AI Damage2005 Harley-Davidson XL: common problems
Owners of the 2005 Harley-Davidson XL filed 3 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and latches, locks, linkages. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 33% of all complaints
- 2 Latches, locks, linkages 33% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 33% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Latches, locks, linkages: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (33% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 3 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 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.
The contact was driving approximately 45 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but the failure was not diagnosed. The contact later inspected the vehicle and discovered that there was a failure within the fuel pump and the wires had blown the fuses.
I recently purchased a motorcycle trailer from kendon industries, [address], anaheim, [ZIP]. The trailer was specifically designed for a long bike (chopper style).
Dt: 2005 harley davidson wide glide. The front forks were so weak that they sagged when the consumer was not braking. The consumer stated the springs were too weak in the forks. The consumer found other complaints about the same problem. He tried to get the after market springs, but they were on back order.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 17,150 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 47% most complained about).
On average one model year of the XL has 2 complaints (3 years in the data). This year has 3, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Harley-Davidson XL?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, latches, locks, linkages, suspension. Total complaints: 3. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (33%), stalls while driving (33%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2005 Harley-Davidson XL?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2005 Harley-Davidson XL from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2005 models
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.