- The problem
- On certain motorcycles, the kickstand spring attaching stud may break off allowing the kickstand to deploy into the extended position.
- The risk
- If the kickstand deploys, it could cause a crash without prior warning.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Bigdog Chopper Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 2003 Bigdog Chopper with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (7) and the fuel system (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 1 injury. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in November 2004 for the kickstand / center stand. For comparison, the 2004 has 7.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Chopper year, for its age
#231 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Bigdog Chopper problems
Share of all 11 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Bigdog Chopper recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version rolling thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame.
- The risk
- This condition could occur without any prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will repair the frame. Owner notification began january 15, 2004. Owners should contact big dog at 1-316-267-9121.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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11 complaints about the 2003 Bigdog Chopper
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The rubber peeled off of the front tire. The manufacturer was notified. *Ak *tt the problem was concluded as a mold closure issue. *Sc
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
Consumer received a recall notice to repair and reinforce the frame. No parts were available. Service manager gary.*Ak
Nhtsa 03v535000/frame cracks. Consumer received a recall notice on january and contacted the dealer for an appointment. The dealer informed that it would take three months for them to fix the vehicle. Please provide further details. *Nm
Consumer received recall 03v535000, concerning frame cracks. Dealer had the motorcycle since january 30, 2004. Consumer was unable to contact the manufacturer concerning the motorcycle.*Ak
Consumer 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
Dealership picked up the consumer's motorcycle 2 months and 3 weeks ago to deliver it to the manufacturer to have the frame crack recall 03v535000 repairs performed. Recall repairs were not performed yet because the manufacturer did not receive the motorcycle.*Ak
While driving 40 mph, the vehicle crashed into a metal debris which caused the kick stand to brake. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The mechanic stated, the driver had left the kick stand out. Please provide further details. *Jb
Dealer kept the motorcycle since january 15, 2004 for the nhtsa recall campaign 03v35000. On the frame cracking. Consumer called the dealer and asked when he will be able to fix motorcycle. Dealer stated motorcycle had to be sent to the manufacturer in kansas to complete the recall. Manufacturer will return motorcycle when there was enough to load a truck to bring them back, this might take another month. *Ak
Dealer kept the motorcycle since january 24, 2004 for the nhtsa recall campaign 03v35000. On the frame cracking. Consumer called the dealer and asked when he will be able to fix motorcycle. Dealer stated " motorcycle" had to be sent to the manufacturer in kansas, to complete the recall. Manufacturer will return motorcycle when there was enough to load a truck to bring them back, this might take another month. *Ak
Oil leaks, has been leaking under the motorcycle for about three weeks. Dealer has attempted to repair the problem twice, but it is still leaking. Dealer did not identify the failed component to the consumer. *Ak
Bigdog Chopper: every year compared
All Chopper years2003 Bigdog Chopper vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Bigdog Chopper | 11 | 3 | C | |
| 2003 Bigdog BDM | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Bigdog Chopper
Does the 2003 Bigdog Chopper have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Bigdog Chopper: kickstand / center stand (November 2004); frame and members (December 2003); mounting (June 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Bigdog Chopper?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (7), fuel system (1), wheels & tires (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Bigdog Chopper had?
11 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 4, 2003 and the latest on June 20, 2005. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Bigdog Chopper a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 47 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Bigdog Chopper year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Bigdog Chopper years have the most complaints?
2003 (11), 2004 (7), 2005 (3). See every Bigdog Chopper year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Bigdog Chopper has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data