2003 Bigdog Chopper Recalls, Complaints & Specs
3 safety recalls list the 2003 Bigdog Chopper, and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
3 safety recalls for the 2003 Bigdog Chopper
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Kickstand/center stand (structure)
On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring attaching stud may break off allowing the kickstand to deploy into the extended position.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install a new kickstand unit. The recall began on december 20, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 316-267-9121.
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Frame and members (structure)
On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version rolling thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the frame. Owner notification began january 15, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 1-316-267-9121.
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Mounting (fuel system)
On certain motorcycles, the fuel tank mount may have been improperly welded. This can cause the tank to fail with the possibility of fuel spillage.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the fuel tank and ship it to big dog for repair. Big dog will re-weld the mount, repair the paint, and return it back to the dealer for re-installation. Owner notification began on july 31, 2003.…
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 2003 Bigdog Chopper have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA; 1 describe a crash. Reports cite 1 injury and 0 deaths. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 749 miles. Complaints peaked in 2004 with 8 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“The rubber peeled off of the front tire. The manufacturer was notified. *ak *tt the problem was concluded as a mold closure issue. *sc”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, June 20, 2005 · Tires
“Electrical wiring malfunctioned. As a result, the brake light and turns signals failed. Dealer has kept the motorcycle for six weeks attempting to repair the problem. *ak”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, April 12, 2005 · Electrical system
Compare Bigdog Chopper model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Bigdog Chopper model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 Bigdog Chopper | 3 | 11 |
| 2004 Bigdog Chopper | 5 | 7 |
| 2005 Bigdog Chopper | 7 | 3 |
| 2006 Bigdog Chopper | 6 | 0 |
| 2007 Bigdog Chopper | 1 | 0 |
Checking a specific 2003 Bigdog Chopper
How do I know if my 2003 Bigdog Chopper has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 3 campaigns currently list the 2003 Bigdog Chopper; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Bigdog dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 03V230000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other Bigdog models
- Pitbull11 complaints
- Daytec Chopper4 complaints
- Mastiff4 complaints
- Bull Dog3 complaints
- Ridgeback3 complaints
- Pit Bull2 complaints
- Bdm1 complaints
- Big Dog1 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.