RoadVitals

2008 Harley-Davidson Fxdl

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
6
Latest Sep 13, 2013
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Nov 20, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Harley-Davidson Fxdl, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 12 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system342.9%
  • Electrical228.6%
  • Engine114.3%
  • Suspension114.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07V535000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Nov 20, 2007
538 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IF CONTACT OCCURS WHILE RIDING, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH.
The 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.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 0133View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE08043ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

MOTORCYCLE STALLING

Opened Jul 17, 2008
Closed Aug 8, 2008

THE SUBJECT FUEL FILTER HOUSING (P/N 62229-08) CRACKS, RESULTING IN SUDDEN ENGINE STALL DUE TO UNREGULATED FUEL PRESSURE.HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAS MODIFIED THE HOUSING WITH A NEW PART NUMBER 62229-08A.SHORTLY AFTER OPENING THIS PE, ODI RECEIVED HARLEY'S DEFECT NOTIFICATION INDICATING THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE BEING RECALLED TO INSTALL THE NEW FUEL FILTER HOUSING.WITH THAT RECALL, RECEIVED PRIOR TO RELEASE OF OUR INFORMATION REQUEST, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CONCLUDED.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERYLed to recall 08V357000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalFuel system
Filed Sep 13, 2013

APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, GEARING DOWN TO STOP, THE IDLE CONTINUED ABOVE 3000RPM. SHORTLY AFTER THAT, THE BIKE STARTED EATING THE BATTERY. NOW, WHEN IT HAPPENS, I KNOW TO GET IT HOME TO THE BATTERY TENDER ASAP. THREE TIMES THE HD MECHANICS CHARGE THE BATTERY AND THEN, "CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG". I HAD TO FIRE OLD GLORY HD IN LAUREL, MD. LOOKING FOR A REAL MECHANIC HERE IN FLORIDA. *TR

NHTSA ID
10543448
Incident
Sep 14, 2011
Mileage
4,200 mi
Suspension
Filed Sep 8, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXDL. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE WHEEL, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA ID
10424287
Incident
Sep 7, 2010
Mileage
13,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 23, 2008

2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE, WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF ON IT'S OWN, HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES, DEALER AND HARLEY ARE OF NO ASSISTANCE IN RECTIFYING THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND MOST RECENT DATE, HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN ONE DAY! *TR

NHTSA ID
10246545
Incident
Oct 22, 2008
Mileage
2,371 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 26, 2008

REPORTEDLY, A NUMBER OF 2008 TOURING HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT A DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP PART THAT CAUSES THE MOTORCYCLE TO STOP PUMPING FUEL AND STOPPING ABRUPTLY. THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN BY HARLEY DAVIDSON (PART #62229-08) AND IS BEING REPLACED BY AN IMPROVED PART (#62229-08A) THAT IS NOT DEFECTIVE. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AS I COMMUTE 100+ MILES DAILY ON MY MOTORCYCLE AND I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10232350
Incident
Jun 26, 2008
Fuel system
Filed Jun 23, 2008

2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE W/3,893 MILES. ON SUNDAY, JUNE 15TH ABOUT 40 MILES FROM HOME MY BIKE STARTED JERKING AROUND AND ACTING AS IF I SLAMMED THE BRAKES ON. I COULD TELL IT WAS A FUEL ISSUE OF SOME SORT. WITH HELP FROM FRIENDS AND 3 HOURS LATER WE MANAGED TO LIMP IT HOME BY SHUTTING IT DOWN AND REFIRING WHEN IT WAS STARVING FOR FUEL. THE DEFECTIVE PART IS THE FUEL FILTER BRACKET THAT HAS PLASTIC TABS THAT BREAK. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM IS WITH BRACKETS ON ALL 2008 TOURING BIKES WHICH HAVE THE 6 GALLON FUEL TANK. MY BIKE IS STILL IN THE SHOP WAITING ON A SUPPOSED TO BE NEW AND IMPROVED PART THAT I WAS FIRST TOLD WOULD BE AVAILABLE ON THE 6/17, AND HAVE NOW HEARD THE 23RD. H-D NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THESE BIKES, NOT JUST BECAUSE OF THE REAL BIG INCONVENIENCE, BUT IT'S DANGEROUS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10232008
Incident
Jun 15, 2008
Mileage
3,893 mi
Engine
Filed May 6, 2008

