2003 Kawasaki KLR650 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other KLR650 years
- Not enough data 7th of 17 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- None on file
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Kawasaki KLR650. That ranks 7th out of 17 KLR650 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (5 complaints, 83%), typically at around 10,265 miles. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.
- 6owner complaints
- 0safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2003 Kawasaki KLR650 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 83% | 10,265 | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 17% | 8,900 | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 17% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2003 Kawasaki KLR650 recalls (0)
No safety recalls are on file for the 2003 Kawasaki KLR650.
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.
Klr650 engine idle lever adjuster spring failed sending metal fragments through out the engine that i had to fish out - very very common problem to the point that it is the first thing people do when they buy a klr of any year. *tr
Kawasaki klr 650 motorcycle chain tensioner counter balancer and retainer spring broken and missing. The broken pieces can cause catastrophic failure including engine seizure while in operation. Replaced the parts from aftermarket supplier. *tr
I have a 2003 kawasaki klr650 and the balancer lever adjuster is broken. It makes a loud noise and there is a possibility of engine seizure. I have done nothing to fix this yet and am driving an alternate vehicle. *jb
I just checked my idler shaft lever (doohickey) on my 2003 klr 650. The doohickey was intact but, the spring was broke. I can't find the end of the spring that broke off and the chain wore part way through the spring leaving metal shavings throughout the engine not good!!! Just ordered new…
When the motorcycle was taken out of storage consumer noticed that tires sidewall developed weather checks. These were small cracks that went around the sidewall of the tires. The motorcycle was driven for 6 months, then stored for 6 months prior to this problem occurring. Dealership was contacted…
Other Kawasaki KLR650 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 KLR650 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 KLR650 | 16 | 0 |
| 2022 KLR650 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 KLR650 | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 KLR650 | 6 | 0 |
| 2008 KLR650 | 116 | 1 |
| 2007 KLR650 | 3 | 0 |
| 2006 KLR650 | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 KLR650 | 1 | 0 |
| 2003 | 6 | 0 |
| 2002 KLR650 | 11 | 0 |
| 2001 KLR650 | 19 | 0 |
| 2000 KLR650 | 8 | 0 |
| 1999 KLR650 | 7 | 0 |
| 1998 KLR650 | 6 | 0 |
| 1997 KLR650 | 1 | 0 |
| 1995 KLR650 | 1 | 0 |
See all Kawasaki KLR650 problems by year, every Kawasaki model, or the VIN decoder.
Similar Kawasaki models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kawasaki KLR650?
Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, steering, tires problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 5 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Kawasaki KLR650?
No safety recalls are on file for this model year.
Was the 2003 Kawasaki KLR650 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other KLR650 model years, the 2003 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.