Defect
THE FUEL TANK LEAKED AS A RESULT OF IMPACT TESTING PERFORMED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON.
Consequence
SPILLED FUEL CAN IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OFIGNITION.
Remedy
REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLES TO AVOID THE FUEL SPILLAGE CONDITION.
1988 Harley-Davidson Fxr problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1988 Harley-Davidson Fxr — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1988 compare to other Fxr years?
Does the 1988 Harley-Davidson Fxr have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE UPPER MOUNTING BOLT FOR FRONT BRAKE CALIPER(S) MIGHT FRACTURE WHILE IN USE.
Consequence
THE FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM WILL REMAIN FUNCTIONAL, HOWEVER,THE BOLT'S MATING THREADED BUSHING CAN GRADUALLY MOVE OUT OF POSITION FAR ENOUGHFOR THE BUSHING TO CONTACT SPOKES ON THE MOTORCYCLE'S FRONT WHEEL. FRONT WHEELLOCKUP COULD OCCUR AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE UPPER CALIPER MOUNTING BOLTS.
1988 Harley-Davidson Fxr — common questions
Is the 1988 Harley-Davidson Fxr reliable?
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1988 Harley-Davidson Fxr have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Harley-Davidson Fxr. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1988 Harley-Davidson Fxr under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.