Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1999 Harley-Davidson FLHTCI — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
5
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 40% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 20% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 20% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 20% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TOURING AND POLICE MODEL MOTORCYCLES, THE 40 AMP MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER CAN "OPEN" FOR REASONS OTHER THAN WHICH IT WAS DESIGNED, CAUSING AN UNEXPECTED INTERRUPTION OF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE MOTORCYCLE.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE MOTORCYCLE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CIRCUIT BREAKER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE CAM BOLT CAN LOSE ITS CLAMP LOAD AND/OR BREAK.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO QUIT RUNNING WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE ENGINE COULD RUN ERRATICALLY BEFORE QUITTING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CAM BOLTS AND WASHERS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“HARLEY DAVIDSON REPORTS ENGINE FAILURES OCCUR AS A RESULT OF CAM BEARING FAILURE. HARLEY WILL NOT SUPPLY INFORMATION NECESSARY FOR ME TO DETERMINE IF MY ENGINE IS SUBJECT TO FAILURE. THEREFORE, I AM UNABLE TO DETERMINE IF I SHOULD SPEND THE $806.00 REQUIRED TO REPLACE THE BEARINGS. ENGINE FAILURE…”
“BUTTOM ON THE HANDLEBARS INITIATE THE TURN SIGNALS, WHEN THE BUTTON ON THE TURNING SIGNAL COMES ON AND IS SUPPOSED TO STAY ON UNTIL YOU FINISH THE TURN. THE SIGNAL TURN OFF TOO QUICKLY AND YOU HAVE TO TURN THEM ON THREE TIMES TO GET THROUGH A CORNER.”
“AT 32,000. MILES BOTH FUEL LINES AT BOTTOM OF FUEL TANK STARTED SQUIRTING FUEL ALL OVER HOT ENGINE WHILE RIDING AND CAUGHT FIRE ! ! REPLACEABLE O RINGS DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM INTERNAL LEAK IN BOTH FITTINGS 0”
“DT: THE CONSUMER WASHAVING A PROBLEM WITH RECALL REPAIRS DONE. HE HAS CALLED THE DEALERSHIP FOR 5 WEEKS AND NO ONE COULD HELP HIM. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT EVERY TIME THAT HE WENT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE ALREADY GIAVE OUT ALL THE PARTS. THE DEALER KEPT TELLING THE CONSUMER THAT HE…”
The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 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.