2006 Harley-Davidson Xl1200l 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. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A CONDITION WHEREBY THE PANT LEG OF SOME RIDERS CAN HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE PANT LEG TO CHAR OR BURN, WHICH COULD LEAD TO THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO THE RIDER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A NEW EXHAUST SHIELD WHICH PROVIDES ADDITIONAL COVERAGE OFTHE EXHAUST PIPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2007. 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 2006 XL1200L.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V296000.
- 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: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Summary: CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A CONDITION WHEREBY THE PANT LEG OF SOME RIDERS CAN HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE EXHAUST PIPE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE PANT LEG TO CHAR OR BURN, WHICH COULD LEAD TO THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO THE RIDER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A NEW EXHAUST SHIELD WHICH PROVIDES ADDITIONAL COVERAGE OFTHE EXHAUST PIPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Notes: HARLEY DAVIDSON RECALL NO. 0131. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2006 Harley-Davidson Xl1200l owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Lights (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
11/30/2010 · Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200 LOW. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE ACCELERATED ABOUT 90 MPH WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING HIS ENGINE TO FAIL. THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILUR…
07/14/2006 · Transmission / drivetrain
2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER TRANSMISSION MADE NOISE AT 556 MILES. *TS WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE MOTORCYCLE, HE DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION'S DRAIN PLUG HAD A MAGNET WHICH HAD METAL SHAVINGS STUCK TO IT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC TOOK IT FOR A RIDE. THE MECHANIC STATED THE TRANSMISSION W…