Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2008 Harley-Davidson FXDWG — 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.
13
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 9 | 69% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 15% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 8% | — 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.
“MY 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON NIGHT ROD VROD. FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. IT HASN'T WORKED SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT THE BIKE. THERE ARE MORE BROKEN GAUGES THAN WORKING ONES ON THIS MODEL OF BIKE. HARLEY THROWS RANDOM PARTS AND NEVER FIXES THE REAL PROBLEM. *TR”
“BRAND: HARLEY DAVIDSON. MODEL: XR1200 (NEW MODEL NOT REPORTED IN YOUR MODEL LIST). CRASH WITH INJURIES. FRONT BRAKES FAILURE BY LOCK-UP ON A NEW HD XR1200 OWNED BY HD AND LENT TO ME FOR A DEMO-RIDE (OR TEST). THE MAIN WITNESS HAS STATED IN WRITING THAT HE HAS CHECKED AND DOUBLE-CHECKED THAT THE…”
“I RECEIVED FIRST DEGREE BURNS TO MY THIGHS. THIS ENGINE IS KNOWN TO BE A PROBLEM WITH BEING HOT AS I FOUND OUT AFTER I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE. I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC, DUE TO AN AUTO ACCIDENT. WHILE MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED OR STOPPED THIS ENGINE GETS HUNDREDS HOTTER THAN NORMAL OPERATION. *TR”
“I FEEL THE HELMET LAWS FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IS AN INFRINGMENT OF MY RIGHTS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. *TR”
The record is thin — 13 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 fuel system (9 complaints), brakes (2 complaints), engine (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Harley-Davidson FXDWG. 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.