MYRModel Year Report

2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster

○ Not enough data
2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:00:40.301Z

Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Harley-Davidson Sportster Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1985: 1 complaints 1985 1988: 2 complaints 1992: 1 complaints 1992 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 1 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 9 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001 2002: 6 complaints 2003: 8 complaints 2003 2005: 4 complaints 2007: 1 complaints 2007 2008: 2 complaints 2008
2003: 8 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19851
19882
19921
19966
19971
19986
19996
20009
20016
20026
20038
20054
20071
20082

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

VISIBILITY

2 of 8 total reports mention: visibility.

Show complaint excerpts

LEFT REARVIEW MIRROR STEM BROKE AND MIRROR FELL OFF. THIRD TIME A MIRROR ON THE SAME SIDE HAS BROKE OFF OF MY 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200 CUSTOM SPORTSTER. THE MIRRORS ARE FACTORY AND ARE LONG STEMMED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030818

MIRRORS ON 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200 CUSTOM DO NOT SIT OUT WIDE ENOUGH TO SEE WHAT IS BEHIND YOU. HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN TWO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE I WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE BEHIND ME. SPENT 200.00 ON AFTERMARKET MIRRORS AND HAVE SAME PROBLEM. *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030811

STRUCTURE

2 of 8 total reports mention: structure.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 8 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

STEERING

1 of 8 total reports mentions: steering.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20021112 — PE (closed 20030226)

REAR VIEW MIRROR STEM FAILURES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster?

The most-reported component is visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:exterior, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.