2003 Kawasaki Vulcan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 50%of 8 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,818miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan, 50% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,818 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.
“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 miles“Rear wheel locked-up because of transmission failure while riding motorcycle. Gear shift was locked-up and transmission could not be shifted into neutral or any other gear. Repairing dealer found broken pieces in transmission. Manufacturer was notified. The problem appears to be similar or possibly identical to recall for 2002 model year motorcycles under NHTSA campaign number 02v261000.”
NHTSA complaint #10053155, filed 2004-01, 615 miles“The motorcycle's splines on the driveshaft were not properly lubricated at the factory. This caused the splines to over run, and resulted in loss of power to the rear wheels. This made stopping the motorcycle difficult. Model vn750 a-19.”
NHTSA complaint #10053787, filed 2004-02, 15,737 miles“Rear drive splines on 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 motorcycle were insufficiently lubricated at factory. Dealer failed to check lubrication as requred at 6000mi maintenance. Read drive failed (splines sheared) at 9900 miles. Fortunatly rider was able to pull to side of road with out injury. Rear drive was replaced under extended warranty. Vulcan-riding community has noted this problem multiple times on 2003 model Vulcan 750 bikes. Return of failed part was requested however was not returned to consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #10090964, filed 2004-09, 9,900 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan
← All problems reported for the 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan
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