2004 Big Dog Chopper Problems
- Complaints
- 10filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 5,000miles, 7 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Big Dog Chopper (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 2004 Big Dog Chopper. The part named most often is electrical system, with 5 complaints (50% of the total), followed by brakes (2) and exterior lighting (2). 7 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 5,000 miles. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 7 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 3 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the master cylinder filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system5 50%
- Brakes2 20%
- Exterior lighting2 20%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “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 milesBrakes: “Where do I get a 2004 master cylinder for my bike??? Everything that's on recall is on my bike!! And even more to be pissed about is they sold this to me a few months after there recall when they new about it, everything that was fixed because of multiple problems I had to pay out of pocket. But yet they new about this recall. What do I do???”
NHTSA complaint #10622441, filed 2014-08Exterior lighting: “While driving in rainy weather the motorcycle's turn signal engaged without warning. Dealer was fully aware of the problem, and stated that the turn signal shorted out because water ran down the coil wire.”
NHTSA complaint #10111604, filed 2005-02, 50 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Recurring squeaks from drive belt. 4 trips to the 1st dealer for adjustment until rear pulley was replaced by 2nd dealer due to incompatibility with belt. Squeak continued after 3 additional trips to 2nd dealer. Mfg felt that belt should be replaced but would not cover under warranty because belt was considered a wear item. With less than 3000 original miles mfg finally agreed that belt wear was premature due to incompatibility with pulley and replaced belt with a different type to finally resolve problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10208969, filed 2007-11, 800 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 7 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,000 and 5,345 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 10V180000May 3, 2010Electrical systemCovers: Big Dog Chopper 2004, Ridgeback 2004, Mastiff 2004 +3 more
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.
- 06V019000Jan 25, 2006Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/center standCovers: Big Dog Chopper 2004–2006, Ridgeback 2004–2006, Pitbull 2004–2006 +5 more
On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring may stretch and detach from the mounting bracket or the kickstand.
- 04V523000Nov 2, 2004Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/center standCovers: Big Dog Chopper 2003–2004, Mastiff 2003–2004, Ridgeback 2004 +4 more
On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring attaching stud may break off allowing the kickstand to deploy into the extended position.
- 04V164000Apr 6, 2004Steering › Steering wheel/handle barCovers: Big Dog Chopper 2004, Ridgeback 2004, Mastiff 2004 +3 more
On certain motorcycles, a screw may become loose in the handlebar control due to the lack of a lock washer and loctite.
- 04V137000Mar 23, 2004Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinderCovers: Big Dog Chopper 2004, Ridgeback 2004, Mastiff 2004 +4 more
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.
- 03V535000Dec 18, 2003Structure › Frame and membersCovers: Big Dog Chopper 2003–2004
On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version rolling thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame.
Recall details for the 2004 Big Dog Chopper → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 7 on record; the latest 7 are shown.
- 10026832Jan 11, 2008Fuel system. Bigdog motorcycle: fuel tank vent may become flooded with fuel, causing the motorcycle to run poorly due to a fuel mixture that is too rich.
- 10020152Jun 30, 2006Electrical system. Horn harness wires may break.
- 10020045Jun 23, 2006Electrical system. Ehc contact improvement procedure (revised). Current seal does not allow connector pins to seat properly and moisture may be present in connector.
- 10020065Jun 16, 2006Exterior lighting. Headlamp connector may melt, making bulb replacement difficult.
- 10019909May 3, 2006Electrical system. Dielectric grease addition to connectors.
- 10019984Apr 27, 2006Body and structure. Tachometer board replacement - inaccurate tachometer readings or fluctuation in readings due to moisture.
- 10016838Oct 25, 2004Body and structure. Fork dust cover o-ring nonconformance. O-ring is displaced from o-ring groove.
Other model years of the Big Dog Chopper
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 1,700 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 10 | 5,000 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 11 | 430 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Big Dog Chopper model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Big Dog Chopper have?
NHTSA recorded 10 consumer complaints for the 2004 Big Dog Chopper as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Big Dog Chopper is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 5 complaints (50% of the total), followed by brakes with 2.
Has the 2004 Big Dog Chopper been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Big Dog Chopper reported?
Among the 7 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 5,000 miles and the middle half falls between 5,000 and 5,345 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.