1997 Harley-Davidson SOFTAIL: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
1 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1997 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
Wheels:Rim is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 1 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Wheels:Rim | 1 |
Wheels:Rim: 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. 1 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 |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 |
2002: 1
Pattern summary
Wheels:Rim leads the component reports. 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 8019309 · 2002-09-24 (September 24, 2002)
AT 40-45 MPH FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT. RIM HAD SPLIT, CAUSING THE TUBE TO GET PINCHED.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8019309 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.
96V204000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System
Reported: 1996-10-22 (October 22, 1996)
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
1 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
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 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2007 | 2008 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 731169THE CAM BEARING PROBLEM WAS KNOWN AT THE TIME I PURCHASED MY MOTORCYCLE FOR CLOSE TO $20,000, BUT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED THIS WAS A PROBLEM. THE FAILURE COULD HAVE COST ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND OUR LIVES. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. HARLEY DAVIDSON SENT A SERVICE REPAIRMAN. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10001160THE MOTORCYCLE OVERHEATED EXCESSIVELY, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE OIL TANK BEING LOCATED DIRECTLY UNDER SEAT.TS ALSO THE CLUTCH WAS READJUSTED.*JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10132549 · 4,180 miFROM WHAT I'M LEARNING THE HARD WAY, SOME 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES BURN OIL AT A RATE OF 1 QUART PER THOUSAND MILES - MINE IS ONE OF THEM. ACCORDING TO DEALER AND HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY, THIS IS ACCEPTABLE. OWNERS MANUAL STATES NOTHING ABOUT THIS, NOR WAS THIS INFORMATION MADE KNOWN TO ME AT TIME OF SALE IN OCT. 2004. OBVIOUSLY THIS COULD LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE IF NOT CHECKED FREQUENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR ACCIDENT IF IN MOTION AT TIME OF FAILURE. MOMENTARILY, IF MOTORCYCLE IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY I… | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10407109 · 15,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFT TAIL MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE REAR WHEEL ALONG WITH THE DRIVE CHAIN UNBOLTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE REAR WHEEL, DRIVE CHAIN, AND BOLTS CONNECTED TO THE DRIVE CHAIN WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCED TWICE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT CAUSING THE FAILURE BUT THAT THE DEALER HAD NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT S… | 150.0%ODI 10339201 · 6,321 miWHILE DRIVING A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON NIGHT TRAIN. I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON HIGHWAY 12 IN BURBANK, WA. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, AND I GAVE THROTTLE, THE DRIVE BELT AND THE DRIVE TRAIN WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE REAR HUG PULLED OUT. WITH 3 BOLTS SHEERED OFF LAYING ON THE GROUND. LUCKILY WITH HELP I WAS ABLE TO WHEEL IT OFF TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT ANY BODY GETTING HURT. *TR | 00.0%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 10519380 · 2 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLS SLIM MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH CABLE WAS TOO LONG FOR THE MOTORCYCLE AND ROUTED IMPROPERLY. THE CONTACT ADDED AN ACCESSORY WINDSHIELD, WHICH PUSHED THE CABLE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE FENDER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE CABLE WOULD BECOME CAUGHT IN IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE LENGTH AND ROUTING OF THE CABLE WAS HOW IT WAS DESIGNED. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,200. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 114.3%ODI 10455520 · 30,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFT TALE DEUCE MOTORCYCLE. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS CAUSING FRICTION TO THE INNER FUEL TANK AND BORE SEVERAL HOLES IN THE FUEL LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FUEL LINES WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 30,000. UPDATED 06/05/12 *BF THE CAM TENSIONER WEAR BLOCK FAILED. | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 10556613 · 53,000 miTL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFT TAIL DELUXE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE FLASHING INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V037000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REP… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 10731149 · 7 miI HAVE A 2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM. FLS. RIGHT FROM DAY ONE THERE HAS BEEN EXTREME HEAT FROM THE MOTOR. ESPECIALLY FROM THE RIGHT SIDE WHERE MY OIL TANK IS. THE HEAT GETS SO HOT THAT IT HAS BURNED THE INSIDE IF MY THIGH. IF I SIT IN TRAFFIC FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME IT IS HARD FOR ME TO STAY ON MY BIKE DUE TO THE EXTREME HEAT UNDER MY RIGHT LEG. I HAVE CHANGED MY EXHAUST LIKE HARLEY RECOMMENDED, BUT IT DIDN'T HELP. I LOVE MY BIKE, BUT GETTING BURNS ON THE INSIDE OF MY THIGH SHOULD NOT BE A PART OF RIDING IT! |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10098381 · 43,001 miI FILED A COMPLAINT ON 9/14/2004, ODI 10091015. THIS IS SUPPLEMENTAL TO THAT COMPLAINT. