Recall data is one of the few fully objective reliability signals a used Harley buyer can check. Forum complaints are anecdotal; NHTSA recall campaigns are documented federal safety actions, each with a campaign number, an affected-VIN list, and a mandated free remedy. Our research desk pulled every NHTSA recall filed against Harley-Davidson models from 2017 through 2026 – the entire Milwaukee-8 and Revolution Max era – straight from the federal database, then analyzed what actually gets recalled, when, and on which bikes.
Key Takeaways
- 21 distinct recall campaigns were filed against 2017-2026 Harley models, touching 36+ model variants.
- Brakes – not the engine – are the most-recalled system. Hydraulic brake campaigns (5) outnumber engine and cooling campaigns (3). Most buyers worry about the wrong thing.
- The single widest-reaching action was the 2018 clutch recall (18V734000), covering 29 model-year combinations.
- Touring bikes appear in more recall campaigns than any other family – a function of volume and complexity, not necessarily worse engineering.
- Recalls never stopped: three separate campaigns were filed in 2026 alone, so even current-year bikes warrant a VIN check.
Recalls by year filed
Recall activity is steady rather than front-loaded. The early Milwaukee-8 launch years drew engine and clutch actions; later years shifted toward brakes, suspension, and steering.
Recall campaigns filed per year
Number of NHTSA campaigns first filed in each year, 2017-2026
Recalls by component: brakes lead, not the engine
This is the finding most buyers get wrong. The Milwaukee-8’s reputation centers on oil and heat, but the documented federal record is dominated by hydraulic brake actions.
Recall campaigns by affected system
Distinct campaigns grouped by the primary system NHTSA flagged
Which model families see the most recalls?
Counted as the number of distinct recall campaigns that touch at least one bike in each family:
| Model family | Campaigns |
|---|---|
| Touring | 12 |
| Softail / Cruiser | 6 |
| Adventure / Sportster S / Nightster | 5 |
| Sportster (XL) | 2 |
Touring’s lead reflects production volume and component count – more lighting, brakes, and electronics per bike – not a uniquely fragile platform.
Most-recalled individual models
| Model | Campaigns |
|---|---|
| Heritage Classic FLHCS | 11 |
| Low Rider ST FXLRST | 9 |
| Sportster S RH1250S | 9 |
| Tri Glide Ultra FLHTCUTG | 7 |
| Ultra Limited FLHTK | 7 |
| Street Glide FLHX | 7 |
| Road Glide FLTRX | 7 |
| Low Rider S FXLRS | 7 |
| Electra Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU | 6 |
| Street Glide Special FLHXS | 6 |
Every Harley recall, 2017-2026
The complete dataset. Each row is one NHTSA campaign; verify your specific VIN at the official lookup before buying.
Tap any campaign to read the official NHTSA summary, risk, and remedy.
17V33300022/05/2017Engine And Engine Cooling20177
Summary. 2017 Electric Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Police Road King (FLHP), Road King (FLHR), Road King Special (FLHRXS), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), and Road Glide Special (FLTRXS) motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, a clamp used to secure an engine oil cooler line may have been improperly installed.
Risk. The incorrectly installed clamp may result in the engine oil cooler line detaching, causing a sudden loss of oil, potentially into the path of the rear tire, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the oil cooler line clamps, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2017. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0170.
18V73400018/10/2018Power Train2017-201819
Summary. 2017-2018 Police Road King (FLHP), Road King (FLHR), Road King Special (FLHRXS), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited Shrine (FLHTK SHRINE), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Freewheeler (FLRT), Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG), CVO Limited (FLHTKSE) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE) motorcycles, 2017 Softail Slim S (FLSS), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS) and CVO Pro Street Breakout (FXSE) motorcycles, 2018 115th Anniversary Ultra Limited (FLHTK ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide (FLHX ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide Special (FLHXS ANX), 115th Anniversary Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG ANV), 115th Anniversary CVO Limited (FLHTKSE ANV) and CVO Road Glide (FLTRXSE) motorcycles. The secondary clutch actuator cylinder may leak fluid internally and the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch.
Risk. If the clutch cannot be disengaged it can result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a new secondary clutch actuator piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0173.
18V92700021/12/2018Service Brakes, Hydraulic2017-20193
Summary. 2016-2019 Street 500 (XG500), Street 750 (XG750), and 2017-2019 Street 750A (XG750A) motorcycles. The brake calipers may corrode internally after exposure to certain driving environments such as coastal regions or road salt, resulting in increased brake drag.
Risk. Excessive brake drag can increase the risk of crash.
Remedy. Harley-Davidson has notified owners, and dealers will install new front and rear brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0174.
