2003 Bigdog Chopper Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Chopper years
- Not enough data 1st of 5 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Bigdog Chopper. That is the most of any Chopper model year in the database (5 years). The most reported problem area is structure (7 complaints, 64%), typically at around 703 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 11owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2003 Bigdog Chopper problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 7 | 64% | 703 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 1 | 9% | 2,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 9% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 9% | 41 | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 9% | 300 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2003 Bigdog Chopper recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/center stand
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring attaching stud may break off allowing the kickstand to deploy into the extended position.
Risk: If the kickstand deploys, it could cause a crash without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and install a new kickstand unit. The recall began on december 20, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 316-267-9121.
Structure:frame and members
Problem: On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version rolling thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame.
Risk: This condition could occur without any prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will repair the frame. Owner notification began january 15, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 1-316-267-9121.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the fuel tank mount may have been improperly welded. This can cause the tank to fail with the possibility of fuel spillage.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will remove the fuel tank and ship it to big dog for repair. Big dog will re-weld the mount, repair the paint, and return it back to the dealer for re-installation. Owner notification began on july 31, 2003. Owners should contact big dog at 1-316-219-6584.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
The rubber peeled off of the front tire. The manufacturer was notified. *ak *tt the problem was concluded as a mold closure issue. *sc
Electrical wiring malfunctioned. As a result, the brake light and turns signals failed. Dealer has kept the motorcycle for six weeks attempting to repair the problem. *ak
Consumer received a recall notice to repair and reinforce the frame. No parts were available. Service manager gary.*ak
Nhtsa 03v535000/frame cracks. Consumer received a recall notice on january and contacted the dealer for an appointment. The dealer informed that it would take three months for them to fix the vehicle. Please provide further details. *nm
Consumer received recall 03v535000, concerning frame cracks. Dealer had the motorcycle since january 30, 2004. Consumer was unable to contact the manufacturer concerning the motorcycle.*ak
Other Bigdog Chopper years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 Chopper | 0 | 1 |
| 2006 Chopper | 0 | 6 |
| 2005 Chopper | 5 | 7 |
| 2004 Chopper | 10 | 6 |
| 2003 | 11 | 3 |
See all Bigdog Chopper problems by year, every Bigdog model, or the VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Bigdog Chopper?
Owners most often report structure, electrical system, engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, structure, accounts for 7 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Bigdog Chopper?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2003 Bigdog Chopper a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Chopper model years, the 2003 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.