2003 Honda VTX1300: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (35% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
35
owner complaints
0
fire reports
8,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest VTX1300 years (#5 of 5 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reportsNo recall campaignsWeak spot: steering (35%)Problems reported early (median 8,000 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)35% · 12 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)21% · 7 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)15% · 5 complaints
Wheels (wheels, lug nuts, bearings)9% · 3 complaints
Tires9% · 3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)3% · 1 complaint
“Bad wobble in steering/bearing between 30 and 50 mph. When this is going on in a curve you nearly loose control it convulsive wobble grows. Not hard to find numerous complaints about this condition even on these bikes right from the dealer. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2012
“I am the owner of a 2003 honda vt1300s. This motorcycle has a deceleration "wobble" at 35-45 mph. It is felt at the handlebars even while having both hands on them. Many vtx owners I know have the same problem. I'm concerned about this issue because it really feels as if the steering head would come loose at any point and also it's dangerous when riding on certain roads. It also shows uneven tire wear on the front tire. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2006
“2003 honda vtx 1`300s front frok wobble as bike slows down. The severity changes as the speed decreases. The problem has existed since I purchased the bike with 9,000 miles on it. It now has 19,000 and the wobble shows no signs of going away. *nm”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“Rear flange bearing in vtx 1300 came apart, looked at bearing while changing rear tire. Replace 2004 and 2003 vtx s bearing while changing rear tire. Replace bearing # 91052-kz4-j21. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2006
“Vehicle - 2003 honda vtx s/r model problem is front end wobble at 45-35 mph when decelerating. I replaced front and rear tires at just over 9000 miles. Before I replaced the front tire the wobble was getting worse. After I replaced the front tire I noticed that the wobble is gone but I can still feel a very slight side to side vibration in the handlebars. *nm”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2005
“The dunlop tires on my motorcycle have "c" shaped cuts in them. I am on my 2nd set of tires with this defect in my tire. I have been told the tired did not "laminate" properly. I tried to resolve this with dunlop but had no success and can not afford to replace the tires again as they are making me pay for the defective tires. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2005
“The speedometer on this vehicle is off about 10 percent, reading on the high side. This is a safety concern as the necessary constant mental calculations are a distraction while driving in busy traffic. Driving according to the indicated speed puts one at very increased danger of being rear-ended while obstructing traffic. There is also the legal liability of incorrectly adjusting for the indicated speed.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2004
“Wobble or shaking in the front forks of my 2003 honda vtx 1300 at 40-45 mph. Dealer says he can find no problem. This is a continuous problem, not specific to any one date. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2004
“Honda vtx motorcycles have a front end wobble that can lead to an accident. Motorcycle shakes almost uncontrolable at lower speeds. Fornt end and tire wobble.”Owner report · Jun 2004
“Have front end wobble on honda vtx 1300 03 at 40mph very unsafe honda says they have never heard of this and dont seam to want to do anything about it.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2004
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2003 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Cylinders2
FuelGasoline
TransmissionManual/Standard
Body stylesMotorcycle - Cruiser
How other years compare
Check your exact VTX1300 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2003 Honda VTX1300 reliable?
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Honda VTX1300. The most complained-about area is steering (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Honda VTX1300 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 8,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.