VehicleVerdict

2005 American Ironhorse Texas Chopper problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2005 American Ironhorse Texas Chopper — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Texas Chopper years?

Texas Chopper NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted6 complaints2002: 4 complaints2003: 5 complaints2004: 6 complaints2005: 6 complaints2007: 1 complaints
Texas Chopper NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Texas Chopper years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 American Ironhorse Texas Chopper problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels233%
Transmission233%
Electrical System117%
Body & Structure117%

Does the 2005 American Ironhorse Texas Chopper have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V199000SuspensionMay 5, 2005 · 199 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH SHOCK ABSORBERS MANUFACTURED BY PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION, INC. THE SHOCK ABSORBERS HAVE A SPRING PLATE ASSEMBLY THAT WAS INSTALLED UPSIDE DOWN RESULTING IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER FAILING TO HOLD THE WEIGHT OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND IN SOME INSTANCES COULD SUDDENLY DECOMPRESS WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS IN OPERATION.

Consequence

SHOCK ABSORBER FAILURE WILL CAUSE THE MOTORCYCLE TO LEAN GREATLY TO THE SIDE OF THE DEFECTIVE SHOCK ABSORBER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL SHOCK ABSORBERS AND REPLACE ALL DEFECTIVE SHOCK ABSORBERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN IRONHORSE AT 1-888-618-4766.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2005 IRONHORSE TEXAS CHOPPER CLAMP THAT HOLDS THE CLUTCH CABLE WAS TORN OFF RESULTING IN THE MOTORCYCLE COMING TO AN IMMEDIATE STOP.*MR ADDITIONALLY THIS CAUSED THE SECOND CLAMP TO BE PULLED DOWNWARD, PEELING THE PAINT OFF THE MOTORCYCLE IN SEVERAL AREAS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 1, 2005

“METZELER ME880 MARATHON TIRE SIZE 280/35/18 HAS SEPARATIONS ON THE SIDEWALLS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TIRE ALL THE WAY AROUND. TIRE WAS MADE IN GERMANY WITH STAMPED 1717 CODE. NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY AS I HAVE JUST NOTICED IT DUE TO ANOTHER TIRE WITH SAME SEPARATIONS IN A DIFFERENT SIZE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 10, 2020

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE MOTORCYCLE PULLED VERY HARD TO THE RIGHT AND MADE EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE REAR TIRE WHICH CREATED A HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE BEARINGS- TRIPLE TREES NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MECHANIC AT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 30, 2006

“DT: CONTACT STATES THERE ARE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. WHEN THE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER GOES OUT THERE ARE NO LIGHTS/SIGNALS, OR TAIL LIGHTS. THE LOCAL SERVICE DEALER STATED NOT WASH THE MOTORCYCLE WITH WATER BECAUSE WATER WOULD GET IN THE CONNECTIONS UNDER THE SEAT AND UNDERNEATH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 14, 2005

2005 American Ironhorse Texas Chopper — common questions

Is the 2005 American Ironhorse Texas Chopper reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 American Ironhorse Texas Chopper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 American Ironhorse Texas Chopper. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.