1986 Harley-Davidson Fxstc recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. 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 FXSTC.
- 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
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1986 Harley-Davidson Fxstc owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (1), Gasoline (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 (2)
09/12/2002 · Fuel system
CONSUMER PURCHASED TWO GAS CAPS AND DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL LEAKED OUT FROM THE TOP OF THE TANKS DOWN THE SIDES LIFTING THE TWO WEEK OLD PAINT JOB AND POURING DOWN ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AND EXHAUST PIPES, GAS CAPS ARE PART NUMBER 21-327 AND 21-328 FROM JIREH CYCLES, THE TANKS WERE ALSO PURCHASED FROM THIS COMPANY. *JG
08/07/2002 · Engine
PURCHASED TWO GAS CAPS FOR 1986 FXSTC PART # 21-327 AND 21-328 FROM JIREH CYCLES AT 10 MAIN STREET, FESTUS, MO 63028 PHONE 877-6810448. THE GAS TANKS WERE ALSO PURCHASED FROM THIS COMPANY. WHEN I PUT THE GAS CAPS ON AND DROVE THE VEHICLE THE FUEL LEAKED OUT FROM THE TOP OF THE TANKS DOWN THE SIDES LIFTING THE TWO WEEK OLD PAINT OFF THE TANKS POURING ON T…