1998 Harley-Davidson Softail recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE LEVER HUB TO SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER LEVER WHICH WOULD AFFECT REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE ON THESE VEHICLES.
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 1998 SOFTAIL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V227000.
- 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:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE LEVER HUB TO SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER LEVER WHICH WOULD AFFECT REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE ON THESE VEHICLES.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR MOTORCYCLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (1), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Suspension (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
05/14/2002 · Steering
WHEN TURNING HANDLE BARS FROM SIDE TO SIDE HANDLES WILL HIT FUEL TANK ON EITHER SIDE OF CYCLE. FUEL TANK GETS DENTED. DEALER STATED IT WAS A KNOWN DEFECT, AND THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK
02/18/1999 · Brakes
THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS TOO SHORT AND INTERFERES WITH APPLYING THE BRAKES WHILE FOOT IS RESTING ON THE FLOORBOARD. FOOT BECOMES TRAPPED BETWEEN THE FLOORBOARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS IS THE HERITAGE SOFTAIL MOTORCYCLE. OWNER HAS NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *AK
10/28/1998 · Suspension · crash
WHILE DRIVING THE MOTORCYCLE SPEED 20-25 MPH, FRONT TIRES STARTED TO SHAKE, FRONT END STARTED TO JERK, THE ROAD CURVED LEFT, MOTORCYCLE KEPT PULLING TO THE RIGHT, HIT A CURB, FRONTAL IMPACT AND LOST CONTROL, DEALER CONTACTED ,AND CLAIMED OFFICER, ISLAND CYCLE DID REPAIRS, AND NY HARLEY DAVIDSON MANUFACTURER IS REVTECH TIRES - PROBLEM IS DEFECTIVE TIRE VA…