Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI — 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.
7
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 | 2 | 29% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 14% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 14% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 14% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 14% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 14% | — 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 RECEIVED RECALL LETTER CONCERNING THE IGNITION SWITCH. NOTIFIED THE DEALER, DEALER STATED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. RECALL 98V158000. *AK”
“FRONT BRAKE DISTRIBUTOR BLOCK, WHICH CONTROLS THE FLOW OF FLUID TO THE BRAKES, FAILED. WHEN DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE FRONT BRAKES HELD FOR A SECOND AND THEN FAILED.”
“ENGINE SEVERELY OVERHEATS BECAUSE OF DESIGN DEFECT WITH FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THIS IS MORE APPARENT BECAUSE OF MANUFACTUERS SIDECAR ON UNIT, INCREASING WEIGHT AND ENGINE LOAD. ENGINE HAS ALREADY BLOWN HEAD GASKETS AND CRACKED EXHAUST DUE TO THIS DEFECT.”
The record is thin — 7 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 1997 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI. 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.