Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2003 Harley-Davidson Flhtc — 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.
2
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 1 | 50% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 50% | new |
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.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A DETACHABLE BACKREST THAT KEEPS THE PASSENGER ON THE BIKE. THERE ARE TWO BARS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT THAT KEEP THE BACKREST IN PLACE. WHILE RIDING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE TWO SIDE UPRIGHT BARS RANDOMLY FAILED AND CAUSED THE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A DETACHABLE BACKREST THAT KEEPS THE PASSENGER ON THE BIKE. THERE ARE TWO BARS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT THAT KEEP THE BACKREST IN PLACE. WHILE RIDING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE TWO SIDE UPRIGHT BARS RANDOMLY FAILED AND CAUSED THE…”
The record is thin — 2 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 Flhtc. 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.