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...
1965-2001 · 11 model years
Harley-Davidson FL Problems by year
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the Harley-Davidson FL across 11 model years, and it has 5 recalls. The 1996 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (3), while 1965, 2000 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the fuel system.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
FL complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common FL problems
Harley-Davidson FL recalls 5
The seal on the rear master cylinder piston can move out of position.
The fuel inlet needle does not seal properly against the fuel inlet seat.
The positive battery cables installed as part of harley- davidson's previous recall 077 (nhtsa recall 92v011000) can fail in service.
The positive battery cable can chafe because of its proximity to the oil tank, causing a short circuit if the cable should ground.
Latest FL complaints
Consumer received a recall for replacement of amp fuse. No parts were available. Service managers keith or dale. *Ak
New motor installed & failed. Also mechanic at mdo cycles , 7901 cessna ave., Unit d, gaithersburg,md 20879 ( 301-948-1704 ) failed to assemble cycle properly. I have a letter already made up & i`ll try to attach it to this email. Dt
While driving at 65 m.P.H. In heavy rush hour morning traffic,motorcycle stalled out in high speed lane.Had to cross 3 lanes of traffic to get to breakdown lane with no power whatsoever to my engine,coasting to a stop.Just missed being a fatality from an 18 wheeler.Upon inspection key switch on gas tank dashpanel was found to have a burned away electrical connector. From a wire fire.Fire burned itself out,melting connection and de-enegising the ignition system causing stalling,but stopping fire.Smoke was noted...
Read the full complaint
under the dash panel upon stopping the motorcycle.This is a reoccuring problem with several of my friends and the manufacturer willnot honor the switch as a recall.This is a major problem.Somebody will be killed from this!One friend has a 2000 model year flstc and had replaced the switch 3 times twice the failure has caused near fatal results on the highway,due to power failure in heavy traffic.My motorcycle is a source of tranportation, not a pleasure toy. I rely on it daily and have almost 10,000 miles on it in a year.I donot want to be a red spot on your highway.Please notify me as to what can be done.Thank you for you time.Doug hill.*Ak
Consumer was traveling about 60mph on the highway and engine just stopped. Engine blew up because there was a defect in the engine.*Ak
When puttting key into the ignition switch motorcycle won't start up due to not enough juice getting into the battery, causing motorcycle not start up. *Ak
Consumer contacted the dealer in reference to recall number 96v204000. Dealer stated parts not available. *Ak
Questions about the Harley-Davidson FL
Which Harley-Davidson FL years have the most problems?
Which Harley-Davidson FL years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Harley-Davidson FL problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (4), fuel system (3), engine & cooling (2) most often.
How many recalls does the Harley-Davidson FL have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls across all Harley-Davidson FL model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data