Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1986 Harley-Davidson FXSTC — 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.
2
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 50% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 50% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
TRANSMISSION MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUGS MAY HAVE BEEN BROKEN DURING ASSEMBLY. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE BROKEN MAGNET MAY BECOME LODGED BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION GEARS CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO LOCKUP. IF THE MOTORCYCLE IS OPERATING, THE REAR WHEEL WILL LOCK-UP WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE THE DRAIN PLUG WITH A SHORTER, NON INTERFERING MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“PURCHASED TWO GAS CAPS FOR 1986 FXSTC PART # 21-327 AND 21-328 FROM JIREH CYCLES AT 10 MAIN STREET, FESTUS, MO 63028 PHONE [PHONE]. THE GAS TANKS WERE ALSO PURCHASED FROM THIS COMPANY. WHEN I PUT THE GAS CAPS ON AND DROVE THE VEHICLE THE FUEL LEAKED OUT FROM THE TOP OF THE TANKS DOWN THE SIDES…”
“CONSUMER PURCHASED TWO GAS CAPS AND DROVE THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL LEAKED OUT FROM THE TOP OF THE TANKS DOWN THE SIDES LIFTING THE TWO WEEK OLD PAINT JOB AND POURING DOWN ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AND EXHAUST PIPES, GAS CAPS ARE PART NUMBER 21-327 AND 21-328 FROM JIREH CYCLES, THE TANKS WERE ALSO PURCHASED…”
The record is thin — 2 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 1986 Harley-Davidson FXSTC. 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.