2008 Harley-Davidson Fxdl 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. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES BUILT AND SHIPPED TO CALIFORNIA, THE CATALYTIC MUFFLER PROTECTIVE HEAT SHIELD WAS NOT INSTALLED. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW DIRECT CONTACT WITH THIS MUFFLER AND CAUSE INJURY.
What could happen: IF CONTACT OCCURS WHILE RIDING, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE HEAT SHIELDS TO THE MUFFLERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
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 2008 FXDL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V535000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-414-343-4056.
- 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:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES BUILT AND SHIPPED TO CALIFORNIA, THE CATALYTIC MUFFLER PROTECTIVE HEAT SHIELD WAS NOT INSTALLED. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW DIRECT CONTACT WITH THIS MUFFLER AND CAUSE INJURY.
Consequence: IF CONTACT OCCURS WHILE RIDING, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE HEAT SHIELDS TO THE MUFFLERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Notes: HARLEY-DAVIDSON RECALL NO. 0133. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (3), Electrical system (2), Gasoline (2), Suspension (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
09/13/2013 · Electrical system
APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, GEARING DOWN TO STOP, THE IDLE CONTINUED ABOVE 3000RPM. SHORTLY AFTER THAT, THE BIKE STARTED EATING THE BATTERY. NOW, WHEN IT HAPPENS, I KNOW TO GET IT HOME TO THE BATTERY TENDER ASAP. THREE TIMES THE HD MECHANICS CHARGE THE BATTERY AND THEN, "CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG". I HAD TO FIRE OLD GLORY HD IN LAUREL, MD. LOOKING FOR A…
09/08/2011 · Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXDL. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE WHEEL, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
10/23/2008 · Electrical system
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE, WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF ON IT'S OWN, HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES, DEALER AND HARLEY ARE OF NO ASSISTANCE IN RECTIFYING THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND MOST RECENT DATE, HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN ONE DAY! *TR
06/26/2008 · Fuel system
REPORTEDLY, A NUMBER OF 2008 TOURING HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP PART THAT CAUSES THE MOTORCYCLE TO STOP PUMPING FUEL AND STOPPING ABRUPTLY. THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN BY HARLEY DAVIDSON (PART #62229-08) AND IS BEING REPLACED BY AN IMPROVED PART (#62229-08A) THAT IS NOT DEFECTIVE. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AS…
06/23/2008 · Fuel system
2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE W/3,893 MILES. ON SUNDAY, JUNE 15TH ABOUT 40 MILES FROM HOME MY BIKE STARTED JERKING AROUND AND ACTING AS IF I SLAMMED THE BRAKES ON. I COULD TELL IT WAS A FUEL ISSUE OF SOME SORT. WITH HELP FROM FRIENDS AND 3 HOURS LATER WE MANAGED TO LIMP IT HOME BY SHUTTING IT DOWN AND REFIRING WHEN IT WAS STARVING FOR FUEL. THE DEFECTIV…
05/06/2008 · Engine
UNCONTROLLABLE IDLE, HARLEY DAVIDSON FLY BY WIRE THROTTLE. IDLE INTERMITTENTLY WILL GO ABOVE 1800 RPM. A FACTORY KNOWN ISSUE WITH NO PERMANENT REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. I JUST BOUGHT A NEW HARLEY AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS 2 TIMES BOTH TIMES THE DEALER EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AS WELL..SAID IT WAS FIXED AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. ONLY FOR THE HIGH RPM ISSUE TO…