1989 Harley-Davidson Fxst recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, 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 1989 FXST.
- 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.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. A FATIGUE CRACK IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE ASSEMBLY COULD DEVELOP.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND LOSS OF REARBRAKE OPERATION WHICH WOULD REDUCE STOPPING ABILITY AND INCREASE POTENTIAL FORAN ACCIDENT.
The fix: INSTALL REPLACEMENT REAR BRAKE LINE COMPONENTS.
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 1989 FXST.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V184000.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: A FATIGUE CRACK IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE ASSEMBLY COULD DEVELOP.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND LOSS OF REARBRAKE OPERATION WHICH WOULD REDUCE STOPPING ABILITY AND INCREASE POTENTIAL FORAN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL REPLACEMENT REAR BRAKE LINE COMPONENTS.
Notes: SYSTEM: REAR BRAKE LINE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLE.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1989 Harley-Davidson Fxst owner's manual
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)
08/05/2013 · Wheels / tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY AS A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT DOWN SHIFTED AND HAD TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION UNTIL IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED AND DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A WELD FAILURE IN THE CENTER WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONT…