2014 Harley-Davidson Xl Sportster 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. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The affected kits may have an excess of chrome plating on the brake lever which could prevent the full return of the front brake master cylinder piston.
What could happen: If the brake master cylinder piston does not return to the proper position, the front brake pressure would not be relieved and the front wheel may lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the affected front brake levers, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0156.
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 2014 XL SPORTSTER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14E023000 (manufacturer code 0156).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-258-2464.
- 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 Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain accessory Chrome Hand Control Lever Kits, part number 36700053, intended for use on 2014 Harley Davidson XL Sportster motorcycles. The affected kits may have an excess of chrome plating on the brake lever which could prevent the full return of the front brake master cylinder piston.
Consequence: If the brake master cylinder piston does not return to the proper position, the front brake pressure would not be relieved and the front wheel may lock up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the affected front brake levers, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0156.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2014 Harley-Davidson Xl Sportster owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1), Engine (1), Unknown Or Other (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)
07/13/2015 · Wheels / tires
I PURCHASED A USED HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE SPECIAL, FLHXS WITH 8,300 MILES. UPON CLOSE INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE FRONT TIRE SIDEWALL WAS SPLITTING NEXT TO THE BEAD. MY DEALER REPLACED THE TIRE UNDER WARRANTY AT NO CHARGE TO ME. TIRE WAS A DUNLOP 408F, 130B/60/19. *TR
05/22/2015 · Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTK (NA) MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARK PLUG WIRE MADE CONTACT WITH THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK, WHICH DAMAGED THE INSULATION COVERING OF THE WIRE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE SPARK PLUG WIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.…
02/24/2015 · Unknown Or Other
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A SHARK ROW MOTORCYCLE HELMET, MANUFACTURED IN AUGUST 22, 2013 - JUNE,2013. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14E086000 ( EQUIPMENT) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MAD…
09/29/2014 · Transmission / drivetrain
MT CLUTCH FAILED GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY JUST WENT OUT WITH ONLY 600 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR