1998 Harley-Davidson Flhtc recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FL TOURING MOTORCYCLES. A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN OCCUR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT AND OTHER FACTORS.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL TO START, OPERATE ERRATICALLY, OR STALL.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH/CIRCUIT BREAKER AND INSTALL A RELAY KIT.
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 1998 FLHTC.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V158000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FL TOURING MOTORCYCLES. A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN OCCUR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT AND OTHER FACTORS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL TO START, OPERATE ERRATICALLY, OR STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH/CIRCUIT BREAKER AND INSTALL A RELAY KIT.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 20, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR MOTORCYCLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Portable jump starter
- 1998 Harley-Davidson Flhtc owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1), Unknown Or Other (1), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
03/11/2022 · Wheels / tires
The rear rim, PN# 0204-0369 has a recall that i had the honor of purchasing. when we took the hardware off from it i noticed there were 3 broken spokes on it. which is in direct association with the recall. but i was told it was not in the recall date.
09/11/2000 · Unknown Or Other
ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT LUGGAGE RACK TOUR BOX BROKE, CAUSING PASSENGER TO FALL FROM MOTORCYCLE. MANUFCTURER AND DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
10/16/1998 · Electrical system
CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER REGARDING RECALL NOTICE 98V158000, MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 091. DEALER STATES PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS IN WHICH THE DEALER STATED PARTS WERE NOT IN.*AK CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER MOTOR CYCLE FIXED.*ET