Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1999 Harley-Davidson FXD — 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
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 80% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 20% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK VENT FITTING THAT COULD BE PLUGGED ALLOWING THE CARBURETOR TO OVERFLOW FUEL.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK VENT FITTING AND, IF PLUGGED, WILL CORRECT THIS CONDITION.
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.
“CAM BEARINGS FAILED WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLE...THIS ISSUE IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 1999-2000 HD TWIN-CAM ENGINES..THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE..THE FAILURE OCCURED WHILE ON THE ROAD AND I JUST MADE IT HOME BEFORE THE ENGINE FROZE. *AK”
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 FXD. 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.