Harley-Davidson Fat Boy (FLSTF) problems & recalls
NHTSA records for 1990–2011: 4 recall campaigns and 35 owner complaints. Pick a model year.
By year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 | 0 |
| 1992 | 1 | 1 |
| 1998 | 0 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 | 5 |
| 2001 | 0 | 3 |
| 2002 | 1 | 2 |
| 2003 | 1 | 0 |
| 2004 | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 | 2 |
| 2006 | 0 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 | 11 |
| 2008 | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 | 0 | 2 |
| 2010 | 0 | 3 |
| 2011 | 0 | 2 |
What owners complain about (all years)
Recent recalls
Electrical System #07V173000 · 2007 · 52,240 units
Problem: Certain motorcycles were built with a condition that permits the positive battery cable to contact a weld bead on the oil tank. this may cause the weld bead to abrade through the insulation on the cable and cause an electrical short from the battery through the oil tank and oil lines.
Risk: This could lead to an oil leak and/or possible fire, which could result in injury or death to the rider.
Fix: Dealers will install a battery caddy that will protect the cable and ensure proper cable routing. this recall began on may 4, 2007. owners may contact harley-davidson at 1-414-342-4080.
Equipment #05V151000 · 2005 · 167,628 units
Problem: Certain softail motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of part 567, 'certification.' the vin/certification label contains incorrect tire size and inflation pressures for the front wheel. the label states the tire size is mt90b21 and the inflation pressure as 30 psi, whereas the correct tire size is mt90b16, and the correct inflation pressure is 36 psi.
Risk: The certification label is incorrect giving improper information.
Fix: Harley- davidson will mail instructions along with corrected federal certification label. if an owner so desires, a dealer can install the label for them. the recall began on june 6, 2005. owners may contact harley-davidson at 1-414-343-4056.
Fuel System, Gasoline #99V200000 · 1999 · 10,241 units
Problem: Vehicle description: motorcycles. these motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent fitting that could be plugged allowing the carburetor to overflow fuel.
Risk: This could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank vent fitting and, if plugged, will correct this condition.
Electrical System #92V180000 · 1992 · 77,407 units
Problem: The starter relay may short circuit when the vehicle is parked.
Risk: The short circuit in the starter relay may develop enoughheat to cause a fire in the relay, other parts of the motorcycle, and otheritems in the surrounding area.
Fix: Replace the starter relay.
Want the full repair deets? Get the service manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Fat Boy.
Motorcycle-specific service manuals with step-by-step procedures (Clymer is part of Haynes).
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Model name source: Harley-Davidson model codes (harley-davidson.com/us/en/content/expert-advice/harley-davidson-model-codes.html).