Skip to content
VINDecoder360
Menu

NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1999–2016

Harley-Davidson FXDL recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 33 owner complaints for the Harley-Davidson FXDL, covering model years 1999 to 2016. The 2003 model year drew the most complaints (7), and Engine and Engine Cooling is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Harley-Davidson FXDL VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 10 recall campaigns on file
  • 33 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 12 model years with data (1999–2016)
  • most complaints: 2003 (7 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine and Engine Cooling (8 complaints)
  • latest recall 16V283000 (reported May 10, 2016)
  • 3 complaints reporting a crash (9.1%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (3.0%)
  • 2 complaints reporting an injury (6.1%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a death (3.0%)

Harley-Davidson FXDL complaints by model year

10 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2003 model year has the most complaints: 7 of 33, or 21.2%. Next come 2008 (6) and 2009 (5). The fewest are for 2016, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Harley-Davidson FXDL owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1999–2016Column chart of 33 complaints across 18 model years. The highest is 2003 with 7. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1999: 3 complaints319992000: 3 complaints320002001: 3 complaints320012002: 0 complaints20022003: 7 complaints720032004: 1 complaint120042005: 0 complaints20052006: 0 complaints20062007: 1 complaint120072008: 6 complaints620082009: 5 complaints520092010: 0 complaints20102011: 0 complaints20112012: 0 complaints20122013: 0 complaints20132014: 3 complaints320142015: 0 complaints20152016: 1 complaint12016
Harley-Davidson FXDL complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Harley-Davidson FXDL complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199930000
200030000
200131110
200371011
200410000
200710000
200860000
200950000
201431000
201610000
All model years333121

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Harley-Davidson FXDL components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often, in 8 complaints (24.2% of all 33), followed by Electrical System (7) and Fuel System, Gasoline (5).

Components named most often in Harley-Davidson FXDL complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Harley-Davidson FXDL complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling824.2%
Electrical System721.2%
Fuel System, Gasoline515.2%
Power Train515.2%
Suspension412.1%
Engine39.1%
Fuel System, Other39.1%
Wheels39.1%
Exterior Lighting26.1%
Steering26.1%
Equipment13.0%
Fuel/Propulsion System13.0%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic13.0%
Unknown or Other13.0%
Vehicle Speed Control13.0%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Harley-Davidson FXDL recalls

10 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name FXDL, newest first. The 10 campaigns cover model years 1999 to 2016. The 1999, 2009 and 2014 model years appear in the most campaigns (2 each).

  • 10 recall campaigns
Harley-Davidson FXDL recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1999: 2 campaigns
2000: no campaigns2001: no campaigns2002: no campaigns2003: 1 campaign2004: no campaigns2005: no campaigns2006: 1 campaign2007: 1 campaign2008: 1 campaign2009: 2 campaigns
2010: no campaigns2011: no campaigns2012: no campaigns2013: no campaigns2014: 2 campaigns2015: 1 campaign2016: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 16V283000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model years 2014–2016

    Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014.5-2016 Dyna Low Rider motorcycles (FXDL 103) manufactured January 6, 2014 to April 7, 2016. In the affected motorcycles, engine vibrations may damage the ignition switch internally and, as a result, the engine may shut off while riding.

    Consequence:
    If the engine shuts off, the motorcycle would stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2016. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0168.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 14V413000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Software; Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model year 2014

    Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014.5 FXDL Dyna Low Rider motorcycles manufactured January 6, 2014, through June 19, 2014. In the affected motorcycles, certain optional performance electronic control module calibrations may allow higher engine rpms that could result in engine vibrations that cause the ignition switch to move from the "IGN" (ignition on) to "ACC" (accessory only) position, which will shut the engine off.

