The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·21V225000·Announced 2023-07-03

Harley-Davidson motorcycles recalled for faulty headlight bulbs and visibility loss

Harley-Davidson is recalling 2019-2021 Sportster motorcycles and replacement headlight assemblies because the glass bulb may fail, causing loss of both high and low beams and increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: This recall involves a critical vehicle safety system where the defect can significantly reduce visibility and increase crash risk through loss of headlight beams. However, no injuries or deaths have been reported, and the defect is described as potential rather than confirmed. Per the rubric, risk-of-harm products without reported injury score at most 3.

Plain-English summary

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is recalling certain 2019-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster (XL) motorcycles and 796 headlight assemblies sold as replacement parts. The glass bulb within the headlight assembly may fail, causing a complete loss of both high and low beams. This defect can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following 2019-2021 Sportster models: XL1200NS, XL1200CX, XL883N, XL1200X, XL1200XS, XL883L, and XL1200C. The recall also affects headlight assemblies that may have been sold as replacements for 2005-2019 Sportster, 2005-2017 Softail, 2005-2017 Dyna, and 2005-2011 V-Rod motorcycles. Approximately 31,346 units may be affected.

Harley-Davidson will notify owners. Dealers will install a headlamp bulb shield free of charge, beginning April 15, 2021. Owners can contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 to schedule service. The company's recall number for this campaign is 0177. For additional information, owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
2020 HARLEY-DAVIDSON XL1200NS
Brand
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Manufacturer
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Motorcycles
Hazard
  • headlight-failure
  • visibility-loss
  • crash-risk
Affected units
31,346

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (7)

  • XL1200NS
  • XL1200CX
  • XL883N
  • XL1200X
  • XL1200XS
  • XL883L
  • XL1200C

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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