Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2003 Harley-Davidson Fltri — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
5
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 40% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 20% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 20% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 20% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.
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.
“ DT: CONTACT'S SON OWNED A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE THAT WAS OVERHEATING. THE SPEED HAD NO IMPACT ON THE MOTORCYCLE OVERHEATING AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES. THE SERVICE DEALER TRIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT LEAST 6 TIMES. THEY REPLACED A NEW COMPUTER CHIP AND THE PIPES. THE SERVICE…”
“UNEXPECTED INTERRUPTION OF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER CAUSING ENGINE SUDDENLY TO QUIT WHILE RIDING HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V134000 THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED SERIOUS BODILY INJURIES WHEN HE CRASHED INTO A TREE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER WAS…”
“THE FRONT BRAKE ON MY HARLEY FLTRI FAILED DECEMBER 4, 2004 AT 15933 MILES. THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS STICKING ON. BECAUSE OF WORK AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS I DID NOT RIDE MUCH FOR A WHILE. THE DEALER REBUILT THE MASTER CYLINDER. BECAUSE OF WORK AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS I DID NOT RIDE MUCH FOR A WHILE. ON…”
“THE FRONT BRAKE ON MY HARLEY FLTRI FAILED DECEMBER 4, 2004 AT 15933 MILES. THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS STICKING ON. BECAUSE OF WORK AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS I DID NOT RIDE MUCH FOR A WHILE. THE DEALER REBUILT THE MASTER CYLINDER. BECAUSE OF WORK AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS I DID NOT RIDE MUCH FOR A WHILE. ON…”
The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Harley-Davidson Fltri. 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.