2008 Harley-Davidson Fxdb 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. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES BUILT AND SHIPPED TO CALIFORNIA, THE CATALYTIC MUFFLER PROTECTIVE HEAT SHIELD WAS NOT INSTALLED. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW DIRECT CONTACT WITH THIS MUFFLER AND CAUSE INJURY.
What could happen: IF CONTACT OCCURS WHILE RIDING, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE HEAT SHIELDS TO THE MUFFLERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2007. 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 FXDB.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V535000.
- 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: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES BUILT AND SHIPPED TO CALIFORNIA, THE CATALYTIC MUFFLER PROTECTIVE HEAT SHIELD WAS NOT INSTALLED. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW DIRECT CONTACT WITH THIS MUFFLER AND CAUSE INJURY.
Consequence: IF CONTACT OCCURS WHILE RIDING, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE HEAT SHIELDS TO THE MUFFLERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Notes: HARLEY-DAVIDSON RECALL NO. 0133. CUSTOMERS 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 HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (3), Suspension (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
08/31/2011 · Wheels / tires
THIS IS TO CORRECT FILE NUMBER 10421452 -- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA SERIES LOW RIDER. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR TIRE IS A DUNLOP K591 160/70V-17. THE CONTACT NOTICED IN EARLY JUNE 2011 A SPLIT IN THE CENTER RAIN GROVE. ON AUG. 19, 2011 FOUND ADDITIONAL CRACKS IN THE TIRE IN THESE CENTER RAIN GROVES. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A LO…
08/25/2011 · Wheels / tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA SERIES LOW RIDER. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR TIRE IS A DUNLOP K591 160/70V-17. THE CONTACT NOTICED IN EARLY JUNE 2011 A SPLIT IN THE CENTER RAIN GROVE. ON AUG. 19, 2011 FOUND ADDITIONAL CRACKS IN THE TIRE IN THESE CENTER RAIN GROVES. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MOTORCYCLE SHOP WHO STATED THE TIR…
06/01/2010 · Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET BOB FXDB MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT. THE FRONT TIRE FORK APPEARED TO BE TITLED A QUARTER INCH TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO LEAN THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAI…
10/10/2008 · Transmission / drivetrain
I PURCHASED A HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET BOB IN JULY. THE DAY I BOUGHT THIS MOTORCYCLE I PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT ON TO THE SERVICE ROAD AND THE FRONT WHEEL STARTED WOBBLING REAL BAD. I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE FRONT END AND I WENT ON MY WAY WITH THE NEW BIKE. THIS WAS NEVER LOGGED INTO THE MANUFACTURES WARRANTY. I HAVE NO…