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2003 Kawasaki VN1500-L4Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2003 Kawasaki VN1500-L4, 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 complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage170kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 22, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Kawasaki VN1500-L4 has problems

2 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 cooling10
Tires10

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

1 recall

2003 Kawasaki VN1500-L4 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 Kawasaki.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other VN1500-L4 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 VN1500-L4 median. How we score

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

What VN1500-L4 owners report

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

KAWASAKI'S UNLIMITED MILEAGE WARRANTY IS A RIPOFF! I OWN A 2003 KAWASAKI NOMAD MOTORCYCLE WITH 170,345 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND MY EXTENDED "UNLIMITED MILEAGE" WARRANTY EXPIRES ON 8/19/2008. ON 9-25-06, I NOTICED A MAJOR OIL LEAK COMING FROM A HOLE IN THE LEFT SIDE #1 CYLINDER SPARK PLUG SLEEVE.…
Complaint 10171980 · Oct 27, 2006 · 170,345 miles

Own a 2003 VN1500-L4?

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