Tl*the contact owns 2003 harley davidson dyna glide fxdl. The contact stated that the motorcycle had an unusual noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the twin cam chain tensioner was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance since there were no related recalls. The motorcycle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 58,000. Updated 6/8/11 *cn updated 06/23/11
The worst 2003 Harley-Davidson FXDL problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine2
- Fuel system2
- Transmission2
- Electrical1
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine2
- Fuel system2
- Transmission2
- Electrical1
- Suspension1
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 FXDL 6
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- 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
- Tech article TA0023: TA0023
- This document will outline inspection and measurement procedures for gerotor style oil pumps
What 2003 Harley-Davidson FXDL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My harley davidson motorcycle stalled out on two separate occasions. The later being the date of indicant. The stall was caused by the separation of the lining on the inside the fuel tank. Small pieces of this lining got into the carburetor and cut off the fuel supply from getting through the primary and scenery jets.
While riding the motorcycle the driver felt a vibration in the rear. The rear wheel suddenly locked up and threw the driver to the ground. The dealer has been contacted.
I am an attorney in 2 cases where 2003 models of harley davidson motorcycles, being driven just a few miles away from the dealers after purchase, suffered catastrophic failures of the front forks. One rider died, and the other suffered severe injury. Porosity of the fork appears to have been a substantial factor of the failures. One occurred in june 2003; and the other, the fatality occurred in oregon in october 2003. I have listed only the fatality information below. Investigation is continuing.
Problems with dyna low rider.*mr while driving bike at 55 to 60 MPH, the motorcycle vibrated so bad it put the consumer hands to sleep. The shocks bottomed out when going over little bumps in the road. The transmission made a noise when shifting gears. *ts. There was also a rattle in the motor when first started for 5-10 minutes, but ceased when the motor became hot, the fuel gauge displayed empty when there was 2 gallons of gas left.
There was a problem with the kick stand, and the motorcycle collapsed.
Turning signal and brake light wiring is in way of rear wheel,wire could be cut and result in vehicle failure.
Compare the 2003 Harley-Davidson FXDL
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Questions about the 2003 Harley-Davidson FXDL
Is the 2003 Harley-Davidson FXDL reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2003 Harley-Davidson FXDL, 2.3 times a typical FXDL model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Harley-Davidson FXDL?
Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is fuel system (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Harley-Davidson FXDL have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
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