MotorDeets

Harley-Davidson XL problems & recalls

NHTSA records for 1990–2005: 4 recall campaigns and 7 owner complaints. Pick a model year.

1990199519961997199819992005

By year

YearRecallsComplaints
199020
199510
199610
199710
199802
199902
200513

What owners complain about (all years)

Visibility2
Exterior Lighting1
Electrical System1
Suspension1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Fuel System, Gasoline1

Recent recalls

Fuel System, Gasoline #04V465000 · 2004 · 2,828 units

Problem: On certain motorcycles, a condition occurs that could allow pressure to build up in the fuel tank. on fuel injected vehicles, this condition could cause fuel to spray out unexpectedly when the fuel cap is removed. on carbureted vehicles, excessive fuel could be transferred to the carburetor, which would eventually allow fuel to drip from the air cleaner.

Risk: These situations could cause serious personal injury or create a fire hazard for persons or property on or near the motorcycle.

Fix: Dealers will test each canister for blockage, then replace as necessary. the recall began november 4, 2004. owners should contact harley-davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

Fuel System, Gasoline #96V204000 · 1996 · 176,515 units

Problem: The effects of reformulated gasoline along with certain usage of the fuel supply valve affects the supply of gasoline to the carburetor. this condition requires two factors: (1) the use of reformulated fuels containing mbte and (2) starting the motorcycle with the fuel valve handle in the off position.

Risk: This condition can cause the fuel flow to be unpredictable thus causing the engine to shut down increasing the risk of a motorcycle accident.

Fix: Dealers the replace the diaphragm in the fuel valve.

Electrical System #90V002000 · 1990 · 1,914 units

Problem: A short circuit could develop due to possible chafing where the battery cable is close to the evaporative emissions control system.

Risk: Battery cable might overheat and result in a fire.

Fix: Replace battery cable and other appropriate parts.

Electrical System #90V102000 · 1990 · 3,268 units

Problem: Wireform that secures rubber grommets, which serve as a routing guide for the positive battery cable, may not meet specifications.

Risk: Wireforms could chafe the positive battery cable andcause a short circuit to the motorcycle chassis during operation.

Fix: Replace positive battery cable wireform with wireform that that meets specifications.

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 XL.

Clymer Print or online manual

Motorcycle-specific service manuals with step-by-step procedures (Clymer is part of Haynes).

Check XL manual
Haynes Print book or online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Check XL manual
eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Downloadable service manuals. Pay once, keep it.

Check XL manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure