2003 Harley-Davidson Softail problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure (2) · Fuel System, Gasoline (2) · Tires (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (1)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2008-10-20 · M-1233 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
harley davidson: a change to the final torque of the fork cap (part number 45419-80) and for tube plug (part number 45838-77). the new torque for both parts is 60-70 ft lbs (81.3-94.9nm). *pe
What owners report
2012-04-17 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 30,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2003 harley davidson soft tale deuce motorcycle. while examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the fuel line was causing friction to the inner fuel tank and bore several holes in the fuel line. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the fuel lines were replaced. the current and failure mileages were 30,000. updat…”
2004-07-05 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility“most of the harley davidson motorcycles have the passenger footrest right beside or overtop of the exhaust. this has caused me to actually burn through my protective boots i wear. i have not been injured yet, but should a child or person who does not wear protective shoes could seriously have major burns to their feet and ankles.*ak…”
2004-02-10 · Tires · 1,000 mi“4 tires were replaced within 1,000 miles due to tires being out of round. *ak…”
2003-11-19 · Structure“problems with frame on 2003 sundance softail. *mr the dealer/manufacturer stated that the frame was not aligned properly and would not track on the highway. the frame was taken to an uninterested third party and placed on a laser frame machine. the results supported the dealer/manufacturer evaluation. the manufacturer would not respond to th…”
2003-11-02 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 250 mi · 💥 crash · 🔥 fire“my brother had a low speed (under 20 mph) crash on a 2003 harley heritage softail. upon hitting the ground, the bike burst into flames. this is very unusual as the speed was low, the impact was not severe (my brother ended up with a severely sprained ankle), but the bike was totaled. i believe there is cause for concern. the bike is a fuel inje…”
2003-07-12 · Structure“when getting off of back of harley davidson my leg got caught on the license plate and tore my leg open. went to er where i had to have stitches on the inside of the wound and on the outside. very painful! placement of license plate holder is not safe.*ak…”
2003-04-04 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · 240 mi“gasoline leak from fuel line on harley-davidson fwsti 2003. *jb…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.