Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1999 Harley-Davidson Fxdl — 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.
4
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 | 2 | 50% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 25% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 25% | 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.
“I JUST PURCHASE A 1999 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXDL FROM SMOKEY MOUNTAIN HARLEY DAVIDSON. ON MY WAY TO WORK DOING ABOUT 70MPH I EXPERIENCED A HIGH SPEED "WOBBLE" ON THE BIKE CAUSING A IMMEDIATE LOSS OF CONTROL AND MANUVERABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I HAD TO SLOWLY REDUCE SPEED AND TRY WITH WHAT LITTLE…”
“THE BROKEN PIVOT BOLT CAUSED THE REAR WHEEL TO FALL OFF, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
“I JUST PURCHASE A 1999 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXDL FROM SMOKEY MOUNTAIN HARLEY DAVIDSON. ON MY WAY TO WORK DOING ABOUT 70MPH I EXPERIENCED A HIGH SPEED "WOBBLE" ON THE BIKE CAUSING A IMMEDIATE LOSS OF CONTROL AND MANUVERABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I HAD TO SLOWLY REDUCE SPEED AND TRY WITH WHAT LITTLE…”
The record is thin — 4 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 Fxdl. 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.