Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Harley-Davidson XL problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

7 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

7,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1989 to 2005 model years. Data updated: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 7 complaints (28.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation114.3%
Braking behavior114.3%
Fuel system concerns114.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices
2
Electrical System
1
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
Fuel System, Gasoline
1
Latches/Locks/Linkages
1
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
1
Unknown Or Other
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices2
Electrical System1
Exterior Lighting:Headlights1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs1
Unknown Or Other1

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices: 2; Electrical System: 1; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 1; Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9990
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1998
1
2000
2
2003
1
2005
1
2006
1
2011
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19981
20002
20031
20051
20061
20111

1998: 1; 2000: 2; 2003: 1; 2005: 1; 2006: 1; 2011: 1

Pattern summary

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10392866 · 2011-03-25 (March 25, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XB (N/A). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE WIRES HAD BLOWN THE FUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 10,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10392866 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10138786 · 2005-10-06 (October 6, 2005)

DT: 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON WIDE GLIDE. THE FRONT FORKS WERE SO WEAK THAT THEY SAGGED WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS NOT BRAKING. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SPRINGS WERE TOO WEAK IN THE FORKS. THE CONSUMER FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. HE TRIED TO GET THE AFTER MARKET SPRINGS, BUT THEY WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THIS A WEEK AGOON SEPTEMBER 29, 2005. *AK UPDATED 03/09/06

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10138786 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1989
1
1990
2
1995
1
1996
1
1997
1
1998
0
1999
0
2005
1
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19891
19902
19951
19961
19971
19980
19990
20051

1989: 1; 1990: 2; 1995: 1; 1996: 1; 1997: 1; 1998: 0; 1999: 0; 2005: 1

Year-by-year records

Harley-Davidson XL model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
198901Not available
199002+1
199501Not available
1996010
1997010
199820-1
1999200
200531Not available
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

7 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

28.6%Usable mileage2 / 7 records
100.0%Valid incident date7 / 7 records
100.0%Valid filing date7 / 7 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates7 / 7 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199519961997199819992005
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2100.0%
ODI 716796

THE MIRROR STEM IS THE PROBLEM HERE. BECAUSE OF THE VIBRATION CAUSED BY THE ENGINE, THE HANDLE BARS VIRBRATE A LOT. THIS VIBRATION CAUSED MY MIRROR STEM TO SHEAR OFF. I BELONG TO A MOTORCYCLE CLUB WITH OVER 800 MEMBERS. WE ALL RIDE HARLEY SPORTSTERS AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MORE PEOPLE THAN I CAN COUNT. I HOPE YOU CAN GET HARLEY DAVIDSON TO RECALL THIS DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *AK

Look up ODI 716796 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 10021146 · 4,000 mi

1998, HARLEY DAVIDSON, XLH883 - BANK ANGLE SENSOR FAILURE CAUSING MOTORCYCLE TO QUIT SUDDENLY IN TRAFFIC...*AK

Look up ODI 10021146 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Exterior Lighting:Headlights
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 822543

HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTR 1998, THE HEADLIGHT MOUNT FELL OFF, IMPAIRING DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. DEALER HAS REPLACED MOUNT, BUT CANNOT ADJUST HEADLIGHT AND CANNOT SEE IN THE EVENING. *AK

Look up ODI 822543 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10392866 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XB (N/A). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE WIRES HAD BLOWN THE FUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Look up ODI 10392866 at NHTSA ↗

Latches/Locks/Linkages
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10176495

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FROM KENDON INDUSTRIES, 3711 E. LA PALMA AVE, ANAHEIM, CA 92806. THE TRAILER WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR A LONG BIKE (CHOPPER STYLE). THE FIRST TIME I USED THE TRAILER, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TIE DOWNS FOR THE BIKE AND COME LOOSE AND THE BIKE VERY NEARLY CAME LOOSE FROM THE TRAILER INTO HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC. KENDON TRAILERS HAVE A FRONT WHEEL MOUNTING UNIT THAT OPERATES IN A WAY THAT AS YOU MOVE THE MOTORCYCLE FORWARD INTO THE MOUNTING UNIT THE MOUNTING UNIT ROCKS FO…

