Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1998 Harley-Davidson FLHTCI — 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.
2
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 | 50% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 50% | 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.
“1998 HARLEY FLHTCI REAR SWING ARM BROKE ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. VEHICLE WAS NOT AT HIGH SPEED AT FAILURE, BUT HAD THE REAR SWING ARM BROKE, IT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. PER INTERNET FORUMS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON HARLEY TOURING BIKES BUILT BEFORE 2002. *TR”
“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER. CONTACTED DEALER NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. RECALL NUMBER 98V15800. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
The record is thin — 2 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 FLHTCI. 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.