VehicleVerdict

2002 Harley-Davidson FXDWG problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2002 Harley-Davidson FXDWG — 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 2 deaths and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other FXDWG years?

FXDWG NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted13 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 8 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 4 complaints2005: 1 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 13 complaints2010: 6 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 1 complaints
FXDWG NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all FXDWG years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Harley-Davidson FXDWG problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System240%
Body & Structure120%
Suspension120%
Transmission120%

Does the 2002 Harley-Davidson FXDWG have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V005000BrakesJanuary 24, 2003 · 1,762 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR BRAKE LINE ASSEMBLIES COULD FRACTURE INTERNALLY.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE LINE TO LEAK BRAKE FLUID, WHICH COULD CAUSE LOSS OF THE REAR BRAKE FUNCTION, POSSIBLY WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE LINE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 17, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MOTORCYCLE FAILED WHEN FUEL GAUGE READ 1/8TH TANK FULL. RIDER LOST POWER ON FREEWAY AND WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND WHILE TRYING TO REACH SHOULDER FOR SAFETY. HD SAYS THAT AT APPROXIMATELY 1/8TH TANK READING, MOTORCYCLE NEEDS TO BE SWITCHED TO RESERVE TO AVOID RUNNING OUT OF GAS, BUT MANUAL CONTAINS NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 10, 2001 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXDWG LOW RIDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE CHANGING THE BATTERY HE NOTICED THAT A FACTORY WELD WAS CRACKED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT REFUSED TO DO ANY WORK ON IT SINCE HE WELDED THE FRAME HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 13, 2011

“I WAS TRAVELING DOWN HWY 83 OUTSIDE OF LEAKEY TX, IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY, ON 07/13/05 WHEN ALL FIVE OF THE BELT DRIVE SPROKET BOLTS BACKED OUT CAUSING ONE BOLT TO SHEER INSIDE THE WHEEL HUB CAUSING THE SPROKET TO DIS-LODGE FROM THE WHEEL. I HAD TO USE EVASIVE ACTION IN ORDER NOT TO UPSET THE 02…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 13, 2005

“THE SWINGARM OF THE REAR SUSPENSION BROKE MIDWAY OF THE AXLE ADJUSTING SLOT THAT IS ON THE DRIVE SIDE LEG, (LEFT SIDE)CAUSING A SEVERE WOBBLE WHILE IN MOTION ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT SPEED. LUCKILY, AS I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED RIDER OF OVER 45 YEARS, I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 25, 2018

2002 Harley-Davidson FXDWG — common questions

Is the 2002 Harley-Davidson FXDWG reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Harley-Davidson FXDWG have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Harley-Davidson FXDWG. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.