VehicleVerdict

1989 Harley-Davidson FXSTC problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1989 Harley-Davidson FXSTC — 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

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other FXSTC years?

FXSTC NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted8 complaints1986: 2 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 2 complaints1992: 0 complaints1999: 0 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 8 complaints
FXSTC NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all FXSTC years to avoid →

Does the 1989 Harley-Davidson FXSTC have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

92V180000Electrical SystemDecember 14, 1992 · 77,407 units

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.

89V184000BrakesNovember 2, 1989 · 12,422 units

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.

1989 Harley-Davidson FXSTC — common questions

Is the 1989 Harley-Davidson FXSTC 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 1989 Harley-Davidson FXSTC have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Harley-Davidson FXSTC. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.