2004 Bigdog Ridgeback Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Ridgeback years
- Not enough data 2nd of 4 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 5 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Bigdog Ridgeback. That ranks 2nd out of 4 Ridgeback model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (3 complaints, 75%), typically at around 5,000 miles. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 4owner complaints
- 5safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2004 Bigdog Ridgeback 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 | 75% | 5,000 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 50% | 1,475 | — | — |
| Power Train | 1 | 25% | 150 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 25% | 150 | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 25% | 150 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2004 Bigdog Ridgeback recalls (5)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Electrical system
Problem: Big dog is recalling certain 2004 chopper, bulldog, ridgeback, mastiff, boxer, and pitbull motorcycles. There is a possible loose connection between the harness connector and the electronic harness controller.
Risk: This condition may cause the motorcycle to experience intermittent loss of electrical power to various components, which can lead to, among other things, a loss of headlamp function or a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Big dog will notify owners and dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on may 24, 2010. Owners may contact big dog at 1-316-219-9121.
Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/center stand
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring may stretch and detach from the mounting bracket or the kickstand.
Risk: This will allow the kickstand to deploy into the extended position and cause a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a new kickstand spring free of charge. The recall began on february 17, 2006. Owners may contact big dog at 316-267-9121.
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.
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Problem: On certain motorcycles, a screw may become loose in the handlebar control due to the lack of a lock washer and loctite.
Risk: This could cause the throttle or front brake control to bind, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a lock washer and loctite. Owner notification began on april 12, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 1-316-219-7006.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the piston in the rear master cylinder may have been improperly sized, which could cause the rear brakes to drag or lockup.
Risk: This could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will remove the piston from the rear master cylinder and replace it with a new piston. Owner notification began on april 12, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 1-316-267-9121.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Motorcycle Stalling (RQ10002) — opened Jan 27, 2010, closed May 10, 2010, led to recall 10V180000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Apparently there was a recall i was never informed of. Now the company is no longer in business, so what am i to do? I have no headlight, horn, and the bike won't start. *tr
Ehc module on 2004 big dog ridgeback motorcycles, it occurs everytime i try to ride the motorcycle it is very dangerous, the engine stalled going down the highway at 65 mph and almost didn't get out of traffic, the lights, speedometer and other safety signals stop working and i am told other years…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 big dog ridgeback motorcycle. The contact was driving approximately 60 mph, the engine completely stalled without warning. The vehicle was cautiously coasted to the side of the road. The engine restarted after waiting between thirty minutes to a hour. The vehicle was…
While driving 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver tried to restart the vehicle and was not able to do so. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the control module needed to be replaced. *nm the stalling occurred while stopped at…
Other Bigdog Ridgeback years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Ridgeback | 0 | 1 |
| 2006 Ridgeback | 3 | 2 |
| 2005 Ridgeback | 12 | 6 |
| 2004 | 4 | 5 |
See all Bigdog Ridgeback problems by year, every Bigdog model, or the VIN decoder.
Similar Bigdog models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Bigdog Ridgeback?
Owners most often report electrical system, engine and engine cooling, power train problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 3 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Bigdog Ridgeback?
Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2004 Bigdog Ridgeback a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Ridgeback model years, the 2004 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.