2018–2024 Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycles rear shock issue
Harley-Davidson is recalling certain 2018–2024 Softail motorcycles because the rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting tab may break and damage the tire, causing sudden loss of pressure 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 is a structural vehicle defect (failed mounting tab) that creates a risk of sudden tire pressure loss and crash. No illnesses or injuries are reported in the source text, but the hazard—loss of tire pressure while riding—creates a significant risk of harm that justifies a High rating under the rubric's criterion for risk-of-harm products.
Plain-English summary
Harley-Davidson Motor Company is recalling certain 2018–2024 Softail motorcycles, including models FLDE, FLHC, FLHCS, FLHCS ANV, FXLRS, FXLRST, and FXRST. The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire.
When the mounting tab breaks, the adjuster can contact and damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure. A sudden loss of tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install a new bracket free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 or refer to Harley-Davidson recall number 0188. Some vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V591 will also need to have the new remedy completed.
The recalled product
- Product
- 2018 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLDE
- Brand
- HARLEY-DAVIDSON
- Manufacturer
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company
- Hazard
- tire-damage
- pressure-loss
- crash-risk
- Affected units
- 82,117
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)
- FLDE
- FLHCS
- FLHC
- FXLRS
- FXLRST
- FLHCS ANV
- FXRST
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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