Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2003 Harley-Davidson Xl1200c — 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 50% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 25% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 25% | new |
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.
“WHILE RIDING MY MOTORCYCLE (2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C) MY LEFT MIRROR BROKE OFF AND SINCE THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL IS ATTACHED TO MIRROR CAUSED THE LIGHT TO BREAK AND HAD TO HOLD IT FROM DAMAGING THE GAS TANK. I WAS APROX. 15 MILES FROM HOME AND THIS MADE THE RIDE QUITE DANGEROUS HAVING TO HOLD THE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C. THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE AND CREATED A HOLE. AS A RESULT, FUEL LEAKED ALL OVER THE ENGINE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONTACT WOULD…”
“THE MIRRORS VIBRATE SO YOU CANNOT SEE ANYTHING BEHIND YOU. WHEN YOU CHANGE LANES OR PASS, YOU MUST TURN AROUND TO CHECK TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE BLOWS OIL FROM THE AIR CLEANER ONTO THE REAR TIRE AND DRIVE BELT AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *JB”
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 Xl1200c. 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.