Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2003 Harley-Davidson Fxdl — 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 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
10
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 20% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 20% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 20% | new |
| Transmission | 2 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 1 | 10% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 10% | — 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.
“MY HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE STALLED OUT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE LATER BEING THE DATE OF INDICANT. THE STALL WAS CAUSED BY THE SEPARATION OF THE LINING ON THE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. SMALL PIECES OF THIS LINING GOT INTO THE CARBURETOR AND CUT OFF THE FUEL SUPPLY FROM GETTING THROUGH THE…”
“I AM AN ATTORNEY IN 2 CASES WHERE 2003 MODELS OF HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES, BEING DRIVEN JUST A FEW MILES AWAY FROM THE DEALERS AFTER PURCHASE, SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC FAILURES OF THE FRONT FORKS. ONE RIDER DIED, AND THE OTHER SUFFERED SEVERE INJURY. POROSITY OF THE FORK APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A…”
“PROBLEMS WITH DYNA LOW RIDER.*MR WHILE DRIVING BIKE AT 55 TO 60 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE VIBRATED SO BAD IT PUT THE CONSUMER HANDS TO SLEEP. THE SHOCKS BOTTOMED OUT WHEN GOING OVER LITTLE BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE TRANSMISSION MADE A NOISE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. *TS. THERE WAS ALSO A RATTLE IN THE MOTOR WHEN…”
“PROBLEMS WITH DYNA LOW RIDER.*MR WHILE DRIVING BIKE AT 55 TO 60 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE VIBRATED SO BAD IT PUT THE CONSUMER HANDS TO SLEEP. THE SHOCKS BOTTOMED OUT WHEN GOING OVER LITTLE BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THE TRANSMISSION MADE A NOISE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. *TS. THERE WAS ALSO A RATTLE IN THE MOTOR WHEN…”
The record is thin — 10 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 engine (2 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Harley-Davidson Fxdl. 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.