1996 Harley-Davidson Fl recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, 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 FL.
- 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.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE EFFECTS OF REFORMULATED GASOLINE ALONG WITH CERTAIN USAGE OF THE FUEL SUPPLY VALVE AFFECTS THE SUPPLY OF GASOLINE TO THE CARBURETOR. THIS CONDITION REQUIRES TWO FACTORS: (1) THE USE OF REFORMULATED FUELS CONTAINING MBTE AND (2) STARTING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE FUEL VALVE HANDLE IN THE OFF POSITION.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE FUEL FLOW TO BE UNPREDICTABLE THUS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN INCREASING THE RISK OF A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS THE REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGM IN THE FUEL VALVE.
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 FL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V204000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Summary: THE EFFECTS OF REFORMULATED GASOLINE ALONG WITH CERTAIN USAGE OF THE FUEL SUPPLY VALVE AFFECTS THE SUPPLY OF GASOLINE TO THE CARBURETOR. THIS CONDITION REQUIRES TWO FACTORS: (1) THE USE OF REFORMULATED FUELS CONTAINING MBTE AND (2) STARTING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE FUEL VALVE HANDLE IN THE OFF POSITION.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE FUEL FLOW TO BE UNPREDICTABLE THUS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN INCREASING THE RISK OF A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS THE REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGM IN THE FUEL VALVE.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 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 1-414-342-4680. 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: Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Equipment (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
11/25/1998 · Fuel system
CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL NUMBER 96V204000. DEALER STATED PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
12/07/1997 · Equipment
THE FOUR SMALL GAUGES FOG UP TO THE POINT THAT RIDER CANNOT READ THE GAUGES. THE REASON THEY FOG UP IS THAT THE GAUGES ARE VENTED TO THE OUTSIDE ATMOSPHERE. WHEN RIDER TURNS THE IGNITION ONTHE GAUGE LIGHT BULB HEATS UP THE MOISTURE-LADEN AIR INSIDE THE GAUGE, AND IT FOGS UP ON THE INSIDE OF THE GAUGE GLASS. *AK
01/13/1997 · Fuel system
OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE, CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. RECALL#96V204000. *AK