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Body and structurePart report

2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster Body and structure Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
25%of 8 total for the year
Median mileage
2,321miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster, 25% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,321 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.

“Speedometer-tachometer bracket breaks from excessive engine vibration through mounting bolt holes causing gauge assembly to fall off while riding. Unit hangs by the wires & interferes with the steering forks & control of vehicle. Also excessive engine vibration as deemed normal by the manufacturer causes numbness in the hands & feet within 7 miles of riding & ultimately difficulty in controlling vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10078940, filed 2004-06, 2,142 miles

“The contact owns a 2003 harley davidson Sportster sport. The frame bracket that holds the speedometer failed due to metal fatigue. The dealer replaced the part but it failed again after 2,500 miles. The part was replaced a third time and has failed again. The # of cylinders was unknown. The current mileage is 7,500 and failure mileage was 2,500. Updated 06/26/07.”

NHTSA complaint #10191941, filed 2007-05, 2,500 miles

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2003225%

Other parts of the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster

Engine cooling
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster

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