2005 Harley-Davidson Xl 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. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, A CONDITION OCCURS THAT COULD ALLOW PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL TANK. ON FUEL INJECTED VEHICLES, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FUEL TO SPRAY OUT UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THE FUEL CAP IS REMOVED. ON CARBURETED VEHICLES, EXCESSIVE FUEL COULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE CARBURETOR, WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY ALLOW FUEL TO DRIP FROM THE AIR CLEANER.
What could happen: THESE SITUATIONS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR CREATE A FIRE HAZARD FOR PERSONS OR PROPERTY ON OR NEAR THE MOTORCYCLE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL TEST EACH CANISTER FOR BLOCKAGE, THEN REPLACE AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD 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 2005 XL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V465000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, A CONDITION OCCURS THAT COULD ALLOW PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL TANK. ON FUEL INJECTED VEHICLES, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FUEL TO SPRAY OUT UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THE FUEL CAP IS REMOVED. ON CARBURETED VEHICLES, EXCESSIVE FUEL COULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE CARBURETOR, WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY ALLOW FUEL TO DRIP FROM THE AIR CLEANER.
Consequence: THESE SITUATIONS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR CREATE A FIRE HAZARD FOR PERSONS OR PROPERTY ON OR NEAR THE MOTORCYCLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST EACH CANISTER FOR BLOCKAGE, THEN REPLACE AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2005 Harley-Davidson Xl owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1), Latches / locks (1), Unknown Or Other (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)
03/25/2011 · Fuel system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XB (N/A). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE WIRES HAD BLOWN THE FUSES. THE VEHICLE…
12/18/2006 · Latches / locks
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FROM KENDON INDUSTRIES, 3711 E. LA PALMA AVE, ANAHEIM, CA 92806. THE TRAILER WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR A LONG BIKE (CHOPPER STYLE). THE FIRST TIME I USED THE TRAILER, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TIE DOWNS FOR THE BIKE AND COME LOOSE AND THE BIKE VERY NEARLY CAME LOOSE FROM THE TRAILER I…
10/06/2005 · Suspension
DT: 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON WIDE GLIDE. THE FRONT FORKS WERE SO WEAK THAT THEY SAGGED WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS NOT BRAKING. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SPRINGS WERE TOO WEAK IN THE FORKS. THE CONSUMER FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. HE TRIED TO GET THE AFTER MARKET SPRINGS, BUT THEY WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THIS A WEEK AGOO…