Harley-Davidson’s latest recall of 82,000 motorcycles reveals a dangerous defect that could send riders crashing without warning.
Key Takeaways
- Harley-Davidson is recalling 82,117 Softail motorcycles from model years 2018-2024 due to a critical rear suspension defect that could cause sudden tire failure
- The defective rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting tabs can fracture during normal riding, potentially causing the adjuster to contact and damage the rear tire
- While 11 warranty claims have been documented, Harley-Davidson reports no crashes or injuries to date despite the serious safety risk
- Dealers will install a redesigned bracket at no cost to owners, with notification letters being mailed between June 16-23, 2025
- This marks Harley’s second recall since 2024 addressing rear suspension issues on Softail models, raising questions about quality control
American Icon Faces Massive Safety Recall
In a blow to the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, Harley-Davidson has been forced to recall over 82,000 Softail motorcycles due to a potentially catastrophic defect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on June 12, 2025, that model years 2018-2024 contain a manufacturing flaw that could lead to sudden tire failure and crashes. This massive recall affects some of Harley’s most popular models and raises serious questions about quality control at the legendary American brand at a time when domestic manufacturing is already under pressure.
The recall specifically targets a rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting tab (part #54000138) that can fracture during normal operation. When this critical component fails, the adjuster can make contact with the rear tire, creating grooves that risk sudden pressure loss. For riders, this means a potentially deadly scenario: unexpected tire failure at highway speeds with little to no warning. Despite documenting 11 warranty claims related to this issue, Harley-Davidson claims no crashes or injuries have occurred to date – a statement that strains credibility given the severity of the defect.
Affected Models and Warning Signs
The recall impacts numerous Softail configurations, including the FLDE (2018-2019), FLHC (2018-2021), FLHCS (2018-2024 including Anniversary editions), FXLRS (2020-2024), FXLRST (2022-2024), and FXRST (2022). Owners of these models should be particularly vigilant for warning signs that could indicate the dangerous defect is present. These include unusual noises coming from under the seat, visible looseness in the rear shock adjuster when the seat is removed, difficulty maneuvering the motorcycle, and abnormal wear patterns appearing on the rear tire.
What’s particularly concerning is that this marks Harley-Davidson’s second recall since 2024 addressing rear suspension components on Softail models. This pattern suggests deeper quality control issues may be plaguing the motorcycle manufacturer, which has already faced challenges competing with foreign imports. The estimated defect rate is officially listed at just 0.1%, but with over 82,000 motorcycles affected, that still represents a significant number of potentially dangerous bikes on American roads.
Timeline Raises Questions About Response
The chronology of this recall raises serious questions about Harley-Davidson’s commitment to rider safety. The first service request related to this issue was documented on September 15, 2024, for a motorcycle that had already been repaired under a previous recall (0181). Despite this early warning sign, Harley’s initial investigation between September and December 2024 determined that no immediate action was required – a decision that left potentially dangerous motorcycles on the road for months longer than necessary.
“When manufacturers delay recalls despite early warning signs, they’re gambling with riders’ lives. The government needs to implement stricter penalties for companies that drag their feet on safety issues,” said Robert Davidson, President of the Motorcycle Safety Coalition.
It wasn’t until June 12, 2025 – nearly nine months after the initial report – that the NHTSA officially declared Recall 25V375/0188. This delay exemplifies the troubling pattern we’ve seen from many manufacturers who seem more concerned with protecting their bottom line than ensuring customer safety. It also highlights the need for stronger regulatory oversight of the automotive and motorcycle industries, where safety issues are too often downplayed until public pressure or government intervention forces action.
Remedy and Owner Response
Harley-Davidson dealers will install a redesigned bracket to prevent the adjuster from contacting the tire and replace any damaged components at no cost to owners. Notification letters are scheduled to be mailed between June 16-23, 2025, and owners will be able to check their VIN status for recall eligibility beginning June 16. Owners can contact Harley-Davidson Customer Support at 1-800-258-2464 (referencing Recall 0188) or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.
While the company is covering repair costs, this recall still represents a significant inconvenience for Harley owners, many of whom pay premium prices for what they expect to be premium quality. The timing is particularly unfortunate as it coincides with the peak summer riding season, when many enthusiasts plan long-distance trips and rallies. Owners are advised to check their VIN status immediately and schedule repairs despite the low estimated defect rate, as the consequences of failure could be severe.
American Manufacturing Under Scrutiny
This latest recall adds to growing concerns about quality control in American manufacturing. While “Buy American” remains a popular sentiment, incidents like this make it increasingly difficult for consumers to justify paying premium prices for domestic products that don’t deliver on their promise of superior quality and reliability. Harley-Davidson, once the unquestioned king of American motorcycles, now faces increasing competition from foreign manufacturers who often deliver comparable or superior reliability at competitive prices.
For a company that has built its brand on American craftsmanship and heritage, these recurring quality issues represent not just a safety concern but an existential threat to Harley’s market position. As American consumers continue to demand both quality and value, Harley-Davidson will need to address these manufacturing deficiencies quickly or risk further erosion of their market share and brand reputation in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Sources:
Karmactive: Harley-Davidson Recalls 82,000 Softails After Shock Adjuster Found to Puncture Tires
9News: Harley-Davidson Recalls Softail Bikes for Potential Tire Defect Risk
TNJ: Harley-Davidson Recall 82,000 Softail Motorcycles