    Consequence:
    If the vibration causes the ignition switch to move to the accessory only position, the motorcycle would stall while riding, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine mount bracket assembly and ignition switch knob, free of charge. The recall began on July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 08V659000

    Reported

    Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/Center Stand

    Model year 2009

    Harley-Davidson is recalling 3,285 MY 2009 FXD, FXDF, FXDC, FXDL, and FXDB motorcycles. The jiffy stand spring anchor may have been built with a defective weld that may allow the jiffy stand assembly to not retract as intended.

    Consequence:
    This condition could lead to a crash which could cause injury or death to the rider.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will remove the original jiffy stand spring anchor and replace it with a new spring anchor free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about December 22, 2008. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 08V625000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage

    Model year 2009

    Harley-Davidson is recalling 349 MY 2009 FXDB, FXDC, FXDF, and FXDL motorcycles. These motorcycles have a fuel tank vent tube assembly, part No. 27389-04A, which may have been produced with a defective ultrasonic weld on the anti-slosh valve.

    Consequence:
    If the valve separates and the bike is tipped over, it may leak fuel. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the fuel vent tube assembly and, if necessary, replace it. The recall is expected to begin on or about December 8, 2008. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  5. NHTSA campaign 07V535000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe

    Model year 2008

    On certain motorcycles built and shipped to California, the catalytic muffler protective heat shield was not installed. This condition could allow direct contact with this muffler and cause injury.

    Consequence:
    If contact occurs while riding, it could cause loss of control of the motorcycle, leading to injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install the heat shields to the mufflers free of charge. The recall began on November 26, 2007. Owners may contact Harley Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  6. NHTSA campaign 07V025000

    Reported

    Tires

    Model year 2007

    Certain sportster and dyna model motorcycles were built with an incorrect front tire.

    Consequence:
    This incorrect tire could cause performance issues, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the front tire and replace it if necessary. The recall began on March 5, 2007. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  7. NHTSA campaign 05V537000

    Reported

    Power Train › Manual Transmission

    Model year 2006

    On certain motorcycles, the transmission may go into a false neutral position even though the neutral indicator light is illuminated.

    Consequence:
    The motorcycle could drop into gear unexpectedly and create the risk of a crash and injuries.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the shifter cam (drum), the detent arm, and the neutral switch with newly designed components. The recall began on December 12, 2005. Owner may contact rley davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  8. NHTSA campaign 04V218000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights

    Model year 2003

    On certain dyna, XL, and touring motorcycles, the tail light bulb can fall out of the socket.

    Consequence:
    The tail light and the brake light become inoperative, which could lead to a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the bulbs. Owner notification began on June 3, 2004. Owners should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  9. NHTSA campaign 99V200000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent fitting that could be plugged allowing the carburetor to overflow fuel.

    Consequence:
    This could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the fuel tank vent fitting and, if plugged, will correct this condition.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  10. NHTSA campaign 99V003000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. The engine cam bolt can lose its clamp load and/or break.

    Consequence:
    This condition can cause the engine to quit running with or without prior warning. In some instances, the engine could run erratically before quitting.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the engine cam bolts and washers.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Harley-Davidson FXDL questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Harley-Davidson FXDL have?

NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns for the Harley-Davidson FXDL, covering model years 1999 to 2016. The most recent, 16V283000, was reported on May 10, 2016 and is filed under “Electrical system”. The 1999, 2009 and 2014 model years are covered by the most campaigns (2 each).

Which Harley-Davidson FXDL model year has the most complaints?

The 2003 model year, with 7 of the 33 complaints in NHTSA’s file (21.2%). The next are 2008 (6) and 2009 (5). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Harley-Davidson FXDL complaint?

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often: 8 complaints, or 24.2% of all 33. Electrical System (7) and Fuel System, Gasoline (5) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Harley-Davidson FXDL?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Harley-Davidson dealer.

How many Harley-Davidson FXDL complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 33 complaints, 3 report a crash, 1 a fire, 2 at least one injury and 1 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Harley-Davidson models

8 models · most complaints first

The Harley-Davidson models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Harley-Davidson VIN decoder with every Harley-Davidson model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Harley-Davidson models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.