Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 1998 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. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
10
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 5 | 50% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 20% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 1 | 10% | — 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.
“IGNITION SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES BECAUSE WHEN RIDING AT ANY SPEED THE RADIO WILL FLASH ON OR GOES OFF. THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND THE ENGINE CUTS OFF. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON, AND THE MOTORCYCLE WILL RESTART BY ITSELF OR IT WON'T START AT ALL. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE…”
“BROKEN SWING ARM CAUSING A HIGH SPEED WOBBLE. SWING ARM CRACKED OVER TOP OF AXLE ALLOWING THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER TO PUSH OPEN THE END OF THE SWING ARM EXPOSING THE REAR AXEL SHAFT. ONLY THE BELT WAS HOLDING REAR WHEEL ON. *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA FLHTCUI EQUIPPED WITH METZELER ME 888 MARATHON ULTRA TIRES, SIZE: 130/90/R16. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE REAR TIRE SEIZED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER WERE EJECTED FROM THE MOTORCYCLE. BOTH…”
The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (5 complaints), suspension (2 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 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.