AND 3RD…
Complaint 10004211 · Jan 21, 2003 · 900 miles

Own a 2003 Ninja?

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