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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2013

Harley-Davidson Softail recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 49 owner complaints for the Harley-Davidson Softail, covering model years 1995 to 2013. The 2000 and 2003 model years drew the most complaints (7 each), 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 Softail VIN

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

  • 8 recall campaigns on file
  • 49 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 17 model years with data (1995–2013)
  • most complaints: 2000, 2003 (7 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine and Engine Cooling (10 complaints)
  • latest recall 14V794000 (reported Dec 16, 2014)
  • 3 complaints reporting a crash (6.1%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (2.0%)
  • 3 complaints reporting an injury (6.1%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Harley-Davidson Softail complaints by model year

16 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2000 and 2003 model years share the highest count, 7 complaints each. Next come 2002 (4) and 2004 (4). The fewest are for 2013, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Harley-Davidson Softail owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2013Column chart of 49 complaints across 19 model years. The highest are 2000, 2003 with 7 each. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 3 complaints319951996: 3 complaints319961997: 1 complaint119971998: 3 complaints319981999: 0 complaints19992000: 7 complaints720002001: 2 complaints220012002: 4 complaints420022003: 7 complaints720032004: 4 complaints420042005: 4 complaints420052006: 0 complaints20062007: 2 complaints220072008: 1 complaint120082009: 0 complaints20092010: 1 complaint120102011: 3 complaints320112012: 3 complaints320122013: 1 complaint12013
Show the figures for all 16 model years
Harley-Davidson Softail complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Harley-Davidson Softail complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199531000
199630000
199710000
199831010
200070000
200120000
200240000
200371120
200440000
200540000
200720000
200810000
201010000
201130000
201230000
201310000
All model years493130

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

Most-reported Harley-Davidson Softail components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often, in 10 complaints (20.4% of all 49), followed by Fuel System, Gasoline (7) and Power Train (6).

Components named most often in Harley-Davidson Softail complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Harley-Davidson Softail complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling1020.4%
Fuel System, Gasoline714.3%
Power Train612.2%
Electrical System48.2%
Wheels48.2%
Engine36.1%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic36.1%
Suspension36.1%
Equipment24.1%
Exterior Lighting24.1%
Steering24.1%
Structure24.1%
Tires24.1%
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility12.0%
Unknown or Other12.0%

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 Softail recalls

8 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Softail, newest first. The 8 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2012. The 2005 model year appears in the most campaigns (2).

  • 8 recall campaigns
Harley-Davidson Softail 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
1995: 1 campaign1996: 1 campaign1997: 1 campaign1998: 1 campaign1999: 1 campaign
2000: no campaigns2001: no campaigns2002: no campaigns2003: no campaigns2004: 1 campaign2005: 2 campaigns2006: no campaigns2007: 1 campaign2008: no campaigns2009: no campaigns
2010: no campaigns2011: 1 campaign2012: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 14V794000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder

    Model year 2012

    Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2012 FXST103, FLSTC, FLSTC103, FLSTF, FLSTF103, FXDL, FXDWG, FXDWG103, FXDC, FXDB, FLSTN, FLSTN103, FLSTC103Shrine, FLSTFB, FLSTFB103, FXS, FXS103, FLS, FLS103, FLD, FLD103, FXDF, and FXDF103 Dyna and Softail motorcycles manufactured August 22, 2011, through February 24, 2012. In the affected motorcycles, the threads for the brake line banjo bolt in the front brake master cylinder may corrode.

    Consequence:
    If the threads corrode, a sudden loss of brake fluid could result, causing a loss of the front brakes, and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush and inspect the front brake master cylinder and, if necessary, replace the master cylinder, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 22, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0163 and 0164.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 11V037000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model year 2011

    Harley-Davidson is recalling certain model year 2011 Softail motorcycles manufactured from June 7, 2010 through October 8, 2010. The body control modules (BCM) installed on these motorcycles (part numbers 69991-11 and 69993-11) have a case that may not have been properly sealed during production. An improper seal may allow water intrusion into the BCM which may cause engine stall.

    Consequence:
    An engine stall while in traffic can result in a crash, which could lead to injury or death to the rider.
    Remedy:
    Harley-Davidson will notify owners and dealers will replace the BCM free of charge. The safety recall began on February 21, 2011. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 07V173000

    Reported

    Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery › Cables

    Model year 2007

    Certain motorcycles were built with a condition that permits the positive battery cable to contact a weld bead on the oil tank. This may cause the weld bead to abrade through the insulation on the cable and cause an electrical short from the battery through the oil tank and oil lines.

    Consequence:
    This could lead to an oil leak and/or possible fire, which could result in injury or death to the rider.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a battery caddy that will protect the cable and ensure proper cable routing. This recall began on May 4, 2007. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4080.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 04V607000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Carburetor System

    Model year 2005

    Certain motorcycles may have been produced with defective fuel shut-off valves. The functionality of the 'on' position and the 'reserve' position of the valve may have been reversed.

    Consequence:
    If the bike were operating with the valve in the 'on' position, the bike could run out of fuel, the expected fuel reserve will not be available. This could lead to the driver running out of gas without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the fuel valve and replace it, if necessary. The recall began February 7, 2005. Owners should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4080.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  5. NHTSA campaign 04V465000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model years 2004–2005

    On certain motorcycles, a condition occurs that could allow pressure to build up in the fuel tank. On fuel injected vehicles, this condition could cause fuel to spray out unexpectedly when the fuel cap is removed. On carbureted vehicles, excessive fuel could be transferred to the carburetor, which would eventually allow fuel to drip from the air cleaner.

    Consequence:
    These situations could cause serious personal injury or create a fire hazard for persons or property on or near the motorcycle.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will test each canister for blockage, then replace as necessary. The recall began November 4, 2004. Owners should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  6. 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

  7. NHTSA campaign 97V227000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages

    Model year 1998

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. The rear brake pedal assembly may have an inadequate weld.

    Consequence:
    This condition can allow the lever hub to separate from the master cylinder lever which would affect rear brake performance.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will perform the recall service on these vehicles.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  8. NHTSA campaign 96V204000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System

    Model years 1995–1997

    The effects of reformulated gasoline along with certain usage of the fuel supply valve affects the supply of gasoline to the carburetor. This condition requires two factors: (1) the use of reformulated fuels containing mbte and (2) starting the motorcycle with the fuel valve handle in the off position.

    Consequence:
    This condition can cause the fuel flow to be unpredictable thus causing the engine to shut down increasing the risk of a motorcycle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers the replace the diaphragm in the fuel valve.

    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 Softail questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Harley-Davidson Softail have?

NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recall campaigns for the Harley-Davidson Softail, covering model years 1995 to 2013. The most recent, 14V794000, was reported on December 16, 2014 and is filed under “Service brakes, hydraulic”. The 2005 model year is covered by the most campaigns (2).

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

The 2000 and 2003 model years tie, with 7 complaints each out of 49. The next are 2002 (4) and 2004 (4). 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 Softail complaint?

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often: 10 complaints, or 20.4% of all 49. Fuel System, Gasoline (7) and Power Train (6) 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 Softail?

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 Softail complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 49 complaints, 3 report a crash, 1 a fire, 3 at least one injury and 0 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.