2020 Harley-Davidson Xl883n 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. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. The glass bulb within the headlight assembly may fail, causing a loss of both high and low beams.
What could happen: A loss of both headlight beams can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a headlamp bulb shield, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2021. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0177.
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 2020 XL883N.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 21V225000 (manufacturer code 0177).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-258-2464.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:BULBS
Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Sportster (XL) motorcycles and 796 headlight assemblies that may have been sold as replacement parts for 2005-2019 Sportster, 2005-2017 Softail, 2005-2017 Dyna, and 2005-2011 V-Rod motorcycles. The glass bulb within the headlight assembly may fail, causing a loss of both high and low beams.
Consequence: A loss of both headlight beams can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a headlamp bulb shield, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2021. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0177.
Notes: 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
- 2020 Harley-Davidson Xl883n owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (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)
06/15/2021 · Transmission / drivetrain
The contact owns a 2020 Harley Davidson 883 Ironhorse. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the motorcycle. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle, the transmission slipped out of gear. The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure…