2003 Kawasaki Vulcan Problems
- Complaints
- 8filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 12,818miles, 8 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 8 consumer complaints for the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 4 complaints (50% of the total), followed by electrical system (1) and engine (1). 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 12,818 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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 system1 13%
- Engine1 13%
- Fuel system1 13%
- Suspension1 13%
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While riding the motorcycle, consumer experienced a sudden lost of driving force to the rear wheel and immediately started slowing down. Upon inspection of the motorcycle, it was found that the manufacturer failed to lubricate the splined coupling that went between the driveshaft output and the final drive gearbox pinion assembly. (2003 Kawasaki, Vulcan 750a19).”
NHTSA complaint #10059501, filed 2004-02, 15,737 milesElectrical system: “The contact stated while driving 65mph, there was a whining noise emitting from the motorcycle followed by smoke. The contact managed to pull over and extinguish the fire. The fire erupted from the transfer case and drive train. Upon initial inspection, the fire was suspected to be electrical in nature due to damage sustained to the wiring. The motorcycle was not seen by a dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10152058, filed 2006-03, 35,000 milesEngine: “This motorcycle as others from california, appears to run out of fuel when the tank is 1/2 full or less. It is well documented on the vn forums. It has been given a name of poogs which stands for phantom out of gas syndrome. The dealer escondido cycle center has not been able to fix it. I contacted Kawasaki but they will not connect me with a technical adviser. Most owners remove the emission controls. I do not want to. I have had almost 20 incidents on the freeway whereby I had to move to the shoulder with no power. …”
NHTSA complaint #10524681, filed 2013-07, 500 milesFuel system: “After a 15 MPH frontal crash fuel tank started to leak. Motorcycle was towed. Dealership will be notified. The consumer received a recall about the muffler bracket cracking.”
NHTSA complaint #10097739, filed 2004-11, 25,128 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,538 and 15,737 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V023000Jan 12, 2004Engine and engine coolingCovers: Kawasaki Vulcan 2003–2004, Nomad FL 2003–2004, VN1500 2003–2004 +4 more
On certain 2003 vulcan 1500 classic, 1500 drifter, 2003-2004 1500 mean streak, 2003 1600 classic, and 2003-2004 nomad fl model motorcycles, high oil pressure upon a cold start-up can deform the oil filter cartridge.
Recall details for the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan.
Other model years of the Kawasaki Vulcan
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 | 1,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 6 | 3,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 8 | 12,818 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 5 | 15,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 8 | 30,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 7 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 9 | 21,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Kawasaki Vulcan model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan have?
NHTSA recorded 8 consumer complaints for the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 4 complaints (50% of the total), followed by electrical system with 1.
Has the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 12,818 miles and the middle half falls between 2,538 and 15,737 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 29, 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.