UNCONTROLLABLE IDLE, HARLEY DAVIDSON FLY BY WIRE THROTTLE. IDLE INTERMITTENTLY WILL GO ABOVE 1800 RPM. A FACTORY KNOWN ISSUE WITH NO PERMANENT REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. I JUST BOUGHT A NEW HARLEY AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS 2 TIMES BOTH TIMES THE DEALER EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AS WELL..SAID IT WAS FIXED AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. ONLY FOR THE HIGH RPM ISSUE TO RETURN. CALLED HARLEY TECHLINE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND THEY ARE WORKING ON IT.. AND HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS PROBLEM SINCE JULY OF 07 WITH NO IDEA HOW TO RESOLVE IT. PROBLEM IS IN THE FLY BY WIRE CIRCUIT AND COMPUTER WHICH LOOSES MEMORY AND GOES INTO A HIGH RPM. THE EXPERIENCE IS LIKE CRUISE CONTROL BEING TURNED ON AND YOU CANNOT SLOW DOWN WHEN YOU RELEASE THE THROTTLE.... *TR

NHTSA ID
10226769
Incident
May 3, 2008
Mileage
11 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

M1684

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1684: MARKET SPECIFIC BATTERY INTRODUCTION. PURPOSE: Initial Release. This bulletin informs dealers of the availability of new batteries for new Original Equipment (OE) vehicle production and in the Parts and Accessories (P&A) catalog. Availability of the new Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries will vary by market and will be transitioning over the next few months. NOTE: The ring terminal screws are not compatible between Leoch and East Penn batteries. The new batteries will include new ring terminal screws, which must be used. The ring terminal screws from the old battery need to be discarded.

M1650

ENGINE; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SERVICE BULLETIN M1650: MILWAUKEE EIGHT AND TWIN CAM CAMSHAFT DRIVE GEAR RETENTION KIT CHANGES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that changes have been made to the Camshaft Drive Gear Retention Kit and service proceduresfor the Milwaukee-Eight and Twin Cam applications. In an effort to increase the clamp load of the camshaft drive sprocket bolted joint and prevent the drive bolt from loosening in high lift camshaft applications, the following changes have been made: a. The camshaft drive bolt final torque has been increased to 40 ft-lbs (54 N·m) for all Milwaukee-Eight and certain Twin Cams models. See Vehicles Affected. This increase in torque will make the bolt a one time use application. Never re-use a camshaft drive bolt for service after tightening to the increased specification. See service manual for updated procedure. b. A new camshaft drive gear retention kit (Part No. 91800088) has been created. This new kit is compatible with all Milwaukee-Eight and Twin Cam engines using Parts and Accessories (P&A) camshaft and Original Equipment (OE) camshaft applications. See Instruction sheet for specific fitment on Twin Cam OE camshaft applications. The new kit utilizes friction washers to prevent unwanted rotation of components in the drive sprocket bolted joint under stress. The use of liquid threadlocker on the threads of the bolt and pre-lube to the head of the bolt flange and outside of the washer help the bolt reach full stretch when tightening. NOTE: Engines produced at all Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) plants will not come with the new kits installed. They will continue to be produced with (Part No. 25566-06).

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.8.8): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 24.8.8. Release Date: Week of August 5, 2024. New Features for Harley-Davidson vehicles: Advanced Module Replace for 2021 and later Revolution Max; 2023 and later CVO Touring; and 2024 Street Glide (FLHX), Road Glide (FLTRX). New Features for LiveWire vehicles: Updated calibrations for 2024 S2DM EV1/ EV6; 2024 S2MH EV1; and 2024 S2DM, S2MH. Changes: Added Hand Control Module (HCM) (Part No. 71500522A and 71500536A) for reflash support.

PAB1158

ENGINE; POWER TRAIN

GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1158: OIL FILTER PACKAGING AND CASE QUANTITY UPDATE. PURPOSE: To inform dealerships that Harley-Davidson has made updates to oil filters including new part numbers, packaging design, and bulk case quantity changes.

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.6.4): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 24.6.4. Release Date: Week of May 1, 2024. New Features for LiveWire S2DM and S2MH, 2024 Revolution® Max, and 2024 Touring.

M1612

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; POWER TRAIN; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SERVICE BULLETIN M1612 (REV A): MILWAUKEE-EIGHT AND TWIN CAM TRANSMISSION GEAR PACKS. Purpose: Revision. Update: Notes for Table 3 and 4. * Updated: Part Numbers. This bulletin informs dealers that all: Twin Cam gear packs on CVO, Dyna, Police, Softail, Touring & Trike models and Milwaukee-Eight gear packs on CVO, Police, Softail, Touring & Trike models ordered after December 04, 2023 will not come with the shift drum, forks, shafts and related hardware. Models Affected: 2006-2017 Twin Cams: Dyna models 2007-2016 Twin Cams: CVO, Police, Touring and Trike models 2007-2017 Twin Cams: Softail models 2017-2024 Milwaukee-Eight: CVO, Police, Touring and Trike models 2018-2024 Milwaukee-Eight: Softail models

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Harley-Davidson Fxdl by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017000—
2016110—
2015010—
2014320—
2013000—
2012000—
2011000—
2010000—
2009520—
2008Viewing611—
2007110—
2006010—
2005000—
2004100—
2003710—
2002000—
2001310—
2000300—
1999320—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.