1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Electrical system (2), Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1), Lights (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (7)
11/18/2003 · Fuel system
THE CONSUMER NOTICED A DRY RUST COLORED DUST COMING FROM THE MOTORCYCLE WHILE RIDING. AFTER COMING TO A STOP, THE CONSUMER NOTICED GAS LEAKING ON THE GROUND. THE RUST COLORED DUST WAS DRY GAS. CONSUMER STATED THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REBUILT IN 1999, INCLUDING A NEW GAS TANK. *AK THE LEAK WAS CAUSED BY STRESS CRACKS AT THE BASE OF THE TANK. THE MOTORCYCLE WA…
08/06/2002 · Lights · crash
REAR TAIL LIGHT CAME OFF MOTORCYCLE AND LODGED IN REAR WHEEL AT 65MPH, 3 OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM SAME TYPE MOTORCYCLE OWNERS IN QUICK SURVEY. HARLEY DAVIDSON ISN'T EVEN INTERESTED.*AK
02/01/1999 · Engine
FRONT / REAR HEAD GASKET FAILED. *YC
02/01/1999 · Electrical system
IGNITION MODULAR FAILED. *YC
09/01/1998 · Engine
ENGINE NOCKS AND PINGS CONTINUALLY.
06/21/1998 · Electrical system
MOTORCYCLE WOULD BACKFIRE AND STALL WHEN GIVING IT THROTTLE GOING FROM A STOP OR IDLING. I QUICKLY DIS-ENGAUGED THE CLUTCH TO START THE MOTOR BACKUP, BUT THE CAR IN THE SECOND LANE WAS ALREADY LOCKING HIS BRAKES. I DID MANAGE TO GET THE BIKE STARTED IN THE KNICK OF TIME, AND THE ONCOMING CAR MISSED ME BY ONLY A FEW FEET. I AM AN EXPERIENCED MOTORCYCLE OP…
06/04/1998 · Transmission / drivetrain
CLUTCH ON MOTORCYCLE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO PUSH. OWNER IS VERY CONCERNED RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE. DEALERS HAVE NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM. *AK