Defect
BECAUSE THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL IS MADE OF ALUMINUM CASTINGS IT COULD BREAK AT THE PEDAL ARM OR CLAMPING HOLE.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL WITHOUT CHARGE.
1978 Harley-Davidson 1000 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Harley-Davidson 1000 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1978 compare to other 1000 years?
Does the 1978 Harley-Davidson 1000 have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE INVOLVED CYCLES WERE PRODUCED WITH A REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD WHICH HAS INSUFFICIENT CONTACT AREA WITH THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER PISTON. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE ROD PENETRATING THE PISTON DURING EXTREMELY HIGH PEDAL EFFORT.
1978 Harley-Davidson 1000 — common questions
Is the 1978 Harley-Davidson 1000 reliable?
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1978 Harley-Davidson 1000 have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Harley-Davidson 1000. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.