Big Dog Chopper Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 26 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Big Dog Chopper (2003–2005) that have at least 5 complaints. 2003 has the most, with 11. Across all years, the part named most often is body and structure (8 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Chopper model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 1,700 | 7 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 10 | 5,000 | 6 | 7 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 11 | 430 | 3 | 2 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Body and structure8 30%
- Electrical system8 30%
- Transmission and drivetrain2 7.4%
- Tires2 7.4%
- Exterior lighting2 7.4%
- Engine cooling2 7.4%
- Brakes2 7.4%
- Wheels1 3.7%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2004: “The 2004 big dog Chopper I was operating electrically shut down while I was traveling on the interstate at 70 MPH nearly causing me to crash in traffic. I called the manufacturer and was told the electronic harness control module needed dieletric grease in the connector to keep water from shorting it out. I applied their fix and the unit still does not function. I had to purchase the 2007 unit for 641.99 dollars. After researching the matter, I discovered there was a recall on the 2005 and 2006 models but not the 2004. …”
NHTSA complaint #10229998, filed 2008-06, 5,345 miles2003: “Dealer kept the motorcycle since january 24, 2004 for the NHTSA recall campaign 03v35000. On the frame cracking. Consumer called the dealer and asked when he will be able to fix motorcycle. Dealer stated motorcycle had to be sent to the manufacturer in kansas, to complete the recall. Manufacturer will return motorcycle when there was enough to load a truck to bring them back, this might take another month.”
NHTSA complaint #10061663, filed 2004-03, 430 miles2005: “Purchased an avon 250/40r18 av72 tire for my motorcycle,and with less than 2000 miles,there is an open join splice going across tire. I have not ridden motorcycle since finding defect, for fear of having a blowout at highway speed and losing control of motorcycle. Avon needs to step up and recall these tires before someone dies or is severely injured.”
NHTSA complaint #10422287, filed 2011-08Other Big Dog models
12 complaintsBig Dog Ridgeback
12 complaintsBig Dog Mastiff
6 complaintsBig Dog K-9
5 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology