Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 1996 Harley-Davidson Flht — 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.
7
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | 86% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 14% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FL TOURING MOTORCYCLES. A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN OCCUR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT AND OTHER FACTORS.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL TO START, OPERATE ERRATICALLY, OR STALL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH/CIRCUIT BREAKER AND INSTALL A RELAY KIT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 98V158000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. ON 28 JUL 98. ON ABOVE DATE CONTACTED DEALER TO HONOR RECALL. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN AUGUST OR OCTOBER 30 1998. HOWEVER, RECALL HAS STILL NOT HONORED AT THIS TIME. *AK”
“H-D REDESIGNED THE TAPPETS IN THE EVO BIG TWIN MOTOR. MY MOTOR HAD 3 OF THE NEW STYLE TAPPETS AND ONE OF THE OLD TAPPETS INSTALLED IN IT. THE ROLLERS IN THE OLD STYLE TAPPET DISINTEGRATED, CAUSING METAL SHAVINGS PUMPED THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE. A PIECE OF METAL GOT INTO THE OIL PUMP ,AND CAUSED A LOSS…”
The record is thin — 7 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 1996 Harley-Davidson Flht. 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.