NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Bigdog Chopper Recalls & Complaints

The 2005 Bigdog Chopper has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Bigdog dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Bigdog Chopper. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2005 Bigdog Chopper owner complaints

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Bigdog Chopper, describing incidents dated December 1, 2005 to June 16, 2006.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 1 complaint
Engine 1 complaint
Structure 1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Control 1 complaint
Wheels 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #10213282 · Filed December 31, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BIG DOG CHOPPER. THE CONTACT HAS HAD SIX LIFE THREATENING RECALLS CONSISTING OF THE WHEEL HUB NUT, COMPUTER HARNESS, SWING ARM PENDENT, IGNITION RELAY, KICK STAND SPRING, AND VOLTAGE REGULATOR. HE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES FOR ALL SIX RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN…
ODI #10161758 · Filed July 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE MOTORCYCLE SEEMS AS IF IT ATTEMPTED TO START ITSELF AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE BECAME WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CHANGED THE GASKETS AND GREASED THE CONNECTIONS TO STOP THE WATER FROM SHORTING OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.
ODI #10152027 · Filed March 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SPEEDOMETER INTERMITTENTLY PROVIDES AN INCORRECT READING. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. THEY DETERMINED THE MAGNETIC SENSOR ABOVE THE TRANSMISSION INTERFERES WITH THE SPEEDOMETER WHICH RESULTS IN THE INCORRECT READING. THE DEALER CLEANED THE MAGNETIC STRIP, BUT THE…

Read all 3 complaints

REAR FENDER STRUT BOLT

NHTSA #07V580000 · Structure — Body · NHTSA notice

Reported December 18, 2007 · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Potentially affected: 8,061 vehicles

Owners notified January 21, 2008 · Vehicles built September 10, 2004 – November 30, 2007 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR FENDER STRUT ATTACHING BOLTS CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE REAR FENDER TO DETACH FROM THE MOTORCYCLE.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN AN INJURY OR A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE EXISTING STRUT BOLTS AND REPLACE WITH HIGHER TENSILE STRENGTH ATTACHING BOLTS AND UPDATED WASHERS. HIGHER TORQUE VALUES WILL BE OBSERVED WHEN INSTALLING THE REPLACEMENT FASTENERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

PIVOT BOLT REPLACEMENT

NHTSA #06V389000 · Structure · NHTSA notice

Reported October 12, 2006 · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Potentially affected: 2,494 vehicles

Owners notified November 1, 2006 · Vehicles built September 10, 2004 – April 12, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE LONG PIVOT BOLT MAY BEND OR BREAK DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE MOTORCYCLE.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE REAR FENDER TO ABRADE AGAINST THE REAR TIRE WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LONG PIVOT BOLT AND, IF NECESSARY, STRAIGHTEN THE REAR FRAME SIDE PANEL. THE SHORT LEFT SIDE PIVOT BOLT AND PIVOT SHAFT MAY ALSO BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

ELECTRONIC HARNESS CONTROL (EHC) MODULE

NHTSA #06V305000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported August 11, 2006 · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Potentially affected: 2,101 vehicles

Owners notified September 19, 2006

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE ELECTRONIC HARNESS CONTROL (EHC) MODULE CAN FAIL RESULTING IN A TOTAL SHUT DOWN OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC POWER.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EHC MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

IGNITION MODULE BATTERY TRAY

NHTSA #06V301000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Module · NHTSA notice

Reported August 9, 2006 · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Potentially affected: 2,711 vehicles

Owners notified August 25, 2006 · Vehicles built September 10, 2004 – July 24, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE IGNITION MODULES ARE ORIENTED WITHIN THE BATTERY TRAY IN A WAY THAT MAKES THE IGNITION MODULE SUSCEPTIBLE TO VIBRATION.

Safety consequence

THIS SUSCEPTIBILITY TO VIBRATION MAY CONTRIBUTE TO A STALLING CONDITION THAT COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW IGNITION MODULE MOUNTING SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 25, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

KICKSTAND SPRING

NHTSA #06V019000 · Structure — Motorcycle — Kickstand/Center Stand · NHTSA notice

Reported January 25, 2006 · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Potentially affected: 9,726 vehicles

Owners notified February 17, 2006 · Vehicles built August 8, 2003 – January 13, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE KICKSTAND SPRING MAY STRETCH AND DETACH FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET OR THE KICKSTAND.

Safety consequence

THIS WILL ALLOW THE KICKSTAND TO DEPLOY INTO THE EXTENDED POSITION AND CAUSE A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW KICKSTAND SPRING FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 17, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

REAR WHEEL HUB BOLTS

NHTSA #05V432000 · Wheels — Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · NHTSA notice

Reported September 28, 2005 · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Potentially affected: 3,294 vehicles

Owners notified October 14, 2005 · Vehicles built September 20, 2004 – June 1, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR WHEEL HUB BOLTS COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT ALLOWING THE HUB AND BRAKE ROTOR TO DETACH FROM THE WHEEL WITH AN ASSOCIATED LOSS OF STOPPING POWER.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE, CLEAN AND REATTACH THE REAR HUB BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 1-312-267-9121.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

PRIMARY DRIVE SPROCKET NUT

NHTSA #05V149000 · Power Train · NHTSA notice

Reported April 14, 2005 · BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES, LLC

Potentially affected: 1,418 vehicles

Owners notified May 13, 2005 · Vehicles built August 1, 2004 – January 22, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE PRIMARY DRIVE SPROCKET NUT MAY BACK OFF THE ENGINE MAIN SHAFT.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE PRIMARY DRIVE TO LOCK UP AND CAUSE A CRASH. THIS CONDITION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT ANY PRIOR WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DRIVE SPROCKET NUT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BIG DOG AT 316-267-9121.

Notes

CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2005 Bigdog Chopper. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

3 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Bigdog Chopper.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Wheels; Structure

ODI #10213282

Incident: December 1, 2005 · Filed: December 31, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BIG DOG CHOPPER. THE CONTACT HAS HAD SIX LIFE THREATENING RECALLS CONSISTING OF THE WHEEL HUB NUT, COMPUTER HARNESS, SWING ARM PENDENT, IGNITION RELAY, KICK STAND SPRING, AND VOLTAGE REGULATOR. HE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES FOR ALL SIX RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP BEING REPAIRED. HE STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED TO RECTIFY THE FAILURES AND HAS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,500.

Electrical System

ODI #10161758

Incident: June 16, 2006 · Filed: July 7, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE MOTORCYCLE SEEMS AS IF IT ATTEMPTED TO START ITSELF AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE BECAME WET. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CHANGED THE GASKETS AND GREASED THE CONNECTIONS TO STOP THE WATER FROM SHORTING OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #10152027

Incident: February 25, 2006 · Filed: March 6, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SPEEDOMETER INTERMITTENTLY PROVIDES AN INCORRECT READING. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. THEY DETERMINED THE MAGNETIC SENSOR ABOVE THE TRANSMISSION INTERFERES WITH THE SPEEDOMETER WHICH RESULTS IN THE INCORRECT READING. THE DEALER CLEANED THE MAGNETIC STRIP, BUT THE PROBLEM RETURNED.

Other Bigdog Chopper model years

Check your 2005 Bigdog Chopper VIN

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