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
New York safety inspections
Share of first inspections failed on safety, by model year. Older cars fail more as miles build up, so compare each year with the average car of the same year.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections, initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2 | 0 |
| 2007 | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 | 4 | 1 |
| 2003 | 8 | 0 |
| 2002 | 6 | 0 |
| 2001 | 6 | 0 |
| 2000 | 9 | 0 |
| 1999 | 6 | 1 |
| 1998 | 6 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 | 0 |
| 1996 | 6 | 1 |
| 1992 | 1 | 0 |
| 1988 | 2 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 | 0 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Visibility12
- Engine and engine cooling11
- Power train10
- Fuel system, gasoline7
- Service brakes, hydraulic5
- Electrical system5
- Steering4
- Exterior lighting3
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
EU safety alerts
Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the Sportster in 1 alert. European versions can differ from the North American car.
The upper triple clamp may fracture and lead to a loss of control. This increases the risk of accidents and injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles.
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0
Recalls
3 campaigns cover the Sportster.
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.
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 OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
THE SEAL ON THE REAR MASTER CYLINDER PISTON CAN MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
NHTSA recalls