RecallMyCar

Harley-Davidson Sportster Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 59 owner complaints across 16 model years of the Harley-Davidson Sportster (1971–2008). The most-complained-about year is 2000.

6
safety recalls, all years
59
owner complaints, all years
1972
year with most recalls
2000
year with most complaints

Pick your Harley-Davidson Sportster model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints
2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster02
2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster01
2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster14
2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster08
2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster06
2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster06
2000 Harley-Davidson Sportster09
1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster16
1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster06
1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster01
1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster16
1992 Harley-Davidson Sportster01
1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster02
1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster01
1972 Harley-Davidson Sportster20
1971 Harley-Davidson Sportster10

What Harley-Davidson Sportster owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA. The 2000 model year has the most, with 9.

All Harley-Davidson Sportster recalls (6)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Harley-Davidson Sportster, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

  1. Carburetor system (fuel system)

    NHTSA 04V607000 Reported 9,501 vehicles potentially affected HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

    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.

    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.

    Model years: 2005

  2. Labels (equipment)

    NHTSA 98V267000 Reported 232 vehicles potentially affected HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. The certification label incorrectly indicates the front tire size as 100/90-19 57h instead of the corret designation mh90-21 56h. Also the certification labels do not contain the correct model designation. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles…

    Remedy: Owners will be provided with new certification labels and installation instructions. If an owner desires, their dealer can install the label for them.

    Model years: 1999

  3. Service brakes, hydraulic

    NHTSA 96V103000 Reported 251 vehicles potentially affected HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR CO.

    The seal on the rear master cylinder piston can move out of position.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear brake master cylinder.

    Model years: 1996

  4. Suspension

    NHTSA 72V186000 Reported 1,500 vehicles potentially affected HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR CO.

    Model years: 1972

  5. Suspension

    NHTSA 71V197000 Reported 1,600 vehicles potentially affected HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR CO.

    Model years: 1972

  6. Wheels

    NHTSA 71V091000 Reported 508 vehicles potentially affected HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR CO.

    Model years: 1971

Other Harley-Davidson models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.