19V57400005/08/2019Visibility2017-20195
Summary. Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles, including 2017-2019 FLHTCU, FLHTCUL, FLHTK ANV, FLHTKL, FLTRU, FLHTK, and 2016-2019 FLHTKSE, FLHTKSE ANV, and FLTRUSE models equipped with a Harley-Davidson Detachable Tour-Pak Luggage Conversion Kit (Part numbers 53000291, 53000291A, and 53000567). The kit did not include replacement rear red reflectors for the ones that are eliminated by installing this kit. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk. Without the rear red reflectors, the motorcycle has reduced visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Harley-Davidson has notified owners, and dealers will install the replacement reflectors, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0629.
19V84300022/11/2019Traction Control System2019-20202
Summary. Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2019-2020 FLHTCUTG, and FLRT Trike motorcycles. The Trike Traction Control System software may respond incorrectly to a faulty rear wheel speed signal by activating one of the rear brakes.
Risk. Unintended activation of one rear brake could lead to an unexpected change in vehicle direction which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Harley-Davidson has notified owners, and dealers will update the traction control system software, free of charge. The recall began December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0175.
21V22500031/03/2021Exterior Lighting2019-20212
Summary. 2019-2021 Sportster (XL) motorcycles and 796 headlight assemblies that may have been sold as replacement parts for 2005-2019 Sportster, 2005-2017 Softail, 2005-2017 Dyna, and 2005-2011 V-Rod motorcycles. The glass bulb within the headlight assembly may fail, causing a loss of both high and low beams.
Risk. A loss of both headlight beams can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a headlamp bulb shield, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2021. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0177.
22V03000025/01/2022Electrical System20213
Summary. 2021 Pan America 1250S (RA1250S), Pan America 1250 (RA1250), and Sportster S (RH1250S) motorcycles. The instrument cluster module may not display the speedometer and neutral indicator at start-up when the module is below freezing temperatures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 123, "Motorcycle Controls and Displays."
Risk. Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will update the instrument cluster module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 8, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0631.
22V16000016/03/2022Service Brakes, Hydraulic20212
Summary. 2021-2022 XL1200X, XL883N, and 2021 XL1200NS XL Sportster motorcycles. The brake fluid warning labels may detach from the brake fluid reservoir caps. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems."
Risk. Missing brake fluid warning labels may lead to improper brake system maintenance, affecting brake performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Harley-Davidson will mail replacement labels to owners, free of charge. Owners may also take their motorcycles to a dealer for label inspection and replacement, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2022. Harley's number for this recall is 0632.
22V74500006/10/2022Steering20221
Summary. 2022 RH975 (Nightster) motorcycles. The handlebar clamp weld may be insufficient, potentially causing the handlebars to separate from the upper triple clamp.
Risk. If the handlebars separate from the upper triple clamp while the motorcycle is being operated, it could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect the handlebar clamp weld and replace the handlebar assembly if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 3, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0179.
22V78100018/10/2022Exterior Lighting2019-202211
Summary. 2019-2022 Trike and CVO Trike and 2020-2022 Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. Please refer to Addendum A for specific vehicle model details. Due to a software error, the brake lights may illuminate without the rider applying the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk. Unintended illumination of the brake lights may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will update the software on Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. On Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles, a new pressure switch will also be installed. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0635.
23V59100022/08/2023Suspension2018-20235
Summary. 2018-2019 FLDE, 2018-2021 FLHC, 2018-2023 FLHCS, 2018 and 2023 FLHCS ANV, 2020-2023 FXLRS, 2022-2023 FXLRST, and 2022 FXRST Softail motorcycles. A fastener securing the rear shock absorber may break and allow the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
Risk. A loss of tire pressure can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the shock absorber fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0181.
23V67200004/10/2023Service Brakes, Hydraulic20231
Summary. 2023 FLHXSE and FLTRXSE motorcycles. The rear brake line may not be secured properly, allowing it to chafe against the exhaust pipe, which can result in a brake fluid leak.
Risk. A brake fluid leak can reduce braking ability and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the rear brake line clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0184.
23V83600008/12/2023Engine And Engine Cooling20231
Summary. 2023 FLHXSE (Street Glide CVO) motorcycles. The motorcycle may react unexpectedly and become difficult to control when traveling at certain high speeds, especially on rough roads or through wind gusts.
Risk. A motorcycle that is difficult to control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will update the engine control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0185.
24V71900026/09/2024Equipment20181
Summary. 2018-2019 Softail FXBB Street Bob and 2018-2019 Softail FXLR Low Rider motorcycles. The front tire inflation pressure on the VIN label may be less than the stated front gross axle weight rating (GAWRs). As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, "Wheels and Rims – Other than Passenger Cars."
