The housing that holds the tach and speedometer is defectively designed or cast and metal fatigue causes the bracket to separate where it is bolted to the frame. The tach/speedo unit then can fall free from the bike- a very dangerous event at highway speeds. In 7500 miles the housing has failed twice.
The worst 2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200S problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
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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 XL1200S 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 XL1200S owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200S
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Questions about the 2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200S
Is the 2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200S reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200S, close to a typical XL1200S model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200S?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2003 Harley-Davidson XL1200S have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
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