1989 Harley-Davidson Flhtc recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER CONTAMINATION AND, IF IT BECOMES WET WHILE IN USE, COULD CREATE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
What could happen: MOTORCYCLE SPEED WOULD INCREASE AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUTANY ACTION ON THE PART OF THE DRIVER PRESENTING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE.
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 1989 FLHTC.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V115000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER CONTAMINATION AND, IF IT BECOMES WET WHILE IN USE, COULD CREATE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence: MOTORCYCLE SPEED WOULD INCREASE AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUTANY ACTION ON THE PART OF THE DRIVER PRESENTING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE.
Notes: SYSTEM: CRUISE CONTROL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1989 Harley-Davidson Flhtc owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
05/05/1999 · Engine
I HAVE HEARD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HARLEY'S EVOLUTION MOTOR. MANY OF THE PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AFTER 50000 MILES. I HAVE A 1978 HARLEY WITH WELL OVER 100000 MILES AND HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEING NORMAL ON THE OLDER SHOVELHEAD MOTORS PRODUCED PRIOR TO 1984. MY MOTORCYCLE IS USED FOR TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY…
07/01/1997 · Engine
LEFT MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET RUSTED.
06/27/1997 · Engine
ENGINE MOTOR MOUNT FAILURE. *AK