Harley-Davidson Recalls Over 82,000 Softail Motorcycles for Rear Shock Defect

Harley-Davidson has issued a safety recall for 82,117 motorcycles across several model years due to a defect that could cause tire damage and increase the risk of a crash.

History Behind the Recall

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break on certain 2018–2024 Softail motorcycles. If the tab fails, the rear shock absorber adjuster can make contact with the rear tire, potentially causing damage that leads to a sudden loss of tire pressure.

This defect increases the risk of a crash or even death. Harley-Davidson has not reported any fatalities or injuries as of early June 2025, but the issue is considered serious enough to prompt immediate attention. Some affected motorcycles were previously repaired under recall 23V591; however, they will need to undergo this updated fix.

Which Vehicles Are Affected

The recall applies to the following Softail models:

  • FLDE: 2018–2019
  • FLHCS: 2018–2024
  • FLHC: 2018–2021
  • FXLRS: 2020–2024
  • FXLRST: 2022–2024
  • FLHCS ANV: 2018, 2023
  • FXRST: 2022

In total, 82,117 motorcycles are affected under Harley-Davidson recall number 0188.

What Owners Need to Do Next

Harley-Davidson dealers will install a new bracket to address the issue at no cost to owners. Notification letters are expected to be mailed by June 16, 2025. Owners can also call Harley-Davidson at 1-800-258-2464 or the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236 to confirm if their vehicle is affected.

More details are available at nhtsa.gov.

How Harley-Davidson Owners Can Take Back Control

While this recall has been communicated to owners, many continue to be unhappy with the solutions provided by automakers. These problems have the potential to escalate into further action, underlining the importance of protecting consumer rights.


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About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.