Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2003 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.
4
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 2 | 50% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 25% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 25% | — 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 2003 HARLEY FXDWG WAS RIDDEN TO ORANGE COUNTY HARLEY AND SAT IN THE SUN FOR 1 HOUR. THE TEMP WAS 64-70 AND I HAD HALF A TANK OF GAS, WHICH WAS CHEVRON 91 OCT. GETTING BACK ONTO THE 405 FREEWAY AT 70 MPH THE BIKE FELT AS IF IT LACKED POWER. AFTER 30 SEC THE BIKE STARTED SPUTTERING AS IF IT WASN'T…”
“AFTER A LONG DAY OF RIDING WHEN SHUTTING OFF MOTOR HEARD A NOISE IN THE PRIMARY CHAIN AREA REMOVED COVER TO FIND THAT THE ENGINE COMPENSATOR NUT WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE ABOUT TO FALL OFF I HAVE NEVER TOUCHED THIS AREA AND HAVE PERFORMED THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE BIKE IE OIL CHANGES AND INSPECTION…”
“AFTER A LONG DAY OF RIDING WHEN SHUTTING OFF MOTOR HEARD A NOISE IN THE PRIMARY CHAIN AREA REMOVED COVER TO FIND THAT THE ENGINE COMPENSATOR NUT WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE ABOUT TO FALL OFF I HAVE NEVER TOUCHED THIS AREA AND HAVE PERFORMED THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE BIKE IE OIL CHANGES AND INSPECTION…”
The record is thin — 4 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 FXDWG. 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.