NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 Suzuki SV1000S Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 Suzuki SV1000S has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 27 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Suzuki dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Suzuki SV1000S. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2003 Suzuki SV1000S owner complaints

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Suzuki SV1000S, describing incidents dated February 12, 2006 to June 4, 2019.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 19 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 6 complaints
Engine 1 complaint
Power Train 1 complaint
Suspension 1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Control 1 complaint

Of the 27 complaints on file, 3 report a crash; across all 27 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11217862 · Filed June 4, 2019
MOTORCYCLE WOULD NOT CHARGE BATTERY AND COMPLETELY DIED BECAUSE OF IT ONE DAY. OPENED UP MAGNETO COVER AND FOUND THE ROTOR MAGNETS HAD DISINTEGRATED. RUINED THE ROTOR AND MAGNETO AND ONLY HAD 17,000 MILES ON IT. CLEANING UP BITS OF MAGNET ALL AROUND THE CRANK AND INSIDE THE ENGINE.
ODI #10468213 · Filed July 30, 2012
IN MID RIDE I WAS APPROACHING A LOW SPEED CORNER AT THE END OF A HIGH SPEED STRAIGHT AWAY. I TRIED TO PULL MY CLUTCH HANDLE IN TO BEGIN TO BRAKE AND DOWNSHIFT AND THE CLUTCH HANDLE HAD NO RESISTANCE AT ALL. COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM. UNABLE TO TAKE THE DRIVE PRESSURE OFF THE…
ODI #10428379 · Filed October 3, 2011
MY SUZUKI SV1000S HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START THE MOTORCYCLE IN MY GARAGE IN MAY OF 2011. I TURNED THE SWITCH AND NOTHING CAME ON. I CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH IT. MYSTERIOUSLY, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED WORKING SEVERAL…

Read all 27 complaints

AFTERMARKET BRAKE LEVERS

NHTSA #08E052000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported August 15, 2008 · MOTION PRO, INC.

Potentially affected: 10,000 vehicles

Owners notified September 11, 2008

Defect description

MOTION PRO IS RECALLING 10,000 AFTERMARKET BRAKE LEVERS, MODEL NO. 14-0415, SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MY 1999 THROUGH 2008 SUZUKI AND MY 1998 THROUGH 2003 YAMAHA MOTORCYCLES. THE LOBE HEIGHT ON SOME OF THESE LEVERS ARE SMALLER AND DO NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE THE STOMP LAMP SWITCH WHICH WILL NOT DEACTIVATE WHEN THE DRIVER RELEASES THE BRAKE LEVER. THE LEVER CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE MARKING "JY 378" AT THE BASE OF THE LEVER NEAR THE PIVOT BUSHING.

Safety consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE STOP LAMP WILL REMAIN ON WHICH COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

MOTION PRO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MOTION PRO AT 1-877-438-7831.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET MOTION PRO BRAKE LEVERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON SUZUKI OR YAMAHA MOTORCYCLES.CUSTOMERS MAY 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.

FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT/MOTORCYCLES

NHTSA #06V013000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported January 18, 2006 · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Potentially affected: 4,841 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 2086 · Owners notified February 3, 2006 · Vehicles built February 1, 2003 – May 31, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN CALIFORNIA-SPECIFICATION MODEL MOTORCYCLES, REPEATED STRESS FROM VIBRATION CAN CAUSE A CRACK TO FORM IN THE AREA WHERE THE LIQUID/VAPOR SEPARATOR BRACKET IS WELDED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS CAN ALLOW FUEL LEAKAGE TO OCCUR.

Safety consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 3, 2006. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 714-572-1490.

Notes

SUZUKI RECALL NO. 2086.CUSTOMERS MAY 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 2003 Suzuki SV1000S. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

27 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Suzuki SV1000S.

