2004 Buell XB12R Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 100%of 7 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2004 Buell XB12R, 100% of the 7 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The head lamps on my 2004 Buell XB12R have needed replacement because the reflective coating on the lamp reflector, degrade to the point that light output become dangerously low for night driving. The motorcycle has a two headlight system. One lamp is used for low beam the other for high beam. The low beam lamp has been replaced twice since the bike was purchased new in aug 2004. The high beam lamp has been replaced once in the same time frame. I expected to have to continue annual replacement of the lamp assemblies because of this problem and to maintain safe night driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10181965, filed 2007-02, 25,000 miles“Headlights reflective coating failing. Lights becoming too weak to see at night. Please note- model is XB12R, not available on your list, closest available was xb12s, headlights not the same on these two models.”
NHTSA complaint #10191976, filed 2007-05, 7,000 miles“On the Buell motorcycle xb9r and XB12R the headlights become non functional after about 1 yr of usage. The headlight housing reflective material turns to powder due to the natural heat from the headlight.”
NHTSA complaint #10183298, filed 2007-02, 5,000 miles“The head lamps on my 2004 Buell XB12R are in need of replacement due to degradation of the reflective coating on the lamp reflector. The reflector is actually rubbing off, reducing the output of the light to a point dangerously ineffective for night driving. This affects both the low and high beam assemblies. This seems to be a manufacturing defect, leading to a potentiality dangerous situation while riding at night.”
NHTSA complaint #10183309, filed 2007-02Related 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 | 86% |
| 2004 | 7 | 100% |
← All problems reported for the 2004 Buell XB12R
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