RoadVitals

2014 Harley-Davidson Xl Sportster

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.
4
Latest Jul 13, 2015
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 May 16, 2014
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.
0
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 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Harley-Davidson Xl Sportster, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and tires & wheels categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 2 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

  • Engine133.3%
  • Powertrain (other)133.3%
  • Tires & wheels133.3%

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
14E023000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

May 16, 2014
209 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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 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.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0156View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 13, 2015

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

NHTSA ID
10733689
Incident
Jul 13, 2015
Mileage
8,300 mi
Engine
Filed May 22, 2015

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. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,800.

NHTSA ID
10720966
Incident
May 17, 2015
Mileage
4,800 mi
Filed Feb 24, 2015

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 MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PP

NHTSA ID
10690312
Incident
Feb 23, 2015
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 29, 2014

MT CLUTCH FAILED GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY JUST WENT OUT WITH ONLY 600 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10639878
Incident
Aug 1, 2014
Mileage
600 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

HD-TT-436

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HARLEY DAVIDSON: EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE SPEED SENSORS (VSS) ARE BEING REPLACED DUE TO CIRCUIT PROBLEMS AND ARE INOPERATIVE, ON SOME MOTORCYCLES, THEY ARE BEING TESTED AND COMING BACK WITH NO TROUBLE. *PE

TT-432

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

HARLEY DAVIDSON: DUE TO A LOOSE CONNECTION OF THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH, THE OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LAMP FAILS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN IGNITION IS ON. ALL MODEL 2014. *PE

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.