The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·23V591000·Announced 2023-08-22

Harley-Davidson Softail Motorcycles Recalled for Faulty Shock Absorber Fastener

Harley-Davidson is recalling certain 2018–2023 Softail motorcycles where a fastener securing the rear shock absorber may break, causing tire damage and loss of tire pressure. This can lead to loss of vehicle control and increased crash risk.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: This recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the suspension system where a fastener may break and cause tire damage and loss of vehicle control. Structural vehicle defects warrant a Severe (Score 4) classification per the severity rubric.

Plain-English summary

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is recalling certain Softail motorcycles from model years 2018 through 2023, including the FLDE, FLHC, FLHCS, FLHCS ANV, FXLRS, FXLRST, and FXRST models. The recall affects approximately 65,224 vehicles.

The issue involves a fastener that secures the rear shock absorber. This fastener may break, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure. A loss of tire pressure can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Harley-Davidson will replace the shock absorber fastener free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. For additional information, owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.nhtsa.gov.

The recalled product

Product
2021 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FXLRS
Brand
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Manufacturer
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Motorcycle
Hazard
  • fastener-failure
  • tire-damage
  • vehicle-loss-of-control
Affected units
65,224

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)

  • FXLRS
  • FLDE
  • FLHCS
  • FLHC
  • FXLRST
  • FLHCS ANV
  • FXRST

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Same category