Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail — 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.
3
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 33% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 33% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 33% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN ALLOW THE LEVER HUB TO SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER LEVER WHICH WOULD AFFECT REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE ON THESE VEHICLES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS TOO SHORT AND INTERFERES WITH APPLYING THE BRAKES WHILE FOOT IS RESTING ON THE FLOORBOARD. FOOT BECOMES TRAPPED BETWEEN THE FLOORBOARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS IS THE HERITAGE SOFTAIL MOTORCYCLE. OWNER HAS NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING THE MOTORCYCLE SPEED 20-25 MPH, FRONT TIRES STARTED TO SHAKE, FRONT END STARTED TO JERK, THE ROAD CURVED LEFT, MOTORCYCLE KEPT PULLING TO THE RIGHT, HIT A CURB, FRONTAL IMPACT AND LOST CONTROL, DEALER CONTACTED ,AND CLAIMED OFFICER, ISLAND CYCLE DID REPAIRS, AND NY HARLEY DAVIDSON…”
“WHEN TURNING HANDLE BARS FROM SIDE TO SIDE HANDLES WILL HIT FUEL TANK ON EITHER SIDE OF CYCLE. FUEL TANK GETS DENTED. DEALER STATED IT WAS A KNOWN DEFECT, AND THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK”
The record is thin — 3 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 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail. 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.