MotorDeets

Harley-Davidson Sportster S (RH1250S) problems & recalls

NHTSA records for 2021–2026: 3 recall campaigns and 16 owner complaints. Pick a model year.

202120222023202420252026

By year

YearRecallsComplaints
202133
202225
202326
202421
202520
202611

What owners complain about (all years)

Engine7
Steering6
Structure1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Equipment1

Recent recalls

Steering #26V075000 · 2026 · 9,401 units

Problem: Harley-davidson motor company (harley) is recalling certain 2021-2026 rh1250s (sportster s) motorcycles. the upper triple clamp may fracture.

Risk: An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the upper triple clamp, as necessary, free of charge. owner notification letters are expected to be mailed february 19, 2026. owners may contact harley-davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. harley-davidson's number for this recall is 0191. this recall expands previous nhtsa recall number 25v590. motorcycles that were repaired under the previous recall will n

Steering #25V590000 · 2025 · 8,424 units

Problem: Harley-davidson motor company (harley-davidson) is recalling certain rh1250s (sportster s) motorcycles. the upper triple clamp may fracture.

Risk: An upper triple clamp that fractures while the motorcycle is being operated could lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the upper triple clamp, free of charge. owner notification letters were mailed october 1, 2025. owners may contact harley-davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. harley-davidson's number for this recall is 0190.

Electrical System #22V030000 · 2022 · 3,917 units

Problem: Harley davidson motor company (harley-davidson) is recalling certain 2021 pan america 1250s (ra1250s), pan america 1250 (ra1250), and sportster s (rh1250s) motorcycles. the instrument cluster module may not display the speedometer and neutral indicator at start-up when the module is below freezing temperatures. as such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 123, "motorcycle controls and displays."

Risk: Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster module software, free of charge. owner notification letters were mailed february 8, 2022. owners may contact harley-davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. harley-davidson's number for this recall is 0631.

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 Sportster S.

Clymer Print or online manual

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Model name source: Harley-Davidson model codes (harley-davidson.com/us/en/content/expert-advice/harley-davidson-model-codes.html).