1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster recalls & complaints
1 owner complaints on file. Recall list must be checked by VIN (see below).
0recalls
0high risk
0stop-driving
1complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
NHTSA files recalls for the Harley-Davidson Sportster under individual trim or body names rather than "Sportster", so we can't match them automatically. Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the definitive list. The owner complaints below are matched correctly.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster owner's manual
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Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
1complaints
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths
Most complained-about parts: 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 (1)
10/27/1997 · Engine
MOTORCYCLE IS AT A STOP, MOTORCYCLE WILL THEN BACKFIRE THROUGH CARBURETOR WHEN ACCELERATING, IT WILL STALL OUT. NEEDS TO RESTART,DEALERSHIP SAYS CANNOT FIX PROBLEM. HAS BEEN IN SHOP TWICE A WEEK SINCE IT WAS BOUGHT,SERIOUS LOUD PINCH WHICH CAUSES LOSS OF POWER ON ACCLERATION JUST ON HOT DAYS. THIS DEFECT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK
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