Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1998 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.
4
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 | 4 | 100% | — flat |
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.
“MODEL FLHTCUI; MOTORCYCLE WAS PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 1997. IN JUNE OF 1998 AT 6500 MILES, IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. WHILE PULLING UP IN A DRIVEWAY, CAUSING MOTORCYCLE TO STALL. MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER AND IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. CONSUMER HEARD OF INVESTIGATION EA98-009 IN AI. *AK”
The record is thin — 4 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 1998 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.