1996 Harley-Davidson Dyna recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE SEAL ON THE REAR MASTER CYLINDER PISTON CAN MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF REAR BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 DYNA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V103000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: THE SEAL ON THE REAR MASTER CYLINDER PISTON CAN MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF REAR BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.
Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES; MECHANICAL. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JULY 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR MOTORCYCLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
04/08/2003 · Wheels / tires
WHILE DRIVING MY HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE, THE REAR WHEEL BEGAN MAKING NOISE, SHAKING, AND VIBRATING. IT BECAME RAPIDLY WORSE OVER THE NEXT FEW MINUTES. I PULLED OFF THE ROADWAY AND SAW THAT 2 OF THE SPOKES WERE BROKEN. I RECEIVED A RIDE TO TOWN, GOT THE BIKE TO A SHOP, AND THE SHOP OWNER CALL THE MAKER OF THE WHEEL, AMERICAN WIRE WHEEL OF DENTON, TEXA…