1999 Harley-Davidson 1200: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
8 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1999 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 8 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 2 | 25.0% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 12.5% |
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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly:Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices | 1 |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior | 1 |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Interior | 1 |
Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar: 2; Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1; Power Train:Clutch Assembly:Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle): 1; Vehicle Speed Control: 1; Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices: 1; Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior: 1; Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Interior: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 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: 0; 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
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 8 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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2003 | 1 |
1999: 4; 2000: 3; 2003: 1
Pattern summary
Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10040155 · 2003-09-17 (September 17, 2003)
THE VEHICLE LEAKED GAS INTO THE ENGINE. PARTS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10040155 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 844316 · 1999-08-04 (August 4, 1999)
WHILE AT A GAS STATION AND GETTING READY TO LEAVE, CLUTCH CABLE POPPED OUT AND MOTORCYCLE TOOK OFF. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 844316 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 846294 · 1999-09-22 (September 22, 1999)
WHILE DRIVING THE LEFT MIRROR FELL OFF. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 846294 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 848332 · 1999-09-22 (September 22, 1999)
WHILE DRIVING 25-30 MPH OR WHEN PULLING OFF FROM A STOP, THE MOTORCYCLE JUST DIES.MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 848332 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 853583 · 1999-12-02 (December 2, 1999)
WHILE RIDING, SIDE MIRRIORS BROKE OFF, SWINGING BACK INTO THE DRIVER BEFORE HITTING THE GROUND. AFTER THESE MIRRIORS BRAKE OFF THE TURN SIGNALS ARE LEFT HANGING BECAUSE THEY WHERE ATTACHED TO THE MIRRIORS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 853583 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 858759 · 2000-03-17 (March 17, 2000)
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING STEERING YOKE :MOTORCYCLE & CONTACTED DEALER. INFORMED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE SINCE NOVEMBER. WAS ONLY GIVEN 3 REPAIR KITS FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 858759 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 860289 · 2000-04-13 (April 13, 2000)
99V290/ STEERING WHEEL HANDLE BARS: RECEIVED RECALL, AND UNABLE TO GET DEALER TO HONOR IT DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. NOTIFIED MANFACTURER, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NO PARTS WERE SENT TO DEALER BECAUSE DEALER DID NOT MAKE A REQUEST. DEALER MADE REQUEST, RECEIVED PARTS SHORTLY AFTER AND REPAIRED VEHICLE. PROBLEM RESOLVED. *AK *ML
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 860289 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 861753 · 2000-05-11 (May 11, 2000)
MOTORCYCLE'S REARVIEW MIRROR FLEW OFF, AND THE BOLT THAT HELD IT FELL OUT. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 861753 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
99V290000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Reported: 1999-10-28 (October 28, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE HANDLE BARS ON THESE MOTORCYCLES CAN BREAK.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE HANDLE BARS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
8 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
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 | 1996 | 1997 | 1999 | 2000 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 225.0%ODI 858759RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING STEERING YOKE :MOTORCYCLE & CONTACTED DEALER. INFORMED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE SINCE NOVEMBER. WAS ONLY GIVEN 3 REPAIR KITS FOR REPAIRS. *AK | 125.0%ODI 855813NHTSA RECALL 99V290000 AND MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 0100. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 250.0%ODI 10026713CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL STALL, AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1100.0%ODI 10243035 · 12,254 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200 SPORTSTER. WHILE RIDING 30 MPH, FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FORK TUBE SPLIT IN HALF. THE CALIPER CONNECTION POINT ALSO SNAPPED. THESE FAILURES CAUSED THE FRONT WHEEL TO LOCK UP AND THE BRAKE TO GO DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED INJURIES SUCH AS ROAD RASH ON BOTH ARMS, BRUISES ON HIS RIGHT HIP, MUSCLE SPASMS (FOR THREE DAYS AFTER), AND PAIN IN HIS LEFT HEEL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CALLED, BUT THERE WAS NO CORRESPONDENCE. THE MANUFACTU… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 116.7%ODI 10011659 · 1,500 miTHE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE MADE A NOISE WHEN APPLIED, ALSO THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT HOLD. *JB THE FRONT BRAKES MADE NOISE CONTINUOUSLY AND THERE WAS INADEQUATE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REAR BRAKES AND REMAIN A PROBLEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FACTORY WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ADDITIONAL PARTS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. (COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL PER DEALER AND OTHER HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALERS) *SCC |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 112.5% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 116.7%ODI 8019986WHILE RIDDING THE MOTORCYCLE, AT THE SPEED OF 50MPH THE LEFT MIRROR BROKE AND HIT THE CHEST LOOSING THE CONTROL. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. NLM |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 112.5%ODI 853583WHILE RIDING, SIDE MIRRIORS BROKE OFF, SWINGING BACK INTO THE DRIVER BEFORE HITTING THE GROUND. AFTER THESE MIRRIORS BRAKE OFF THE TURN SIGNALS ARE LEFT HANGING BECAUSE THEY WHERE ATTACHED TO THE MIRRIORS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 116.7%ODI 10021823CONSUMER IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SIDE MIRROR AFTER GIVEN THE REPAIR PARTS WHICH CAUSED THE BOLTS TO LOOSEN. RECALL NUMBER UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE THE DEALER NAME, NUMBER AND ADDRESS.*AK |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10072002WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH MOTORCYCLE STALLED. TRIED TO RESTART MOTORCYCLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. CONSUMER HAD THE MOTORCYCLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE MOTORCYCLE ENGINE. ALSO, A RECALL WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 116.7%ODI 10071842CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER BETWEEN BATTERY AND IGNITION. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. SERVICE MANAGER DENNIS MAAS. *AK |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 524443WHEN THE CLUTCH IS RELEASED AND DRIVER BEGINS TO DEPART, A CHATTER DEVELOPS. THE NOISE IS ONLY HEARD WHEN DEPARTING. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
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 | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. | ||||
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | 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.
2000: 2 complaints · 2002: 5 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 2002 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 2002 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
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 | Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar | Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | Fuel System, Gasoline | Power Train:Clutch Assembly:Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) | Vehicle Speed Control | Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices | Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior | Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Interior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 853583WHILE RIDING, SIDE MIRRIORS BROKE OFF, SWINGING BACK INTO THE DRIVER BEFORE HITTING THE GROUND. AFTER THESE MIRRIORS BRAKE OFF THE TURN SIGNALS ARE LEFT HANGING BECAUSE THEY WHERE ATTACHED TO THE MIRRIORS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly:Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior | 0 | 1ODI 853583WHILE RIDING, SIDE MIRRIORS BROKE OFF, SWINGING BACK INTO THE DRIVER BEFORE HITTING THE GROUND. AFTER THESE MIRRIORS BRAKE OFF THE TURN SIGNALS ARE LEFT HANGING BECAUSE THEY WHERE ATTACHED TO THE MIRRIORS. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Interior | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 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.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.