Harley recall 2025: Urgent Safety Alert!

Harley recall 2025 affects over 82,000 Softail motorcycles manufactured between 2018 and 2024 due to a critical safety defect. The rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting tab can break, causing the adjuster to contact and damage the rear tire, potentially leading to sudden tire pressure loss and increased crash risk.

Quick Facts about the 2025 Harley-Davidson Recall:

• Recall Numbers: NHTSA 25V375, Harley-Davidson 0188
• Affected Models: 7 different Softail models (2018-2024)
• Total Motorcycles: 82,117 units nationwide
• Safety Risk: Tire damage leading to pressure loss and potential crash
• Cost to Owner: Free repair at authorized dealerships
• Owner Notification: Letters mailed by June 16, 2025
• Fix: Installation of new reinforced bracket

The defect involves the rear shock’s mounting tab potentially fracturing during normal use. When this happens, the adjuster can shift and rub against the rear tire, creating grooves that may cause sudden air pressure loss while riding.

Warning signs include unusual noises from under the seat, difficulty maneuvering your bike, and visible damage or abnormal wear on your rear tire.

Harley-Davidson will fix this issue by installing a new bracket that prevents the adjuster from contacting the tire. The repair is completely free and takes less than an hour at authorized dealerships.

I’m Sonny Da Badger, and having worked at Bert’s Black Widow and Six Bends Harley Davidson in sales, I understand how Harley recall 2025 concerns affect our riding community. In fact, we think this is what happened to our dear friend Wind Road a couple of years ago. Caused her to go off the road and hit a guardrail on an exit ramp. My experience with Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the dealer network helps me break down these technical issues in ways that matter to riders like you.

The Core Issue: What’s Behind the 2025 Harley Softail Recall?

Nobody likes hearing about a recall, especially when it involves the machine we trust to carry us down the open road. But understanding why a recall happens is the first step to keeping ourselves safe and sound. The heart of the Harley 2025 recall lies in a seemingly small but mighty component: your bike’s rear shock pre-load adjuster.

Here’s the scoop: the mounting tab on this adjuster can actually fracture under normal riding conditions. Think about all the bumps, vibrations, and twists our Harleys handle. Over time, that stress can weaken the tab. If it breaks, the adjuster can then move out of its proper spot.

When that adjuster shifts, it can rub directly against your rear tire. As you’re riding, this contact creates a groove or damages the tire. And what happens then? You guessed it – a sudden and unexpected loss of tire pressure. Imagine cruising down the highway, feeling the wind, and suddenly your rear tire starts losing air. That’s a scenario none of us want.

A sudden loss of tire pressure, especially on a motorcycle, significantly increases the risk of losing control. This can easily lead to a crash. Harley-Davidson’s official safety recall report emphasizes this danger, making it clear that a broken adjuster can cause tire damage and pressure loss, which “increases the risk of a crash.” We all know that even a minor incident can have major consequences on two wheels. You can review the full details in the official safety recall report.

Potential Safety Risks and Warning Signs for Riders

So, what does this mean for us, the riders? The biggest safety risk, as we’ve talked about, is losing control because of a sudden tire deflation. This isn’t just a slow leak; it’s a quick, unexpected event that can catch anyone off guard. The results can range from a little wobble to a serious accident, potentially causing injuries or worse.

But how can you tell if your Softail might be affected before trouble hits? While the defect might not always show clear signs right away, there are a few things to keep an ear and an eye out for. Harley-Davidson and the NHTSA have pointed out some key indicators:

• Unusual noise from under the seat: If you start hearing new, strange sounds from the back of your bike, especially a scraping or grinding noise, it could be the adjuster rubbing against the tire. Don’t ignore it!
• Difficulty maneuvering: A damaged rear tire or a shifting shock adjuster can mess with how your bike handles. If your Softail feels “off” or harder to control than usual, it’s definitely worth checking out.
• Visible tire damage or abnormal tire wear: This is super important. Always inspect your rear tire regularly. Look for any odd grooves, cuts, or wear patterns that don’t look like normal tread use. If you see signs that something is making contact with the tire, it’s a big red flag.

These warning signs are your bike’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Taking them seriously can be the difference between a quick repair and a serious incident. For more insights on keeping our rides safe and smooth, check out our thoughts on rough starts for road trips.

A Look at the Official Harley Recall 2025 Report

When a manufacturer issues a recall, it’s a formal process involving important groups like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the U.S. and Transport Canada up north. For this specific issue, the NHTSA recall number is 25V375, and Harley-Davidson’s own internal recall number is 0188. These numbers are really helpful for tracking and confirming details about the recall.

As of early June 2025, Harley-Davidson hasn’t reported any deaths or injuries directly linked to this particular defect. That’s great news, and hopefully, by fixing this proactively, we can keep that number at zero. The recall acknowledgement from NHTSA confirms the problem’s scope and nature, helping us stay informed and take the right steps. You can see the official recall acknowledgement from NHTSA for yourself.

