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2005 Suzuki VL800Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 2005 Suzuki VL800, 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 complaints92 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage11kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 18, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Suzuki VL800 has problems

9 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 system52
Wheels20
Exterior lighting10
Suspension10
Structure10
Engine10

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

1 recall

2005 Suzuki VL800 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

Ignition: switch

Recall 05V-566 · Dec 21, 2005 · 23,839 vehicles

Risk. CONTINUED RUBBING MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH MAY CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL OR THE LIGHTS TO GO OUT.

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 Suzuki.

Best & worst years

2005 vs. every other VL800 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 VL800 median. How we score

'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What VL800 owners report

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI VL800. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT THE COST OF $800. ONE YEAR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, HE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V566000 (ELECTRICAL…
Complaint 10249325 · Nov 19, 2008 · 11,000 miles
I HAVE 2 2005 SUZUKI C50 BOULEVARDS MOTORCYCLES. I ADDED A LIGHT BAR MADE BY SUZUKI. IT ATTACHES ELECTRICALLY TO A PLUG PROVIDED BY SUZUKI INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT CAN. WHEN USED, IT OVERLOADS THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING HEAT, MELTING PLASTIC INSIDE. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM ON THE 2004'S (VL800 VULSIA)…
Complaint 10221322 · Mar 15, 2008 · 20,000 miles
RIDING MY 2005 SUZUKI BOULEVARD S50 MOTORCYCLE (LESS THAN 10,000 MILES) TO WORK THIS MORNING WHEN THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING. THE CONSEQUENCES WAS THAT I HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW FAST I WAS GOING IN MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. SUZUKI CLAIMS IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM, BUT THE BIKE IS…
Complaint 10187047 · Apr 4, 2007 · 9,500 miles

Own a 2005 VL800?

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