Motorcycles · Harley-Davidson · Cruiser & retro

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Harley-Davidson V-Rod.

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2002 to 2016 models.

162owner complaints

2recalls

9%involved a crash, fire or injury

5,000typical miles at complaint

Harley-Davidson V-Rod years to avoid. The model years with the most complaints filed with NHTSA.

200730 complaints

21 of 30 describe the fuel gauge reading wrong, some until the bike ran dry.

10 mention the brakes.

1 reported a crash and 3 a fire.

200625 complaints

11 of 25 describe the fuel gauge reading wrong.

5 mention the brakes.

2 reported a crash and 1 a fire.

After 2007, no model year drew more than 17.

Fewest complaints on file: 2005 (3), 2010 (5), 2015 (3). Few complaints is not a clean bill of health, just fewer owners filing.

What each year's complaints describe comes from reading their text. These are counts, not rates: there are no sales figures per motorcycle model year. A complaint is not proof of a defect.

Every year15 model yearsMost complaints: 2007See every year →ProblemsFuel system48% of complaintsfuel system48%brakes31%electrical14%See problems →Recalls & safety2 recallsFree fix at any dealerSee recalls & safety →Specs & enginesEvery versionpower, weight, seat height and priceSee specs →

Complaints by model year.

200213

20039

20046

20053

200625

200730

200817

200916

20105

20117

20128

20135

201410

20153

20165

Popular years get more complaints just because more were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect them. There are no U.S. sales figures by motorcycle model year, so these are counts, not rates.

What owners complain about. Share of complaints.

fuel system48%

brakes31%

electrical14%

wheels7%

frame & body3%

Recalls 2

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2018
Deposits may form on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period of time beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule specified in the Owners Manual.
Equipment 2012
The license plate bracket assembly's mounting screws may loosen and the assembly may separate from the rear fender.

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

Specs The maker's claimed figures for a representative year. ~ means approximate.

Harley-Davidson V-Rod

2002–2017

~121 hpClaimed crank figure

Engine: 1,250 cc liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin Revolution (1,130 cc early)Revolution V-twin family
Torque: ~85 lb-ftclaimed
Weight: ~670 lbwet or curb, as the maker quotes it
Seat height: 25.3 in
Price new: ~$15,999 (2012 Night Rod Special)base U.S. MSRP before destination, approximate

From the makers' U.S. spec sheets (the EU sheet for horsepower where the U.S. one leaves it out), checked against a sample on Nov 11; years and versions differ.

Filed as: VRSCDX, VRSCF, VRSCA, VRSCAW, VRSCR. Source: NHTSA owner complaints (model years 2000-2026) and recalls. Every motorcycle

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Updated Nov 14, 2026

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