2003 harley-davidson flht electra glide standard. My motorcycle experienced a complete and total failure of all electrical systems to include an uncommanded engine failure at freeway speeds of approximately 65 MPH at the time of the event. H-d has a faulty design that does not permit the adequate cooling of a 50 amp self resetting circuit breaker located adjacent to the battery located slight aft and above the aft cylinder and cylinder exhaust exposed to extreme heating and inadequate cooling. Rider has no instrumentation to show impending electrical failure as the component lacks dangerous temperature warnings. This event occurred at night with the immediate and ultimate loss of all external lighting and engine power. This is clearly a design defect that needs dot investigation for a recall for mandatory installation of a cooling fan and temperature sensor. Rider is a lifelong rider, former military instructor pilot, current faa aviation safety inspector (operations) with extensive training and experience in aircraft and automotive accident investigation. Should this have been an aircraft investigation faa aai-100 would have been urged to mandate and emergency ad to correct the design fault.
The worst 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHT problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Exterior lighting: tail lights
- What is wrong
- On certain dyna, xl, and touring motorcycles, the tail light bulb can fall out of the socket.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 04V218000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHT 6
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Battery warranty guidelines
- Market specific battery introduction
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Genuine motor parts and motor accessories bulletin PAB1158: oil filter packaging and case quantity update
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Genuine motor parts and motor accessories bulletin PAB1146: 68193-95 bulb wedge, fender tip lamp.
What 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHT owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Part failure is eminent. The inner primary was poorly designed. The lack of a proper bushing has resulted in sever wear and a sloppy fit. The steel shifter shaft passes through the aluminum inner primary cover. The additional of a bushing in the design would prevent this failure.
Compare the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHT
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Questions about the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHT
Is the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHT reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHT, fewer than a typical FLHT model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHT?
Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Harley-Davidson FLHT have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
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