Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1989 Harley-Davidson FXST — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE STARTER RELAY MAY SHORT CIRCUIT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Consequence
THE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE STARTER RELAY MAY DEVELOP ENOUGHHEAT TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE RELAY, OTHER PARTS OF THE MOTORCYCLE, AND OTHERITEMS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA.
Remedy
REPLACE THE STARTER RELAY.
Defect
A FATIGUE CRACK IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE ASSEMBLY COULD DEVELOP.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND LOSS OF REARBRAKE OPERATION WHICH WOULD REDUCE STOPPING ABILITY AND INCREASE POTENTIAL FORAN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL REPLACEMENT REAR BRAKE LINE COMPONENTS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY AS A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT DOWN SHIFTED AND HAD TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION UNTIL IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED AND DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — 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 1989 Harley-Davidson FXST. 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.