Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 | 3 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 | 0 |
| 2007 | 2 | 1 |
| 2006 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 | 4 | 2 |
| 2004 | 4 | 1 |
| 2003 | 7 | 0 |
| 2002 | 4 | 0 |
| 2001 | 2 | 0 |
| 2000 | 7 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 | 1 |
| 1998 | 3 | 1 |
| 1997 | 1 | 1 |
| 1996 | 3 | 1 |
| 1995 | 3 | 1 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Engine and engine cooling10
- Fuel system, gasoline7
- Power train6
- Wheels4
- Electrical system4
- Suspension3
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
- Engine3
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
EU safety alerts
Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the Softail in 6 alerts. European versions can differ from the North American car.
The shock pre-load adjuster mounting bracket may break, causing the shock adjuster to come into contact with the tyre. There is a risk of a sudden loss of air pressure and therefore an increased risk of accidents and injuries. The product does not comply with …
The rear shock absorber fastener may break, resulting in contact with the rear tyre which can lose pressure, creating a risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles…
An internal leak in the hydraulic clutch control mechanism may mean that the power transmission system cannot be disengaged. This may result in a loss of control over the vehicle.
The motorcycles may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch after being parked for an extended period. If this condition remains undetected, it could lead to a loss of control of the vehicle when it is either started in gear or when it…
The front brake master cylinder may experience corrosion in the threads for the brake line banjo bolt. If this condition remains undetected, it could result in a sudden loss of brake fluid, which could lead to a loss of front brake function, possibly resulting…
The front indicator lights may not operate owing to an incorrect programming configuration in the Body Control Module. This could cause an accident.
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0
Recalls
8 campaigns cover the Softail.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK VENT FITTING THAT COULD BE PLUGGED ALLOWING THE CARBURETOR TO OVERFLOW FUEL.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD.
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.
NHTSA recalls