The Lemon Index

Motorcycles · Harley-Davidson · Cruiser

Harley-Davidson Softail.

Owner complaints to the U.S. government, 2005 to 2025 models.

Harley-Davidson Softail

Photos: Ardfern (Wikimedia Commons)

253owner complaints
2recalls
9%involved a crash, fire or injury
3,750typical miles at complaint

What owners complain about. Share of complaints.

brakes19%
engine16%
wheels14%
electrical13%
transmission & drivetrain11%

Recalls 2

  • Electrical System 2007

    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 ELE…

  • Equipment 2005

    CERTAIN SOFTAIL MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 567, 'CERTIFICATION.' THE VIN/CERTIFICATION LABEL CONTAINS INCORRECT TIRE SIZE AND INFLATION PRESSURES FOR THE FRONT WHEEL. THE LABEL STATES THE …

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific bike's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by model year.

200516
200612
200745
200815
200918
20108
201121
201231
201310
20148
20153
20167
201710
201823
20195
20203
20214
20224
20236
20242
20252

Popular years get more complaints just because more were sold. There are no free U.S. sales figures by motorcycle model, so these are counts, not rates.

Filed as: FLSTC, FLSTF, SOFTAIL, FLSTN, FLSTFB. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Every motorcycle

Updated