Vehicle recall 03V494000 · December 2, 2003
Buell XB12S, XB9S and 1 more model
On certain motorcycles, the wire that provides power to the horn, due to misrouting, can become frayed from contact with the horn bracket mounting bolt.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- On certain motorcycles, the wire that provides power to the horn, due to misrouting, can become frayed from contact with the horn bracket mounting bolt. As a result, the horn wire may become exposed, and when the horn button is pushed, either the horn circuit fuse or the key switch fuse can blow.
- Consequence
- If the key switch fuse blows, the vehicle can stall, which could result in a crash. If the horn fuse blows, there will be a loss of power to the horn and rear brake light.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and correct the wire routing, if necessary. Owner notification began on December 23, 2003. Owners should contact buell at 1-414-342-4680.
- Notes
- Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 03V494000
- Reported to NHTSA
- December 2, 2003
- Filed by
- BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.
- Manufacturer campaign
- 0828
- Owner notification
- December 23, 2003
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 581
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Electrical system › Horn
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Buell XB12S (2004): 2004
- Buell XB9S (2004): 2004
- Buell XB9SL (2004): 2004
Has your Buell been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Buell dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.