2003 Honda CBR600RR problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2003 Honda CBR600RR — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other CBR600RR years?

CBR600RR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CBR600RR years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Honda CBR600RR problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	2	67%	new
Transmission	1	33%	new

Does the 2003 Honda CBR600RR have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14E012000OtherApril 1, 2014 · 2,827 units

Defect

Ohlins Racing AB (Ohlins) is recalling certain steering dampers kits manufactured with an incorrectly machined bracket. These dampers were sold for use as aftermarket equipment on Yamaha R1, R6, and FZ6, Suzuki TL1000 R and GSX1300R, Honda CB600RR, and Ducati Monster 1000, 748, 848, 916, 996, and 998 motorcycles. Also included are universal steering damper kits with part numbers SD 000 through SD 005. The affected brackets may crack.

Consequence

If there is a crack in the steering bracket, at low speeds it may cause the steering to lock, leading to personal injury or a crash.

Remedy

Ohlins will notify the distributors and provide their customers with a new bracket. The recall began in November 2013. Owners may contact Ohlins USA at 1-828-692-4525. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13E-034.

04V387000BrakesAugust 5, 2004 · 22,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR BRAKE LINKAGE IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION WHICH CAN CAUSE BINDING AND ROUGH BRAKE OPERATION. AS CORROSION INCREASES, IT CAN CAUSE A STICKING PEDAL OR REQUIRE HIGH BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT.

Consequence

LINKAGE COULD BREAK RESULTING IN A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FUNCTION WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPHERICAL ROD END AND ASSOCIATED PARTS. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HONDA CBR600RR MOTORCYCLE, HE RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE REAR BRAKE LINKAGE. PRIOR TO THE RECALL, THE CONTACT HAD AN ACCIDENT. HE WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT HAND CURVE, AND THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED, CAUSING A COLLISION. . THE SERVICE DEALER HAD THE MOTORCYCLE FOR ABOUT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 26, 2004 · crash

“DOES NOT SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR... IT STALLS OUT AND RPM REVELS UP. DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD AND ALL OF SUDDEN THE ENG. REVEVS UP AND YOU ARE NOT IN GEAR WHILE DRIVING....”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 1, 2017

2003 Honda CBR600RR — common questions

Is the 2003 Honda CBR600RR reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Honda CBR600RR have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Honda CBR600RR. 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.

How does 2003 compare to other CBR600RR years?

What are the most common 2003 Honda CBR600RR problems?

Does the 2003 Honda CBR600RR have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2003 Honda CBR600RR — common questions

Is the 2003 Honda CBR600RR reliable?

Does the 2003 Honda CBR600RR have recalls?

Related