1999 Harley-Davidson Flhtc 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. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE CAM BOLT CAN LOSE ITS CLAMP LOAD AND/OR BREAK.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO QUIT RUNNING WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE ENGINE COULD RUN ERRATICALLY BEFORE QUITTING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CAM BOLTS AND WASHERS.
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 1999 FLHTC.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V003000.
- 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: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE CAM BOLT CAN LOSE ITS CLAMP LOAD AND/OR BREAK.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO QUIT RUNNING WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE ENGINE COULD RUN ERRATICALLY BEFORE QUITTING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CAM BOLTS AND WASHERS.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 27, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES 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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1999 Harley-Davidson Flhtc owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Suspension (3), Engine (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1), 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 (7)
05/22/2001 · Engine
99 V 003 000/ ENGINE CAM BOLT: REPORTING A POSSIBLE CAM BEARING FAILURE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT REPAIRS WOULD ONLY BE DONE AFTER IT FAILED. AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THE AFFECTED MODELS AND REPAIR THE DEFECT. *YH
09/04/2000 · Suspension
HD IS AWARE OF THE 99 & 2000 TC88 CAM BEARING FAILURE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO SEIZE UP. HD HAS SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS FAILURE BUT ONLY THE DEALER RECEIVES THEM. THE CONSUMER HAS NO IDEA THAT THEY ARE RIDING A MOTORCYCLE THAT COULD SEIZE UP AT ANY TIME, CAUSING A CRASH. DO YOU THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM?
09/04/2000 · Suspension
HD IS AWARE OF THE 99 & 2000 TC88 CAM BEARING FAILURE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO SEIZE UP. HD HAS SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS FAILURE BUT ONLY THE DEALER RECEIVES THEM. THE CONSUMER HAS NO IDEA THAT THEY ARE RIDING A MOTORCYCLE THAT COULD SEIZE UP AT ANY TIME, CAUSING A CRASH. DO YOU THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM?
07/11/2000 · Suspension
REPORTING A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE BALL BEARING USED IN THE CAM BUSHING SHOULD BE REPLACE WITH THE ROLLING BEARING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
08/12/1999 · Vehicle Speed Control
MOTORCYCLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FOR NO REASON. WS PICKING UP SPEED. WOULD NOT STOP. HAD HIT KILL SWITCH TO STOP MOTORCYCLE. HAD DEALER TOWED MOTORCYCLE. *AK
07/12/1999 · Wheels / tires
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, WHEELS WERE NOT STRAIGHT, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE. *AK
02/08/1999 · Engine
RECALL NOTICE WAS SENT ON JANUARY 25,1999. AS OF FEB 08,1999, REGARDING ENGINE CAM BOLT FAILURE. NO PARTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY DEALERSHIP TO REMEDY PROBLEMS. RECALL SAYS THAT USING VEHICLE COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY, BUT IS FAILING TO PROVIDE RECALL SERVICE KITS IN A REASONABLE TIME. RECALL 99V-003000 *AK