2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 83%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,579miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R, 83% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,579 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The low beam headlight was getting progressively dimmer over time. Upon disassembly I found the reflector area to be dull and partially blackened. Any attempt to clean away the black area only enlarged it as the reflector area had turned to powder. I swapped out parts from the high beam to restore the low beam operation. I have not yet determined a course of action to permanently remedy the situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10194705, filed 2007-06, 15,000 miles“Lighting from headlights go dimmer and dimmer after a few months. Inside the headlight assembly they used only chrome paint for reflecting light out of the headlight assembly. Over time the part wears out because of heat from the light. So there is no more reflecting of light out of the assembly. This in turns makes the headlights go dimmer and dimmer over time.. Can't see when driving at night because of not enough lighting..”
NHTSA complaint #10182841, filed 2007-02, 1,500 miles“The chrome/plastic reflector material on the low beam headlight started to degrade. The light reflected at night was dim. The housing absorbed the heat from the light instead of reflecting the light. The headlight was replaced by Buell motorcycle company.”
NHTSA complaint #10196709, filed 2007-07, 10,579 miles“Degraded coating on headlight reflectors starting as black spots which spread. After reflective coating is gone the black plastic reflectors melt. I use oem bulbs.”
NHTSA complaint #10207244, filed 2007-10, 2,500 miles“I have a 2003 Buell motorcycle corporation motorcycle. After suffering a problem where my headlight dimmed considerably and is basically useless at night. After consulting an internet forum I belong to, it appears that there are numerous complaints of this problem and the interior lining of the light disintegrating as part of a manufacturing flaw. Apparently this has been brought to the manufacturer's attention with no interest or intent on resolving this safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10191883, filed 2007-05Related service bulletins
- 10030184Jul 10, 2008Buell motorcycle: the headlight assemblies on some 2003-2006 firebolt models have a reflective material which can potentially degrade and reduce light output.
- 10028705Jul 10, 2008Buell motorcycles: headlight assemblies on some models have a reflective material which can potentially degrade and reduce light output. Models xb9r and xb12r. Model years…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 15 | 83% |
Other parts of the 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Buell Firebolt XB9R
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology