Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2003 Harley-Davidson Flht — 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.
3
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 33% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 33% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 33% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN DYNA, XL, AND TOURING MOTORCYCLES, THE TAIL LIGHT BULB CAN FALL OUT OF THE SOCKET.
Consequence
THE TAIL LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT BECOME INOPERATIVE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BULBS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 3, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PART FAILURE IS EMINENT. THE INNER PRIMARY WAS POORLY DESIGNED. THE LACK OF A PROPER BUSHING HAS RESULTED IN SEVER WEAR AND A SLOPPY FIT. THE STEEL SHIFTER SHAFT PASSES THROUGH THE ALUMINUM INNER PRIMARY COVER. THE ADDITIONAL OF A BUSHING IN THE DESIGN WOULD PREVENT THIS FAILURE. *TR”
“PART FAILURE IS EMINENT. THE INNER PRIMARY WAS POORLY DESIGNED. THE LACK OF A PROPER BUSHING HAS RESULTED IN SEVER WEAR AND A SLOPPY FIT. THE STEEL SHIFTER SHAFT PASSES THROUGH THE ALUMINUM INNER PRIMARY COVER. THE ADDITIONAL OF A BUSHING IN THE DESIGN WOULD PREVENT THIS FAILURE. *TR”
“2003 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHT ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD. MY MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE OF ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS TO INCLUDE AN UNCOMMANDED ENGINE FAILURE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS OF APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE EVENT. H-D HAS A FAULTY DESIGN THAT DOES NOT PERMIT THE ADEQUATE…”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Harley-Davidson Flht. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.