The NHTSA report goes into detail about how this recall came about. It shows Harley-Davidson’s internal investigation process, including how their Technical Subcommittee (TSC) brought issues to the Field Action Committee (FAC), and then to the Executive Decision Authority (EDA), before finally authorizing the recall. It’s a thorough process, designed to make sure safety problems are correctly found and fixed.

Is Your Motorcycle Affected by the Harley 2025 Recall?

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. This is the big question on many Softail owners’ minds right now. This recall is a pretty significant one, touching a large number of our fellow riders. We’re talking about a whopping 82,117 Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycles in the United States that are part of this recall.

This recall covers a broad range of models, specifically those manufactured between 2018 and 2024. Knowing for sure if your specific bike is in this group is absolutely crucial for your safety and peace of mind.

The easiest and most reliable way to confirm is by checking your motorcycle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Think of your VIN as your bike’s unique fingerprint. It’s how Harley-Davidson and the safety folks track each individual motorcycle for recalls. So, let’s not make any assumptions here; take a few minutes to verify your VIN. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

LIST of Affected Harley-Davidson Softail Models and Years (2018-2024)

To give you a clearer picture right off the bat, here’s a list of the specific Harley-Davidson Softail models and their corresponding model years that are included in this recall:

• FLDE (Deluxe): 2018-2019
• FLHC (Heritage Classic): 2018-2021
• FLHCS (Heritage Classic 114): 2018-2024
• FLHCS ANV (Heritage Classic 114 Anniversary): 2018, 2023
• FXLRS (Low Rider S): 2020-2024
• FXLRST (Low Rider ST): 2022-2024
• FXRST (Low Rider El Diablo): 2022

As you can see, this list covers a fantastic variety of popular Softail models. From the timeless lines of the Heritage Classic to the performance-ready Low Riders, many beloved bikes are affected. If your ride falls into one of these models and years, it’s highly likely it’s part of the Harley recall 2025. Even if you don’t spot your specific model here, checking your VIN is always the golden rule.

What About Previous Recalls and Accessory Parts?

Now, here’s where things can get a little twisty, and it really drives home why staying informed is so important for us riders. Some motorcycles included in this new Harley recall might have actually been repaired before under a different recall. We’re talking about NHTSA recall 23V591 (Harley-Davidson’s internal recall 0181).

That earlier recall tried to fix a similar issue with the adjuster tab by replacing a smaller screw with a beefier nut and bolt. However, it looks like that initial fix wasn’t the complete solution we’d all hoped for, as failures continued to pop up even after those repairs.

What this means for you is simple: if your bike was part of that 23V591 recall and received that repair, it still needs the updated fix outlined in the current 25V375 recall. It’s one of those times where an “updated” solution is needed for a stubborn problem. So, please don’t assume you’re in the clear just because you had a previous recall addressed. Always double-check with the latest information.

And what if you’ve added your own personal touch to your ride? This recall isn’t just for factory-standard bikes. It also extends to certain accessory rear shock absorber kits. These are the kits that might have been installed on your bike before you even took it home, or perhaps you bought them separately as dealer accessories.

Specifically, if you’ve got either of these installed:

• Profile Low Rear Suspension Kit (Part Number 54000134)
• Tall Rear Shock Kit (Part Number 54000294)

These kits could also be affected. If you have one of these accessory parts, your best bet is to reach out to your local authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. They can quickly check the part numbers and let you know the next steps. After all, we want every part of our beloved machines to be in tip-top shape. For more great ideas on making your ride even better, check out what we consider the best $40 we ever spent on our Harley-Davidson Fatboy.

The Fix: Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Recall Process

Now that we’ve covered the what and why, let’s talk about the solution. The good news? Harley-Davidson has developed a straightforward fix that won’t cost you a penny, and it’s designed to permanently solve this safety issue.

The corrective action involves installing a new reinforced bracket that prevents the rear shock pre-load adjuster from moving out of position. Think of it as a safety guard that keeps everything exactly where it should be, even if that mounting tab decides to give up. It’s an neat engineering solution that addresses the root cause of the problem.

How to Get Your Harley-Davidson Repaired

Here’s where Harley-Davidson really steps up – this entire repair process is completely free of charge. That means no parts costs, no labor fees, nothing out of your pocket. They’re taking full responsibility for fixing this issue.

The timeline works like this: Owner notification letters are being mailed out by June 16, 2025. These official letters will spell out everything you need to know about the recall, including how to schedule your repair. But honestly, you don’t need to wait for that letter to arrive if you’ve already confirmed your bike is affected.

Getting the actual repair done is refreshingly simple. Just contact your nearest authorized Harley-Davidson dealer and let them know you need the recall work performed. They’ll have you set up with an appointment that works for your schedule. The installation itself takes less than an hour – just enough time to grab a coffee and maybe chat with other riders at the dealership.

