IllustrationOIL LEAKS, HAS BEEN LEAKING UNDER THE MOTORCYCLE FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM TWICE, BUT IT IS STILL LEAKING. DEALER DID NOT IDENTIFY THE FAILED COMPONENT TO THE CONSUMER. *AK
2003 Bigdog Chopper
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Chopper years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 5 of 11 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Structure. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
1 reportsOfficial recalls
304V523000 · Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/center Stand
Nov 2, 2004
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE KICKSTAND SPRING ATTACHING STUD MAY BREAK OFF ALLOWING THE KICKSTAND TO DEPLOY INTO THE EXTENDED POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE KICKSTAND DEPLOYS, IT COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: 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.
03V535000 · Structure:frame And Members
Dec 18, 2003
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES ASSEMBLED WITH AN EARLY VERSION ROLLING THUNDER FRAME, A STRESS CRACK COULD EMERGE IN THE FRAME.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE FRAME. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BIG DOG AT 1-316-267-9121.
03V230000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting
Jun 23, 2003
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.