1990 Harley-Davidson Flsts 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. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. THE STARTER RELAY MAY SHORT CIRCUIT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
What could happen: THE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE STARTER RELAY MAY DEVELOP ENOUGHHEAT TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE RELAY, OTHER PARTS OF THE MOTORCYCLE, AND OTHERITEMS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA.
The fix: REPLACE THE STARTER RELAY.
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 1990 FLSTS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 92V180000.
- 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:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
Summary: THE STARTER RELAY MAY SHORT CIRCUIT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Consequence: THE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE STARTER RELAY MAY DEVELOP ENOUGHHEAT TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE RELAY, OTHER PARTS OF THE MOTORCYCLE, AND OTHERITEMS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA.
Remedy: REPLACE THE STARTER RELAY.
Notes: SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STARTER.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1990 Harley-Davidson Flsts owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (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)
03/26/1997 · Transmission / drivetrain
WHEN CLUTCH IS PULLED IN SOMETIMES BIKE JUMPS INTO GEAR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. *AK