1998 Harley-Davidson Fl Series 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. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE LEVER HUB TO SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER LEVER WHICH WOULD AFFECT REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE ON THESE VEHICLES.
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 1998 FL SERIES.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V227000.
- 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:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE LEVER HUB TO SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER LEVER WHICH WOULD AFFECT REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE ON THESE VEHICLES.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR MOTORCYCLE 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 1-414-342-4680. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1998 Harley-Davidson Fl Series owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Suspension (1), Wheels / tires (1), Visibility (wipers / glass) (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
10/21/2007 · Suspension
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. I NOTED THE CRACK IN MY REAR FORK FOLLOWING TH…
07/21/2006 · Wheels / tires · crash
1998 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLH REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. *TS THE MOTORCYCLE OVERTURNED WHILE PULLING OVER ONTO THE BERM. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE EJECTED OFF OF THE MOTORCYCLE WHICH THEN STRUCK A SIGN. *NM UPDATED 07/20/06
02/01/1999 · Electrical system
THE MOTORCYCLE'S IGNITION SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL AND DAMAGE. YH
09/15/1998 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
CURVED WINDSHIELD DISTORTS VISION, ALSO MOTORCYCLE REFLECTS IN WINDSHIELD. QCAW
08/28/1998 · Transmission / drivetrain
SPEEDOMETER STICKS AT 33 MPH WHEN WEATHER IS COOL (75 DEGRESS OF LOWER).
07/15/1998 · Electrical system
INTERMITTENTLY AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 5 MILES MOTORCYCLE LOSES ALL POWER. THE SPARK PLUGS DO NOT GET ANY ELECTRICITY. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. MODEL ULTRA CLASSIC.