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11217862

Incident: June 4, 2019 · Filed: June 4, 2019

MOTORCYCLE WOULD NOT CHARGE BATTERY AND COMPLETELY DIED BECAUSE OF IT ONE DAY. OPENED UP MAGNETO COVER AND FOUND THE ROTOR MAGNETS HAD DISINTEGRATED. RUINED THE ROTOR AND MAGNETO AND ONLY HAD 17,000 MILES ON IT. CLEANING UP BITS OF MAGNET ALL AROUND THE CRANK AND INSIDE THE ENGINE.

Power Train; Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #10468213

Crash 1 injury

Incident: July 26, 2012 · Filed: July 30, 2012

IN MID RIDE I WAS APPROACHING A LOW SPEED CORNER AT THE END OF A HIGH SPEED STRAIGHT AWAY. I TRIED TO PULL MY CLUTCH HANDLE IN TO BEGIN TO BRAKE AND DOWNSHIFT AND THE CLUTCH HANDLE HAD NO RESISTANCE AT ALL. COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM. UNABLE TO TAKE THE DRIVE PRESSURE OFF THE REAR TIRE THE BIKE LOST TRACTION IN THE REAR AND LOWSIDED THE BIKE INTO A 6 FOOT DITCH AT AROUND 60 TO 70 MPH. I RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES THANKS TO MY GEAR BUT INJURIES NONE THE LESS. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS AND ALL OF THEM HAVE STATED THAT HYDRO CLUTCHES ARE DEATH TRAPS. AND ALMOST ALL OF THEM SAID TO GET A CABLE CLUTCH CONVERSION KIT ASAP. NO I KNOW WHY. THIS IS A RESULT OF SUZUKI MOTORS OUTSOURCING THEIR WORK TO CHEAP LABOR AND NOT CHECKING TO MAKE SURE THEIR PARTS ARE WITHIN THE TOLERANCES THAT WERE SET FOR THAT PART. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT SUZUKI NEEDS TO SUSPEND PRODUCTION ON ALL SV1000 BIKES AND ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX ALL THE PARTS THAT HAVE BEEN POORLY MADE WITH UNSAFE RESULTS. THE FLYWHEEL ROTORS LOSE THE MAGNETS ON ALMOST EVERY 2003 SV1000 AND ITS BEGINNING TO EFFECT UP TO THE 05 MODELS. I AM ON 2 DIFFERENT FORUMS FOR THIS BIKE THAT ARE INTERNATIONAL FORUMS THE FLYWHEEL MAGNETS ARE THE SECOND MOST COMMON FAILURE FROM SUZUKI JUST BEHIND THE PISS POOR JOB ON THE CLUTCH BASKET HUB BEARING. NOW THE FUEL TANKS ARE KNOWN TO RANDOMLY BURST INTO FLAMES WHEN THE FUEL LINE LEAKS UNDER THE TANK. THIS BIKE SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM MARKET UNTIL SUZUKI CAN GET IT RIGHT. THESE BIKES ARE DEATH TRAPS WAITING TO VIBRATE LOOSE ON YOU IN MID RIDE. PERSONALLY I WOULD LIKE IT IF SUZUKI GAVE ME A NEW BIKE LIKE A GSX OR GSXR SINCE MY BIKE IS TOTALED BECAUSE THEIR STOCK EQUIPMENT FAILED TO WORK AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO. AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS NOT GOING TO COVER THE DAMAGE TO MY BIKE. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10428379

Incident: May 9, 2011 · Filed: October 3, 2011

MY SUZUKI SV1000S HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO START THE MOTORCYCLE IN MY GARAGE IN MAY OF 2011. I TURNED THE SWITCH AND NOTHING CAME ON. I CHECKED THE BATTERY AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH IT. MYSTERIOUSLY, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED WORKING SEVERAL DAYS LATER. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 3 TIMES. ON 09/26/2011, I WAS RIDING WITH MY 12-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER ON A BUSY 2-LANE ROAD. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL EVENING (5 PM, SUNNY, ABOUT 85 DEGREES). WE WERE APPROACHING A STOP SIGNAL (SPEED APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH). THE CLUTCH WAS ENGAGED AND I WAS LIGHTLY APPLYING FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. THE MOTORCYCLE LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER WHILE WE WERE STILL MOVING. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, THE POWER WAS RESTORED AS MYSTERIOUSLY AS IT LEFT. PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS AS THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT POSTED ONLINE. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURY OR THE LOSS OF LIFE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10405603

