Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2008 Harley-Davidson FXD — 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
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 5 | 71% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 14% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 14% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES BUILT AND SHIPPED TO CALIFORNIA, THE CATALYTIC MUFFLER PROTECTIVE HEAT SHIELD WAS NOT INSTALLED. THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW DIRECT CONTACT WITH THIS MUFFLER AND CAUSE INJURY.
Consequence
IF CONTACT OCCURS WHILE RIDING, IT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE HEAT SHIELDS TO THE MUFFLERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FUEL PUMP ON 2008 HARLEY ULTRA CLASSIC CAUSED PIPES TO GET SO HOT ( GLOWING RED )WHEN I CHECKED OIL LEVEL THE RAG I WAS USING CAUGHT ON FIRE. ALSO THE PIPES ARE NOW REALLY DISCOLORED AND HARLEY WON'T REPLACE THEM BACK TO ORIGINAL CONDITION. THEY WON'T EVEN CHANGE THE OIL THAT I'M SURE WAS BROKEN…”
“REAR BRAKES SQUEAL ON BRAND NEW 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC: VEHICLE CHOICES WERE NOT SUFFICIENT TO LIST THIS MODEL. *TR”
“2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXD DYNA SUPER GLYDE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL BEARING PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AT 8368 MILES, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL THE 2008 AND NEWER MODELS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER…”
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 2008 Harley-Davidson FXD. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.