1997 Harley-Davidson Flhtcui recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. 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 1997 FLHTCUI.
- 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
- 1997 Harley-Davidson Flhtcui owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1), Engine (1), Wheels / tires (1), Fuel 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 (5)
10/28/2014 · Electrical system
THE MOTORCYCLE REVED UP TO 4500 RPM WILE AT AN IDLE AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO PROPER IDLE. *TR
10/30/2002 · Wheels / tires
THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH AND STOPPED BECAUSE HE THOUGHT HE HAD FLAT TIRE, HOWEVER HE DISCOVERED THAT ALL THE SPOKES WERE MISSING FROM AMERICAN WIRE WHEEL SUPER SPOKE RADIAL LACED REAR WHEEL. *YH
06/24/2000 · Fuel system
ENGINE SEVERELY OVERHEATS BECAUSE OF DESIGN DEFECT WITH FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THIS IS MORE APPARENT BECAUSE OF MANUFACTUERS SIDECAR ON UNIT, INCREASING WEIGHT AND ENGINE LOAD. ENGINE HAS ALREADY BLOWN HEAD GASKETS AND CRACKED EXHAUST DUE TO THIS DEFECT.
10/22/1998 · Electrical system
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER CONCERNING THE IGNITION SWITCH. NOTIFIED THE DEALER, DEALER STATED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. RECALL 98V158000. *AK
09/04/1998 · Brakes
FRONT BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR BLOCK, WHICH CONTROLS THE FLOW OF FLUID TO THE BRAKES, FAILED. WHEN DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE FRONT BRAKES HELD FOR A SECOND AND THEN FAILED.