Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1989 Harley-Davidson Flhtc — 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.
3
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER CONTAMINATION AND, IF IT BECOMES WET WHILE IN USE, COULD CREATE A SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
MOTORCYCLE SPEED WOULD INCREASE AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUTANY ACTION ON THE PART OF THE DRIVER PRESENTING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I HAVE HEARD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HARLEY'S EVOLUTION MOTOR. MANY OF THE PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AFTER 50000 MILES. I HAVE A 1978 HARLEY WITH WELL OVER 100000 MILES AND HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEING NORMAL ON THE OLDER SHOVELHEAD MOTORS PRODUCED PRIOR…”
The record is thin — 3 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 1989 Harley-Davidson Flhtc. 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.