2003 Honda VTX1300 problems
Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Honda VTX1300. Steering is the most reported problem area, at 31% of complaints. After that come suspension (26%) and cruise control (12%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 42 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Steering 31% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 5,000 miles 24 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 22 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 0 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 0 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 24 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 5,000 miles.
None of these complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death. Its complaints are less severe on average than those of 100% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2003 ranks 3rd most-complained-about out of 5 model years of the Honda VTX1300 with enough data (38 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
The consumer experienced problems with the front end of his motorcycle. He stated that the motor cycle pops when it goes over any bumps or pot holes. He also stated that he took it to the dealer and was told that the manufacturer stated that this is normal for his bike. *nlm
The vehicle experienced a vibration on the front end of the motorcycle due to flat spot in the tire. The tire was replaced. The front rim had to be straightened. The consumer stated this was a result of page 202 in the owners manual. *scc
Consumer called about having problems with a motorcycle. While trying to make a left turn at 24 MPH, the rear tire fish-tailed. The driver almost lost control and got into an accident. He realized all the oil of the bike was splashed all over the pavement. Manufacturer was contacted and had the bike fixed but consumer does not feel that the motorcycle is safe.
There has been a wobble in the front of my 2003 honda vtx 1300 retro from the first day I owned it. I have had the wheels trued and new tires installed. It is better but it still wobbles. I have taken it to several dealers and the stock response is "we have never heard about a problem like this." or "honda says to hold onto your handle bars tighter." this is not acceptable from a company that has built it's reputation on quality. This is an ongoing issue.
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.