Most dealers are pretty good about getting recall work done quickly since they know we’re eager to get back on the road safely. Plus, they get reimbursed directly by Harley-Davidson, so there’s no hassle with paperwork or payment on your end.

How to Check Your VIN and Find More Information

Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the key to everything here. It’s that unique 17-character code that tells the whole story of your specific motorcycle. You’ll usually find it stamped on the steering neck or frame, and it’s also on your registration documents.

Once you’ve got your VIN in hand, the easiest way to check if your bike is affected is through the NHTSA website. They’ve got a simple lookup tool where you just punch in your VIN and it’ll tell you about any open recalls. You can check your VIN on the NHTSA website specifically for this 2025 Harley recall.

If you’re more of a phone person, Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 can help you out. Just mention recall number 0188 (that’s Harley’s internal number for this issue) and they’ll look up your VIN right over the phone.

For general recall questions or if you want to speak with the regulatory folks directly, the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 is another great resource. They can walk you through the process and answer any concerns you might have about the safety aspects.

The bottom line is this: don’t guess about whether your bike needs this fix. A quick VIN check takes just a few minutes and gives you definitive answers. It’s always better to know for sure than to wonder if you’re riding with a potential safety issue. For more thoughts on keeping our Harleys running their best, check out our take on Harley-Davidson: I Have A Few Ideas For You.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 Harley-Davidson Recall

After talking with countless Harley owners over the years, I know recalls can stir up a mix of concern and confusion. Let’s clear the air and answer the most common questions.

What is the specific defect in this 2025 Harley recall?

The heart of this recall centers on a small but critical component failure. The mounting tab on your rear shock pre-load adjuster can crack and break during normal riding. When this happens, the adjuster shifts out of position and starts rubbing against your rear tire.

Think of it like having a loose bolt that keeps hitting your tire as you ride. That contact creates grooves in the tire rubber, weakening it until you suddenly lose air pressure. On a motorcycle, sudden tire deflation is about as dangerous as it gets – it can send you into a loss of control situation faster than you can react.

The rear shock pre-load adjuster is designed to help fine-tune your bike’s suspension, but when that mounting tab fractures, it becomes a safety hazard instead of a helpful feature.

How much will the recall repair cost me?

Here’s some genuinely good news – this repair won’t cost you a single penny. Harley-Davidson is covering everything: the new reinforced bracket, the installation labor, and any related costs.

This is exactly how recall repairs should work. When there’s a safety defect, the manufacturer steps up and fixes it without putting the financial burden on riders. You just need to schedule an appointment with your local authorized Harley-Davidson dealer, and they’ll take care of everything else.

The repair itself is pretty straightforward – they install a new bracket that prevents the adjuster from moving out of position, even if the original mounting tab fails.

Can I still ride my motorcycle before the repair?

This is probably the question I get asked most, and it’s a tough one because there’s no official “park it immediately” order from Harley or the NHTSA. However, I always lean toward being cautious when it comes to safety.

My recommendation? Be extra vigilant if you choose to ride. Before every ride, take a close look at your rear tire for any unusual grooves or damage. Listen for new scraping or grinding sounds coming from under your seat – that could be the adjuster making contact with your tire.

Pay attention to how your bike handles too. If it feels different or harder to control than usual, that’s your Softail telling you something’s wrong. Trust your instincts – if something seems off, it probably is.

If you notice any of these warning signs, the safest move is to park your bike and contact your dealer right away. A few days without riding beats the alternative of dealing with a sudden tire failure on the road. The peace of mind is worth it, especially when the repair is free and relatively quick.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Safety on the Road

The Harley recall 2025 isn’t just another piece of paperwork from the manufacturer – it’s about keeping you and over 82,000 fellow Softail riders safe on the roads we all love. This recall covers a real safety concern where the rear shock pre-load adjuster’s mounting tab can break, potentially causing tire damage and sudden pressure loss that could lead to a crash.

Here’s what matters most: even though no injuries or fatalities have been reported yet, the risk is serious enough that Harley-Davidson and the NHTSA are taking decisive action. If you own a Softail from 2018 to 2024, this affects you.

Take action now rather than waiting for that notification letter arriving by June 16, 2025. Check your VIN on the NHTSA website or call Harley-Davidson customer service with recall number 0188. Even if your bike was fixed under the previous recall 23V591, you still need this updated repair.

The fix itself is straightforward – a reinforced bracket installation that takes less than an hour at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealership. Best of all, it’s completely free. No parts cost, no labor charges, nothing out of your pocket.

Regular maintenance and staying informed about recalls like this one are part of being a responsible rider. We’re all part of a community that watches out for each other, whether that’s sharing road conditions, recommending good mechanics, or making sure everyone knows about important safety updates.

Your safety matters to all of us in the riding community. Don’t put off this simple repair – schedule it as soon as you can confirm your bike is affected. It’s a small step that brings big peace of mind every time you fire up your Softail and head out on the open road.

If you or a fellow rider have been in an accident, learn how the Wrecked Rider Fund can help.