2008 Harley-Davidson Flstsb 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. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. THE ACORN STUD AT THE BRAKE REACTION LINK MAY FALL OUT DURING USE.
What could happen: IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT BRAKE AND FENDER ASSEMBLY WOULD NO LONGER BE ADEQUATELY RETAINED. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH AND POTENTIAL INJURY TO OR DEATH OF THE RIDER.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ACORN STUD WITH A NEW ACORN STUD AND RETAINING CLIP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
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 2008 FLSTSB.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09V211000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-414-343-4056.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: HARLEY DAVIDSON IS RECALLING 11,005 FLSTSB,
FXSTSSE2, AND FXSTSSE3 MY 2008 AND 2009 MOTORCYCLES. THE ACORN STUD AT THE BRAKE REACTION LINK MAY FALL OUT DURING USE.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT BRAKE AND FENDER ASSEMBLY WOULD NO LONGER BE ADEQUATELY RETAINED. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH AND POTENTIAL INJURY TO OR DEATH OF THE RIDER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ACORN STUD WITH A NEW ACORN STUD AND RETAINING CLIP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Notes: HARLEY DAVIDSON RECALL NO. 0139. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2008 Harley-Davidson Flstsb owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1), Lights (1), Body / structure (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)
09/21/2011 · Electrical system
THE TAIL LAMP ENVELOPE FLOODS WHEN RIDING ON WET ROADS FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. THIS CAUSES THE TAIL LIGHT/BRAKE LIGHT BULB TO FAIL. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE WATER COMES OFF OF THE REAR WHEEL AND ENTERS THROUGH THE HOLES IN THE FENDER WHERE THE WIRES PASS THROUGH. ONCE THE REAR PART OF THE LENS FILLS UP TO THE POINT WHERE THE BULB GOES INTO THE ENVE…