2013 Harley-Davidson Vrscdx recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. The license plate bracket assembly's mounting screws may loosen and the assembly may separate from the rear fender. This condition may lead to contact with the rear tire which could cause the license plate bracket to rotate, possibly damaging the rear brake line.
What could happen: If the license plate bracket contact with the rear brake line remains undetected, it may affect rear brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash, which could lead to injury or death of the rider.
The fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any affected motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 6, 2012. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.
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 2013 VRSCDX.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V503000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-414-343-4056.
- 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: EQUIPMENT
Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling all model year 2012 and certain model year 2013 VRSCDX motorcycles manufactured from June 14, 2011, through August 1, 2012. The license plate bracket assembly's mounting screws may loosen and the assembly may separate from the rear fender. This condition may lead to contact with the rear tire which could cause the license plate bracket to rotate, possibly damaging the rear brake line.
Consequence: If the license plate bracket contact with the rear brake line remains undetected, it may affect rear brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash, which could lead to injury or death of the rider.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any affected motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 6, 2012. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.
Notes: This is Harley-Davidson recall 0148. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2013 Harley-Davidson Vrscdx owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1), Fuel system (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)
09/12/2016 · Electrical system
THE NIGHT ROD SPECIAL FUEL GUAGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. AFTER FILLING UP, IT SHOWED LESS THAN 1/2 TANK IN CITY DRIVING. AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE AND RESTARTING, IT SHOWED ABOUT 3/4 FULL. AS THE DRIVE CONTINUED ON A HIGHWAY, IT INCREASED TO POSSIBLY THE CORRECT FUEL LEVEL. AFTER STOPPING WITH APPROXIMATELY 1/2 OF A TANK, ONCE RESTARTED, IT DROPPED RAP…