1988 Harley-Davidson Flst recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. THE SCREWS ISSUED IN A KIT TO MOUNT THE FENDER AND AN ACCESSORY FRONT BUMPER ONTO THE MOTORCYCLES CAN BREAK, CAUSING THE FENDER AND BUMPER TO LOOSEN AND POSSIBLY CONTACT THE FRONT TIRE.
What could happen: CONTACT BETWEEN THE FENDER AND BUMPER AND THE FRONTTIRE MAY RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
The fix: REPLACE THE SCREWS IN THE KITS WHICH ARE LOCATED AT DEALERSHIPS. OWNERS OF INSTALLED KITS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO HAVE THE MOUNTING SCREWS REPLACED.
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 1988 FLST.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93E030000.
- 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: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Summary: THE SCREWS ISSUED IN A KIT TO MOUNT THE FENDER AND AN ACCESSORY FRONT BUMPER ONTO THE MOTORCYCLES CAN BREAK, CAUSING THE FENDER AND BUMPER TO LOOSEN AND POSSIBLY CONTACT THE FRONT TIRE.
Consequence: CONTACT BETWEEN THE FENDER AND BUMPER AND THE FRONTTIRE MAY RESULT IN TIRE FAILURE AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SCREWS IN THE KITS WHICH ARE LOCATED AT DEALERSHIPS. OWNERS OF INSTALLED KITS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO HAVE THE MOUNTING SCREWS REPLACED.
Notes: SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; BUMPER ASSEMBLY.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: HEAVY DUTY MOTORCYCLES.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
06/29/1999 · Engine
ENGINE LIFTER FAILED, CAUSING ENGINE VALVE NOT TO WORK , RESULTING IN MOTORCYCLE STALLING UNEXPECTEDLY, WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK