Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1999 Harley-Davidson FLHR — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
9
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 33% | new |
| Suspension | 3 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Other | 1 | 11% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 11% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 11% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE CAM BOLT CAN LOSE ITS CLAMP LOAD AND/OR BREAK.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO QUIT RUNNING WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE ENGINE COULD RUN ERRATICALLY BEFORE QUITTING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CAM BOLTS AND WASHERS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT IE. (FACTORY CAMS AND CAM BEARINGS) REPLACED WITH STAGE 1 PERFORMANCE CAMS AND NEW BEARING SETS AT APPROX. 10,000 MILES THROUGH THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP.”
“FRONT TIRE (DUNLOP ELITE) IS UNSTABLE; CAUSING FRONT TIRE TO WOOBLE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 70-75 MPH. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REPLACE TIRES. MAKING A REPORT TO NHTSA ON THIS MATTER. *AK”
“I TOOK MY BIKE HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING IN TO THE SHOP FOR A FLAT TIRE. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME MY SWING HAD ARM BROKEN LITERALLY INTO TWO PIECES. HE INFORMED THAT HARLEY QUIT MAKING THIS PARTICULAR SWING DUE THE HIGH RATE OF FAILURE! THIS IS HIGHLY CONCERNING, AS THIS IS THE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE…”
“PASHANGER FLOOR BOARDS ARE DESIGNED TO EXTEND BEYOND THE CRASH BARS WHEN THE BIKE IS LAID ON ITS SIDE. THE BIKE FELLOVER AND THE FLOOR BOARD FOLDED AND THE WEIGHT OF THE BIKE BROKE THE RIDER'S ANKLE.”
“I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1999 HARLEY ROAD KING/FL FAMILY CYCLE. I HAVE HAD THE REAR FORK SWING ARM BREAK AT THE AXLE THROUGH HOLE SLOT ALMOST PUTTING ME IN THE BUSHES. THE SWING ARM IS MADE OF 1/8X1X2 INCH RECTANGULAR STRUCTURAL TUBING WITH THE SIDE WALL(2") SLOTTED SO THAT LITTLE STRUCTURAL…”
The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Harley-Davidson FLHR. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.