Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI — 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. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
29
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 17 | 59% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Other | 1 | 3% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TOURING AND POLICE MODEL MOTORCYCLES, THE 40 AMP MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER CAN "OPEN" FOR REASONS OTHER THAN WHICH IT WAS DESIGNED, CAUSING AN UNEXPECTED INTERRUPTION OF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE MOTORCYCLE.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE MOTORCYCLE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BREAKER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RECEIVED RECALL 04V134000 CONCERNING CIRCUIT BREAKERS. CONSUMER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THIS RECALL. CONSUMER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED . CONSUMER WAS FATALITY INJURED ON MAY 16,2004 WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE PRIOR TO HAVING RECALL REPAIRS.…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC FLHTCUI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE EHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V134000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE REMEDY…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS TECH INTERNATIONAL VALVE STEMS, MODEL TR413. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR TIRE ON THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY FLATTENED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VALVE STEM CAP AND CORE WERE BOTH MISSING. THE TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. UPDATED 10-07-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED…”
“ON JULY 24, 2008 I WAS RIDING MY 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC. AS I SLOWED TO ENTER A PARKING LOT, GAS BEGAN SPEWING FROM UNDER THE GAS TANK ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEADERS. WHITE SMOKE FUMES BEGAN COMING OFF THE ENGINE. I WAS ABLE TO GET STOPPED, GET OFF THE BIKE AND TURN IT OFF. I…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS TECH INTERNATIONAL VALVE STEMS, MODEL TR413. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE REAR TIRE ON THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY FLATTENED. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VALVE STEM CAP AND CORE WERE BOTH MISSING. THE TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. UPDATED 10-07-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED…”
The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (17 complaints), engine (5 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI. 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.