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
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
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
- HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHCS ANV, FXLRS, FXLRST, FXRST
- Brand
- HARLEY-DAVIDSON
- Manufacturer
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company
- 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)
- FLHCS ANV
- FXLRS
- FXLRST
- FXRST
- FLDE
- FLHC
- FLHCS
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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