Risk. Incorrect tire pressure information may result in overloading the front tire, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Harley-Davidson will mail labels with installation instructions and owner's manual inserts to owners, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 13, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2024. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 414-343-4056. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0628.
24V67200016/09/2024Electrical System20244
Summary. 2024 FLHX, FLHXSE, FLTRX, FLTRXSE, and FLTRXSTSE motorcycles. The voltage regulator output wire may rub on the front corner of the crankcase, exposing the wire and causing an electrical short circuit. A short can result in a loss of electrical power and drive power.
Risk. The unexpected loss of drive power and the loss of electrical power while in motion increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect and as necessary, repair the voltage regulator output wire harness, and install a secondary retention strap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2024. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0186.
24V75300009/10/2024Service Brakes2022-20241
Summary. 2022 FXRST and 2022-2024 FXLRST motorcycles. The front brake lines may contact the fuel tank and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and a loss of front brake function.
Risk. A loss of front brake function can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect the brake lines and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson Customer Service at (414) 343-4056. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0187.
25V37500006/06/2025Suspension2018-20245
Summary. 2018-2024 Softail motorcycles. The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
Risk. A sudden loss of tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will install a new bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0188. Some of the vehicles included in this recall were previously repaired under recall 23V591, and will need to have the new remedy completed.
25V59000010/09/2025Steering2021-20241
Summary. RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
Risk. An upper triple clamp that fractures while the motorcycle is being operated could lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the upper triple clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 1, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0190.
26V07500009/02/2026Steering2021-20241
Summary. 2021-2026 RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
Risk. An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper triple clamp, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 19, 2026. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0191. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V590. Motorcycles that were repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy performed.
26V27000028/04/2026Engine And Engine Cooling2024-20252
Summary. 2024-2026 FLTRX, FLHX, 2025-2026 FXBR, FLFB, 2025 FLHXU, 2026 FLTRXL, FLTRT, FLHXL, and FLHLT motorcycles built with an Airbox Baseplate (part number 29000373). The airbox backplate breather port may be blocked, allowing pressure to build up inside the crankcase.
Risk. When the dipstick is removed while the crankcase is pressurized, oil may eject from the fill spout, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect the breather port, and if the port is blocked, repair the blockage, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 14, 2026. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov April 16, 2025. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0193.
26V23400013/04/2026Service Brakes, Hydraulic20252
Summary. 2025-2026 FLHC, FXBB, FXLRS, and FXLRST Softail motorcycles. The rear brake line may contact the Body Control Module (BCM), resulting in a hole in the brake line, a brake fluid leak, and loss of the rear brakes.
Risk. Loss of the rear brakes increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Harley-Davidson will replace the BCM caddy and associated hardware, free of charge. In addition, the rear brake line will be inspected and, if damaged, will be replaced along with associated parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 27, 2026. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov April 16, 2025.
What this means if you’re buying a used Harley
A recall in this dataset is not a reason to avoid a model – Harley fixed every one of these free of charge. The risk is buying a bike whose recall was never completed by a previous owner. Before you hand over money:
- Decode the VIN and check open recalls and model details first.
- Confirm any applicable campaign above shows as remedied at a dealer.
- Treat brake and clutch campaigns as must-fix safety items, not optional.
Frequently asked questions
How many Harley-Davidson recalls were there from 2017 to 2026?
There were 21 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns filed against Harley-Davidson models from 2017 through 2026, the Milwaukee-8 and Revolution Max era, touching 36+ model variants. Counts reflect distinct federal campaigns rather than individual affected units.
What is the most common Harley-Davidson recall?
Hydraulic brake system campaigns are the most common, with 5 recalls – more than engine and cooling recalls (3). This surprises many buyers who expect the Milwaukee-8 engine to be the main concern, but the documented federal record is led by brakes.
Which Harley model has the most recalls?
Touring models appear in the most recall campaigns overall, driven by their production volume and higher component count rather than uniquely poor engineering. Among individual models, the Heritage Classic, Low Rider ST, and Sportster S carry the most campaign overlaps.
Does a recall mean a Harley is unreliable?
No. A recall is a documented safety action that Harley-Davidson repairs free of charge, and a completed recall is a non-issue. The real risk when buying used is an open, unremedied recall a previous owner never had fixed. Always verify recall status by VIN before purchase.
How do I check if a used Harley has an open recall?
Decode the bike’s VIN and run it through the official NHTSA recall lookup or a Harley VIN decoder. This shows any open recall campaigns and whether they have been remedied. Confirm completion at a Harley dealer before buying.
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