Look up ODI 10176495 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10138786

DT: 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON WIDE GLIDE. THE FRONT FORKS WERE SO WEAK THAT THEY SAGGED WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS NOT BRAKING. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SPRINGS WERE TOO WEAK IN THE FORKS. THE CONSUMER FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. HE TRIED TO GET THE AFTER MARKET SPRINGS, BUT THEY WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THIS A WEEK AGOON SEPTEMBER 29, 2005. *AK UPDATED 03/09/06

Look up ODI 10138786 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10176495

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FROM KENDON INDUSTRIES, 3711 E. LA PALMA AVE, ANAHEIM, CA 92806. THE TRAILER WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR A LONG BIKE (CHOPPER STYLE). THE FIRST TIME I USED THE TRAILER, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TIE DOWNS FOR THE BIKE AND COME LOOSE AND THE BIKE VERY NEARLY CAME LOOSE FROM THE TRAILER INTO HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC. KENDON TRAILERS HAVE A FRONT WHEEL MOUNTING UNIT THAT OPERATES IN A WAY THAT AS YOU MOVE THE MOTORCYCLE FORWARD INTO THE MOUNTING UNIT THE MOUNTING UNIT ROCKS FO…

Look up ODI 10176495 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range4,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10021146 · 4,000 mi

1998, HARLEY DAVIDSON, XLH883 - BANK ANGLE SENSOR FAILURE CAUSING MOTORCYCLE TO QUIT SUDDENLY IN TRAFFIC...*AK

Look up ODI 10021146 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range10,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10392866 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XB (N/A). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE WIRES HAD BLOWN THE FUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Look up ODI 10392866 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 22 reports

1999: 2 complaints · 2005: 2 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
1999222
2005122
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
1999200
2005300

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentVisibility:Rearview Mirrors/DevicesElectrical SystemExterior Lighting:HeadlightsFuel System, GasolineLatches/Locks/LinkagesSuspension:Front:Springs:Coil SpringsUnknown Or Other
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices—000000
Electrical System0—00000
Exterior Lighting:Headlights00—0000
Fuel System, Gasoline000—000
Latches/Locks/Linkages0000—0
1
ODI 10176495

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FROM KENDON INDUSTRIES, 3711 E. LA PALMA AVE, ANAHEIM, CA 92806. THE TRAILER WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR A LONG BIKE (CHOPPER STYLE). THE FIRST TIME I USED THE TRAILER, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TIE DOWNS FOR THE BIKE AND COME LOOSE AND THE BIKE VERY NEARLY CAME LOOSE FROM THE TRAILER INTO HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC. KENDON TRAILERS HAVE A FRONT WHEEL MOUNTING UNIT THAT OPERATES IN A WAY THAT AS YOU MOVE THE MOTORCYCLE FORWARD INTO THE MOUNTING UNIT THE MOUNTING UNIT ROCKS FO…

Look up ODI 10176495 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs00000—0
Unknown Or Other0000
1
ODI 10176495

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FROM KENDON INDUSTRIES, 3711 E. LA PALMA AVE, ANAHEIM, CA 92806. THE TRAILER WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR A LONG BIKE (CHOPPER STYLE). THE FIRST TIME I USED THE TRAILER, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TIE DOWNS FOR THE BIKE AND COME LOOSE AND THE BIKE VERY NEARLY CAME LOOSE FROM THE TRAILER INTO HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC. KENDON TRAILERS HAVE A FRONT WHEEL MOUNTING UNIT THAT OPERATES IN A WAY THAT AS YOU MOVE THE MOTORCYCLE FORWARD INTO THE MOUNTING UNIT THE MOUNTING UNIT ROCKS FO…

Look up ODI 10176495 at NHTSA ↗

0—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 14.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 10,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10392866 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XB (N/A). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE WIRES HAD BLOWN THE FUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Look up ODI 10392866 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b