Harley-Davidson Recalls 88,000 Motorcycles: What Owners Need to Check
Harley issued two major recalls in 2026 — 88,039 motorcycles for a crankcase pressure issue and 17,000 Softails for brake failure. If you ride a Harley, here's the full list of affected models, what's wrong, and what to do next.
Image: Property of Harley-Davidson.
Table of Contents
URGENT: Brake Recall
If you own a 2025-2026 Softail model (FLHC, FXBB, FXLRS, FXLRST), contact your dealer immediately. The brake failure recall is a safety-critical issue. Do not ride until inspected.
Recall #1: Crankcase Pressure (88,039 units)
The larger recall affects 88,039 Harley-Davidson motorcycles across multiple model years. The issue is blocked breather ports that can cause excessive crankcase pressure in the Milwaukee-Eight engine.
Here's the full list of affected models:
| Model Year | Model Code | Motorcycle |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2026 | FLTRX | Street Glide |
| 2024-2026 | FLHX | Street Glide Special / Road Glide |
| 2025-2026 | FXBR | Breakout |
| 2025-2026 | FLFB | Fat Boy |
| 2025 | FLHXU | Street Glide Ultra |
| 2026 | FLTRXL | Road Glide Limited |
| 2026 | FLTRT | Road Glide Custom |
| 2026 | FLHXL | Street Glide Limited |
| 2026 | FLHLT | Electra Glide Highway |
Important context: only about 0.4% of recalled units may actually have the defect. Harley is recalling all potentially affected units as a precaution, which is the right approach even though the actual defect rate is low.
Specific breakdowns of the 88,039 units include approximately 2,618 Breakout units and 1,992 Fat Boy units.
Recall #2: Brake Failure (17,000 Softails)
A separate recall affects approximately 17,000 Softail models for a potential brake failure issue. This is the more urgent of the two recalls:
| Model Year | Model Code | Motorcycle |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | FLHC | Softail Heritage Classic |
| 2025-2026 | FXBB | Softail Street Bob |
| 2025-2026 | FXLRS | Softail Low Rider S |
| 2025-2026 | FXLRST | Softail Low Rider ST |
This recall is for a potential brake failure issue that could increase the risk of a crash. If you own one of these models, the urgency is higher — brake failure at speed is extremely dangerous.
How to Check If Your Bike Is Affected
Steps to Check Your VIN
1. Find your VIN (17 characters, on the steering head or frame)
2. Go to Harley-Davidson's recall page or call your dealer
3. Enter your VIN to check against the recall database
4. If affected, schedule a free repair immediately
The recall repair is always free. Harley-Davidson is required by law to fix recalled defects at no cost to the owner.
What to Do If Your Harley Is Recalled
- Stop riding if you have the brake recall. For the crankcase recall, riding is generally safe but get it checked soon.
- Contact your dealer and schedule the recall repair. It's free.
- Ask about loaner bikes — some dealers offer loaners during recall repairs, though this varies.
- Keep documentation of the recall repair for your records and future resale value.
- Check for multiple recalls — your bike may be affected by both recalls if it's a 2025-2026 model.
Impact on Harley-Davidson
Two recalls totaling over 100,000 motorcycles in a single year is significant, but not unprecedented for a major manufacturer. Harley's recall costs will be absorbed in Q3-Q4 2026 financials, adding to the margin pressure already visible in their Q2 earnings.
The recalls also come at a sensitive time — Harley is in the middle of a production transition (moving Revolution Max production back to the US) and has just launched several new high-profile models (Super Glide, Deadwood). Quality issues, even precautionary ones, are the last thing a brand trying to rebuild momentum needs.
FAQ
Sources: ABC27, Powersports Business (May 5, 2026), Top Class Actions, Motorcycle.com, Fox Business, Harley-Davidson Forums. All recall information from official NHTSA filings and Harley-Davidson announcements.