1998 Harley-Davidson Flhtcui 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. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FL TOURING MOTORCYCLES. A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN OCCUR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT AND OTHER FACTORS.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL TO START, OPERATE ERRATICALLY, OR STALL.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH/CIRCUIT BREAKER AND INSTALL A RELAY KIT.
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 FLHTCUI.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V158000.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FL TOURING MOTORCYCLES. A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN OCCUR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT AND OTHER FACTORS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL TO START, OPERATE ERRATICALLY, OR STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH/CIRCUIT BREAKER AND INSTALL A RELAY KIT.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 20, 1998. 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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 1998 Harley-Davidson Flhtcui owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (5), Suspension (2), Wheels / tires (2), Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
12/07/2016 · Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA FLHTCUI. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR SWING ARM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
09/09/2016 · Wheels / tires · crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA FLHTCUI EQUIPPED WITH METZELER ME 888 MARATHON ULTRA TIRES, SIZE: 130/90/R16. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR TIRE SEIZED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER WERE EJECTED FROM THE MOTORCYCLE. BOTH THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED AND RECEIVED…
05/13/2014 · Suspension · crash
BROKEN SWING ARM CAUSING A HIGH SPEED WOBBLE. SWING ARM CRACKED OVER TOP OF AXLE ALLOWING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER TO PUSH OPEN THE END OF THE SWING ARM EXPOSING THE REAR AXEL SHAFT. ONLY THE BELT WAS HOLDING REAR WHEEL ON. *TR
08/22/2002 · Wheels / tires
THIS IS A FAILURE IN A CUSTOM WHEEL MODEL #4163080BP MANUFACTURED BY HALLCRAFT'S INDUSTRIES CORP. TEN SPOKES ON THE REAR WHEEL BROKE CAUSING INSTABILITY AND LOSS OF CONTROL. THESE TEN SPOKES BROKE OVER 5 MONTS AND W/I 4000 MILES OF INSTALLATION.
08/17/2001 · Fuel system
MOTORCYCLE QUIT WHILE MOVING IN TRAFFIC, IT WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START.
06/04/1999 · Electrical system
CONSUMER RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH. DEALER WAS CONTACTED ON FIVE OCCASIONS, REPAIRS STILL NOT COMPLETED. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK
08/31/1998 · Electrical system
CONSUMER HAS RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR MOTORCYCLE. OWNER HAS CONTATCED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER ON 03-AUG-98 . RECALL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
08/13/1998 · Electrical system
WHEN RIDING IN EVERY GEAR , FROM TIME TO TIME, THERE IS A MISS. AT TIMES IT'S IN 2, 3, AND 5TH GEARS. THIS PROBLEM EXISTED IN CONSUMER'S 97 MODEL. A RECALL NOTICE HAS BEEN RECEIVED ON THE IGNITION . OWNER HAS NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. *AK