1989 Harley-Davidson Fltc 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. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER CONTAMINATION AND, IF IT BECOMES WET WHILE IN USE, COULD CREATE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
What could happen: MOTORCYCLE SPEED WOULD INCREASE AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUTANY ACTION ON THE PART OF THE DRIVER PRESENTING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE.
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 1989 FLTC.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V115000.
- 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: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER CONTAMINATION AND, IF IT BECOMES WET WHILE IN USE, COULD CREATE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence: MOTORCYCLE SPEED WOULD INCREASE AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUTANY ACTION ON THE PART OF THE DRIVER PRESENTING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE.
Notes: SYSTEM: CRUISE CONTROL.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 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)
09/07/2000 · Engine
CRACK IN THE ENGINE CASE CAUSED PRIMARY FLUID TO BE EVACUATED FROM THE PRIMARY CASE RESULTING IN A SECONDARY FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH. THE FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH THEN LED TO AN IMMEDIATE DECREASE IN SPEED AND NO POWER. THE CLUTCH ACTED AS IF IT WAS ALWAYS ENGAGED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY TWO HARLEY CERTIFIED MECHANICS THAT THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THAT…