2003 Triumph Speedmaster Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 2, 2004 · 2 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Speedmaster years
Not enough data 1st of 6 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Triumph Speedmaster. That is the most of any Speedmaster model year in the database (6 years). The most reported problem area is vehicle speed control (2 complaints, 100%), typically at around 300 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2003 Triumph Speedmaster problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Vehicle Speed Control2 · ~300 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Vehicle Speed Control2100%300——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

2003 Triumph Speedmaster recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical system:starter assemblyJun 2, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V262000 · 2,792 vehicles

Problem: On some motorcycles, under certain assembly conditions, the electrical power supply cable to the starter motor may come into direct contact with the oil cooler return pipe. This could cause the insulation on the starter cable to degrade.

Risk: Should the starter motor cable insulation become worn, a 12-volt electrical short would occur, increasing the risk of a fire or not allowing the motorcycle to start.

Fix: Dealers will examine the cable for signs of contact with the oil cooler pipe. The cable will be re-positioned. The recall began november 20, 2004. Owners should contact triumph at 1-678-854-2010.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinderDec 11, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V525000 · 5,148 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, if the motorcycle is dropped onto the left side, air may enter the rear brake master cylinder reservoir.

Risk: If left unattended, the rear brake may not operate, resulting in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reposition the rear brake master cylinder reservoir. Owner notification began on december 31, 2003. Owners should contact triumph at 1-678-854-2010.

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.

2003 triumph speedmaster weak shocks on the front nose dive and travel over 8 inches with the powerful dual front brakes. The drag bars on the front put the rider up over the gas tank. When hitting the powerful brakes it puts the rider in the position of being on a downwards slope and if he weighs…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Apr 16, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10066274

Amended:correction. I wrecked my 2003 triumph speedmaster in october 2003. The drag bars on the front puts a rider forward over the gas tank. The front shocks are too weak for the massive dual front brakes and the front springs give too much and travel about 8" pushing the driver over the…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Apr 16, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10066275

Other Triumph Speedmaster years

← 2002 Speedmaster · 2004 Speedmaster →

See all Triumph Speedmaster problems by year, every Triumph model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Triumph Speedmaster?

Owners most often report vehicle speed control problems. The top one, vehicle speed control, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Triumph Speedmaster?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2003 Triumph Speedmaster a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Speedmaster model years, the 2003 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.