Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1998 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 33% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 33% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 33% | — 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.
“CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER REGARDING RECALL NOTICE 98V158000, MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 091. DEALER STATES PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS IN WHICH THE DEALER STATED PARTS WERE NOT IN.*AK CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER MOTOR CYCLE FIXED.*ET”
“The rear rim, PN# 0204-0369 has a recall that i had the honor of purchasing. when we took the hardware off from it i noticed there were 3 broken spokes on it. which is in direct association with the recall. but i was told it was not in the recall date. ”
“ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT LUGGAGE RACK TOUR BOX BROKE, CAUSING PASSENGER TO FALL FROM MOTORCYCLE. MANUFCTURER AND DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK”
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 1998 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.