Incident: May 10, 2011 · Filed: June 8, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUZUKI SV1000S MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING ONTO THE MOTOR AND OVERFLOWING INTO THE CHARCOAL CANISTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE LIQUID SEPARATOR BRACKET INSIDE THE FUEL TANK AND UNDERNEATH, THE SEAMS WERE SEPARATED. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEFECTIVE FUEL TANK WAS SENT TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED WHO CONFIRMED DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE MOTORCYCLE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V013000 ( FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,071 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,245.

Electrical System

ODI #10330385

Incident: May 13, 2010 · Filed: May 14, 2010

TOTAL LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER DUE TO A FAULTY CONNECTION BETWEEN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE MAIN IGNITION RELAY. THIS RESULTS IN LOSS OF LIGHTS, INSTRUMENTS, AND IGNITION POWER. THE ENGINE STALLS AND CAN EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND INJURIES. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10293232

Incident: November 9, 2009 · Filed: November 23, 2009

CONNECTOR FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH TO WIRING HARNESS OVERHEATED AND THE CONNECTOR NO LONGER HELP THE WIRES TOGETHER FOR THE IGNITION. TURN THE KEY - NO POWER AT ALL TO THE BIKE. I HAVE READ ABOUT DOZENS OF RIDERS THIS HAS HAPPENED TO, SOME HAVE HAD ACCIDENTS AS A RESULT. LUCKILY I WASN'T IN MOTION WHEN THE POWER GAVE OUT. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10253725

Incident: November 14, 2008 · Filed: January 4, 2009

2003 SUZUKI SV1000, WILL NOT START, NO ELECTRIC AT ALL. MUST TAKE OFF SEAT & MOVE WIRES, THEN WILL START, IT DOES THIS EVERY TIME I TURN IT OFF. HAVE READ MANY POSTS ABOUT THE "GREEN CONNECTOR" MANY OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10240027

Incident: August 22, 2008 · Filed: August 28, 2008

ELECTRICAL HARNESS ON MY BIKE (SV1000S 2003) WENT BAD AND NO POWER IS GOING TO ANYTHING. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI #10239998

Incident: July 16, 2008 · Filed: August 27, 2008

MY SUZUKI SV 1000S 2003 # HAS A FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE WHICH CAN RESULT IN FIRE. I FOUND OUT ON THE SUZUKI WEBSITE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS KIND OF PROBLEM. I CONTACTED SUZUKI AND THEY SAID THE RECALL IS ONLY FOR CALIFORNIA MODELS AND MY BIKE IS NOT ONE OF THOSE. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK IS A CRACK IN THE AREA WHERE THE LIQUID/ VAPOR SEPARATOR BRACKET IS WELDED INSIDE THE TANK AND THE SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM WOULD BE A TANK FUEL REPLACEMENT, JUST LIKE IT SAYS ON RECALL ID# 32059 RECALL DATE JAN/18/06. MY QUESTION IS, IF THE PROBLEM ON MY BIKE IS EXACTLY THE SAME WHY MY MOTORCYCLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAME RECALL? THANKS ! WES MORAES. *TR

Electrical System

ODI #10224997

Incident: April 18, 2008 · Filed: April 19, 2008

2003 SV1000S LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER DUE TO A FAULTY GREEN IGNITION CONNECTOR LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE AIRBOX. THE GREEN CONNECTOR MELTED AT THE POSITIVE WIRE CAUSING LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER. HARD WIRED IT WITH SOLDER AND SHRINK TUBING SINCE I DON'T PLAN ON REMOVING THE IGNITION ANY TIME SOON. *TR

Other Suzuki SV1000S model years

Check your 2003 Suzuki SV1000S VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Suzuki SV1000S at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Suzuki VIN