Rear wheel bearing failure: the driven flange bearings which together make up the right side rear wheel bearing failed at low mileage. These two bearings failed at 21,000 miles, and were discovered at a routine tire change. Others have reported similar and near catastrophic bearing failures at similar mileages . See http://groups.msn.com/st1300us and www.st-owners.com/forums wheel bearings can be expected to last for the life of the vehicle, bearing unusual stresses. These bearings were apparently sub standard in quality and/or design and should be examined and replaced immediately. Consequences of wheel bearing failure could range from simple disablement to serious crashes.
The worst 2003 Honda ST1300 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical6
- Brakes2
- Engine2
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical6
- Brakes2
- Engine2
- Suspension1
Recalls 3
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain motorcycles equipped with combined-brake systems have a proportioning control valve (pcv) that mechanically proportions brake force when the rear brake is applied. A seal in some pcvs is improperly shaped, and brake fluid leakage may occur.
- Risk
- If the motorcycle continues to be used after a leak occurs, the rear brake would eventually become inoperative. A loss of rear brake force could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rear brake forleakage. If leakage is confirmed, the dealer will replace the pcv free of charge. The recall began on january 31, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 866‑784‑1870.
Recall number 05V010000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- On certain motorcycles, the main wire harness has a ground distribution connector that is incorrectly assembled. Some electrical circuits may overheat and short, including the fuel pump.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump stops working, the engine will stall without warning, which could cause a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the ground distribution connector for overheating damage. If any damage is found, the wire harness will be replaced. If no damage is found, the connectors will be assembled properly. The recall began on december 8, 2004. Owners should contact honda at 866‑784‑1870.
Recall number 04V568000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- On certain motorcycles, the routing of some wire harnesses may allow a connector to contact and chafe against the fuel tank.
- Risk
- Eventually the chafing may cause a short circuit and blow an ignition system fuse. The engine will then stall without warning, which could cause a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the wire harness connector position and check for damage. If any damage is found, dealers will replace the necessary parts. If no damage is found, dealers will reposition the connector, and make sure adequate clearance exists. The recall began on december 8, 2004. Owners should contact honda at 1‑866‑784‑1870.
Recall number 04V549000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Honda ST1300 8
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dealer message
- Dealer message
- Load carrying capacity reduced label for all honda vehicles.
- Honda: warranty extension-vehicle warranty mileage
- Safety recall to replace the ground connector gap on all 2003-2004 ST1300/a models
- Linked braking system (LBS) proportional control valve (PCV) leakage safety recall
- Checking the coolant level - service manual correction
- Over tightening the fuel tank rear pivot bolt
What 2003 Honda ST1300 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Consumer contacted the dealer to have recalls repairs performed on his 2003 honda st1300 and was instructed to bring it back at the end of the summer to have the work performed because they were busy. *mr recall campaign#'s 04v549000 and 05v010000. *sc
Consumer received recall 04v549000 and three consumer service awareness campaigns. No parts for the recall wire harness have been made available.
Recall campaign. 2003 honda st 1300 motorcycle, stalls on the interstate. *bf the consumer had been trying to get his motorcycle repaired ever since he received the recall letter in the mail on dec 20,2004. The consumer was already having problems with the motorcycle, but the problem was sporadic. Everytime the consumer contacted the dealer, he was told the parts were not in until finally on feb 7 2005, the bike finally stopped. Recall#04v549000 *jb
I was at my honda motorcycle dealer today for the third time. The dealer is ocala motor sports in ocala, florida. They stated that parts are still unavailable for the first recall on my motorcycle. The date of the first recall was nov. 19, 2004. It was the federal safety agency campaign id # 04v549000. There have been two subsequent recalls since then making it a total of three recalls, the latter two being 04v568000 & 05v010000. I think that three months is a totally unreasonable time frame to even respond to the first recall. When you pay over $13,000.00 for a motorcycle, you don't expect it to be parked for 3 months.
There are a group of wires that run under the seat latching mechanism and under the top gas tank that rub and fray. Due to this issue being talked about on the st 1300 chat room I checked mine. The insulation was starting to fray from the rubbing on the latching mechanism. If the wires were to short the power could be shut off to the bike causing a crash and injury or death.
2003 model st1300 motorcycle. Engine quit abruptly at 75 MPH. If vehicle was leaned into turn or in tight passing situation substantial injury or death would probably result. A visit to the st1300 post yielded the fact that this is a common failure due to the routing of a black and a white wire in proximity of the underseat fuel tank which abrades thru the insulation causing a short which in turn causes the fuel pump fuse to blow and shuts down the motor.
While riding the motorcycle the side vent was blowing out 120 degrees of hot air. Consumer sustained a first degree burn due to the hot air. Dealership was notified, but the problem was not resolved.
Once the temperature gets above 85 degrees outside, the temperature of the vehicle becomes unbearable. Engine averages about 205 degrees near the consumer's legs.*ak this could cause blood clods and dehydration. *ph
Compare the 2003 Honda ST1300
Other model years
Questions about the 2003 Honda ST1300
Is the 2003 Honda ST1300 reliable?
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2003 Honda ST1300, 1.8 times a typical ST1300 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Honda ST1300?
Electrical system, with 6 complaints. Next is brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Honda ST1300 have?
3 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Honda ST1300 electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 04V568000, 04V549000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Honda ST1300?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history