1986 Harley-Davidson Flst recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. THE SCREWS ISSUED IN A KIT TO MOUNT THE FENDER AND AN ACCESSORY FRONT BUMPER ONTO THE MOTORCYCLES CAN BREAK, CAUSING THE FENDER AND BUMPER TO LOOSEN AND POSSIBLY CONTACT THE FRONT TIRE.
What could happen: CONTACT BETWEEN THE FENDER AND BUMPER AND THE FRONTTIRE MAY RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
The fix: REPLACE THE SCREWS IN THE KITS WHICH ARE LOCATED AT DEALERSHIPS. OWNERS OF INSTALLED KITS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO HAVE THE MOUNTING SCREWS REPLACED.
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 1986 FLST.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93E030000.
- 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: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Summary: THE SCREWS ISSUED IN A KIT TO MOUNT THE FENDER AND AN ACCESSORY FRONT BUMPER ONTO THE MOTORCYCLES CAN BREAK, CAUSING THE FENDER AND BUMPER TO LOOSEN AND POSSIBLY CONTACT THE FRONT TIRE.
Consequence: CONTACT BETWEEN THE FENDER AND BUMPER AND THE FRONTTIRE MAY RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SCREWS IN THE KITS WHICH ARE LOCATED AT DEALERSHIPS. OWNERS OF INSTALLED KITS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO HAVE THE MOUNTING SCREWS REPLACED.
Notes: SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; BUMPER ASSEMBLY.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY MOTORCYCLES.
2. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. TRANSMISSION MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUGS MAY HAVE BEEN BROKEN DURING ASSEMBLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE BROKEN MAGNET MAY BECOME LODGED BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION GEARS CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO LOCKUP. IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS OPERATING, THE REAR WHEEL WILL LOCK-UP WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE THE DRAIN PLUG WITH A SHORTER, NON INTERFERING MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG.
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 1986 FLST.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 86V041000.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: TRANSMISSION MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUGS MAY HAVE BEEN BROKEN DURING ASSEMBLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE BROKEN MAGNET MAY BECOME LODGED BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION GEARS CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO LOCKUP. IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS OPERATING, THE REAR WHEEL WILL LOCK-UP WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE THE DRAIN PLUG WITH A SHORTER, NON INTERFERING MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG.
Notes: SYSTEM: TRANSMISSION DRAIN PLUG. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1340CC "RIGID MOUNT" MOTORCYCLES.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: 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 (1)
10/21/2007 · Wheels / tires
WHILE CHECKING THE PRESSURE ON THE TIRE I NOTICED A LARGE BUBBLE ON THE TREAD INCLUDING A DISTINCT WEAR MARK DIFFERENT FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. *TR