Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom (XL1200C) problems & recalls
NHTSA records for 2000–2019: 3 recall campaigns and 28 owner complaints. Pick a model year.
By year
What owners complain about (all years)
Recent recalls
Exterior Lighting #21V225000 · 2021 · 31,346 units
Problem: Harley-davidson motor company (harley-davidson) is recalling certain 2019-2021 sportster (xl) motorcycles and 796 headlight assemblies that may have been sold as replacement parts for 2005-2019 sportster, 2005-2017 softail, 2005-2017 dyna, and 2005-2011 v-rod motorcycles. the glass bulb within the headlight assembly may fail, causing a loss of both high and low beams.
Risk: A loss of both headlight beams can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Harley-davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a headlamp bulb shield, free of charge. the recall began april 15, 2021. owners may contact harley-davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. harley-davidson's number for this recall is 0177.
Electrical System #06V476000 · 2006 · 18,758 units
Problem: On certain motorcycles, as a result of a greater body thickness than used in previous model years, the voltage regulator may contact the front fender under certain conditions. in some cases this contact may allow the front fender to catch on the top side of the regulator body which could impede the operator's ability to steer the vehicle.
Risk: This could result in a crash which could cause injury or death to the rider.
Fix: On motorcycles which do not have accessory engine guards, dealers will install an intermediate mounting bracket that will relocate the voltage regulator to a position which provides more clearance from the front fender. on vehicles with an accessory engine guards, dealers will install the thinnner dimension voltage regulator to avoide the front fender clearance problem. the recall began on janua
Exterior Lighting #04V218000 · 2004 · 31,070 units
Problem: On certain dyna, xl, and touring motorcycles, the tail light bulb can fall out of the socket.
Risk: The tail light and the brake light become inoperative, which could lead to a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the bulbs. owner notification began on june 3, 2004. owners should contact harley-davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
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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 Sportster 1200 Custom.
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Model name source: Harley-Davidson model codes (harley-davidson.com/us/en/content/expert-advice/harley-davidson-model-codes.html).