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH TURNED UP INFORMATION ABOUT AN OIL DELIVERY PROBLEM INHERENT IN THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON TWIN CAM 88 AND TWIN CAM 88B ENGINES. AN ARTICLE IN THE MARCH 2003 EDITION OF EASY RIDERS MAGAZINE OUTLINES HOW TO REPAIR A FACTORY-DEFECTIVE OIL PUMP RELIEF VALVE. THE OIL PUMP RELIEF VALVE STICKS AND DEPRIVES CRITICAL ENGINE COMPONENTS OF LUBRICATION. IF THE RELIEF VALVE STICKS LONG ENOUGH, THE ENGINE WILL DETONATE, CAUSING THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10095116 · 500 miVEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW PIPES, AIR BREATHER AND CARBURETOR.*AK | 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. | 133.3%ODI 10406965 · 2,500 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT TO A DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Wheels | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10004304 · 500 miTHE SPOKES ARE CORRODING AND TURNING BLACK AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PH (MODEL/STANDARD FXSTI) SCC | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10075454WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS VEHICLE SHOOK, CAUSING CONSUMER TO SLOW DOWN. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE BIKES WHEELS WERE UNSTABLE. THE SOLID WHEELS CAUGHT WIND VORTICIES WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE UNSTABLE. THE DEALER REFUSE TO CHANGE THE WHEELS. *NM | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 10730330 · 3,000 miUPON DECELERATION, A WOBBLE OCCURS IN THE REAR TIRE. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES NOW. THE DEALERSHIP HAS GIVEN THE SAME ANSWER ALL THREE TIMES THAT THE REAR SPOKES HAVE BACKED LOOSE. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 250.0%ODI 10132164 · 10,100 mi2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL HERITAGE IN A RAINSTORM A DRIVER DID NOT SEE ME AND ALMOST HIT ME AS HE TURNED INTO MY LANE. AFTER I GOT HOME I DISCOVERED MY HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THIS MOTORCYCLE HAS LESS THAN 11,000 MILES ON IT AND THE DEFICIENCY WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/WIRING HARNESSES COULD'VE KILLED ME. THE BIKE IS AT NEW RIVER HARLEY DAVIDSON AT JACKSONVILLE NORTH CAROLINA SUPPOSEDLY UNDER REPAIR (WITHIN THEIR APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE OF COURSE). THIS TYPE OF FAILURE AT NIGHT OR DAY IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND ONE WOULD EXPECT… | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Equipment | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 10151740I PURCHASED FORM PERFORMANCE MACHINEINC A CONTOUR BELT DRIVE PRIMARY FOR MY 2000 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFT TAIL DUCE. AFTER HAVING A HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALER INSTALL IT I PUT 400 MILES ON THE MOTORCYCLE WHEN AT ABOUT 20 MPH THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP. CAUSED BY THE CLUTCH HUB RETAINING CLIP COMING OFF LETTING THE CLUTCH HUB JAMMING INTO THE OUTER COVER. I SENT IT BACK TO PERFORMANCE MACHINE WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR A REFUND. THEY TELL ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG AND ARE RETURNING IT. THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS SYSTEM THAT COULD B… | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 10339201 · 6,321 miWHILE DRIVING A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON NIGHT TRAIN. I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON HIGHWAY 12 IN BURBANK, WA. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, AND I GAVE THROTTLE, THE DRIVE BELT AND THE DRIVE TRAIN WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE REAR HUG PULLED OUT. WITH 3 BOLTS SHEERED OFF LAYING ON THE GROUND. LUCKILY WITH HELP I WAS ABLE TO WHEEL IT OFF TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT ANY BODY GETTING HURT. *TR | 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. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Exterior Lighting | 0UnavailableNo 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. | 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. | 1100.0%ODI 10239579 · 1 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL CUSTOM. WHENEVER THE CONTACT RIDES HIS BIKE DURING THE DAY OR NIGHT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHT MOUNT IS UNSTABLE AND SHAKES. THE FAILURE CAUSES A STROBE LIGHT EFFECT AT NIGHT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE MOUNT WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 718 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1. UPDATED 09/29/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE REPLACED THE FAULTY HEADLAMPS AT HIS EXPENSE.UPDATED 09/29/08. *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 10434962 · 500 miREAR RUNNING LIGHTS RANDOMLY, REPEATEDLY GOING OUT -- THEY'VE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST ONE PER MONTH. THE BIKE IS CURRENTLY ON ITS FOURTH NEW BULB. OTHERS HAVE NOTED THAT THEY'RE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 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 (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.
2012: 3 complaints · 2013: 1 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2013 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 | 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 | Wheels:Rim |
|---|---|
| Wheels:Rim | — |
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.