AI DamageHarley-Davidson FL Series: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Harley-Davidson FL Series across 6 model years: 12 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
| Year | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) | YouTube repair videos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1998 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1997 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1996 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1995 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1990 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 25% of all complaints
- 3 Exterior lighting 8% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 8% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 8% of all complaints
- 6 Suspension 8% of all complaints
- 7 Tires 8% of all complaints
- 8 Visibility 8% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (25% of all).
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (25% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (8% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (8% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (8% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 12 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
1998 harley davidson flh rear tire blew out. The motorcycle overturned while pulling over onto the berm. Both occupants were ejected off of the motorcycle which then struck a sign. Updated 07/20/06
Rear fork crack noted above rear axel on drive side of fork. Complete failure would/could result in loss of control and crash. This problem is noted in web info available by researching google search harley davidson rear fork cracks. This research revealed thar in flh models from 1996 to 2002 this is occurring.
The bolt to the headlamp assembly broke off, causing the headlamp to fall off the motorcycle. Dealer replaced the bolt.
Consumer was sent recall notice. Contacted the dealer, dealer stated parts not available. Manufacturer has yet to contact the dealer regarding recall. Please provide any further details.
The motorcycle's ignition system failure caused loss of control and damage. Yh
Speedometer sticks at 33 mph when weather is cool (75 degress of lower).
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.