IllustrationCONSUMER BELIEVE HIS MOTORCYCLE QUALIFIED AS A LEMON DUE TO A CRACKED GAS TANK AT THE REAR MOUNTING PLATE. *PH CONSUMER DEMANDING FULL REFUND OF DOWN PAYMENT, SIX MONTHLY PAYMENTS, AND FULL PAY OFF FROM LOAN. *LA
2003 Bigdog Chopper
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Chopper years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 5 of 11 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Structure. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
1 reportsOfficial recalls
304V523000 · Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/center Stand
Nov 2, 2004
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE KICKSTAND SPRING ATTACHING STUD MAY BREAK OFF ALLOWING THE KICKSTAND TO DEPLOY INTO THE EXTENDED POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE KICKSTAND DEPLOYS, IT COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
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.
03V535000 · Structure:frame And Members
Dec 18, 2003
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES ASSEMBLED WITH AN EARLY VERSION ROLLING THUNDER FRAME, A STRESS CRACK COULD EMERGE IN THE FRAME.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE FRAME. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BIG DOG AT 1-316-267-9121.
03V230000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting
Jun 23, 2003
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BIG DOG AT 1-316-219-6584.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.