2003 Big Dog Chopper recalls and problems

The 2003 Big Dog Chopper has 3 recalls and 11 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is structure.

How the 2003 compares

Too few model years with complaints to compare.

3recalls

11complaints

1crashes

0fires

1injuries

430median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

3 recalls

Structure

Nov 2, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V523000 · 4,457 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring attaching stud May break off allowing the kickstand to deploy into the extended position.

Original NHTSA wording

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE KICKSTAND SPRING ATTACHING STUD MAY BREAK OFF ALLOWING THE KICKSTAND TO DEPLOY INTO THE EXTENDED POSITION.

Risk: If the kickstand deploys, it could cause a crash without prior warning.

Original NHTSA wording

IF THE KICKSTAND DEPLOYS, IT COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will inspect and install a new kickstand unit. The recall began on December 20, 2004. Owners should contact Big Dog at 316-267-9121.

Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Structure

Dec 18, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V535000 · 1,446 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version rolling thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame.

Original NHTSA wording

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES ASSEMBLED WITH AN EARLY VERSION ROLLING THUNDER FRAME, A STRESS CRACK COULD EMERGE IN THE FRAME.

Risk: This condition could occur without any prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Original NHTSA wording

THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will repair the frame. Owner notification began January 15, 2004. Owners should contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.

Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Fuel System

Jun 23, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V230000 · 845 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the fuel tank mount May have been improperly welded. This can cause the tank to fail with the possibility of fuel spillage.

Original NHTSA wording

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FUEL TANK MOUNT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY WELDED. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TANK TO FAIL WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL SPILLAGE.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Original NHTSA wording

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will remove the fuel tank and ship it to Big Dog for repair. Big Dog will re-weld the mount, repair the paint, and return it back to the dealer for re-installation. Owner notification began on July 31, 2003. Owners should contact Big Dog at 1-316-219-6584.

Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2003 vs. other Big Dog Chopper years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2003. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2003 Big Dog Chopper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns covering the 2003 Big Dog Chopper, the latest from Nov 2, 2004 (structure). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Big Dog Chopper?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention structure (7), electrical system (1), engine (1). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.