2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Visibility (wipers / glass) (3), Engine (2), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Fuel system (1), Gasoline (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)
12/05/2005 · Engine
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR UPPER VALVE COVER LEAKED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR UPPER VALVE COVERS. SINCE THE VALVES WERE REPLACED THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RETURNED. *AK UPDATED 1/4/2006 - THE REAR ROCKER BOX COVER LEAKED. THE FRONT AND REAR BOX COVER WERE REPLACED. THE GASKETS WERE REPLACED WITH UPDATED ONES. *NM
12/01/2003 · Transmission / drivetrain
AFTER MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN RIDDEN FOR 30-45 MINUTES SHIFT LEVER BECOMES ALMOST UNUSABLE IF MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN LEFT TO IDLE OF IS TURNED OFF, AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF MOVING UP AND DOWN IT CAN BE USED. VERY DANGEROUS IF I CAN NOT SHIFT INTO APPROPRIATE GEAR. *AK
09/06/2002 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
LEFT HAND MIRROR WILL FLY OFF WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
08/16/2002 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
CUSTOM 1200, MIRRORS ON VEHICLE ARE VERY HIGH STEMMED, VIBRATION WILL NOT ALLOW RIDER TO SEE TRAFFIC BEHIND HIM WHEN CHANGING LANES. DEALER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO.*AK *SLC
08/16/2002 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
CUSTOM 1200, AT 65 MPH, LEFT MIRROR SNAPPED OFF AND HIT CONSUMER IN THE FACE. CONSUMER SUFFERED FACIAL INJURIES.*AK JLG
04/10/2002 · Engine
WHILE DRIVING, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS AND MOTORCYCLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT BIKE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY AND IS ALSO MAKING A POPPING NOISE AND BACKFIRING. *TT