VehicleVerdict

2005 Harley-Davidson Softail problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Softail years?

Softail NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted8 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 7 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 8 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 4 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 2 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 1 complaints
Softail NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Softail years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System250%
Engine125%
Transmission125%

Does the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail have recalls?

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

04V607000Fuel SystemDecember 23, 2004 · 9,501 units

Defect

CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES. THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.

Consequence

IF THE BIKE WERE OPERATING WITH THE VALVE IN THE 'ON' POSITION, THE BIKE COULD RUN OUT OF FUEL, THE EXPECTED FUEL RESERVE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE DRIVER RUNNING OUT OF GAS WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN FEBRUARY 7, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080.

04E094000Fuel SystemDecember 21, 2004 · 364 units

Defect

CERTAIN FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES USED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT, P/NOS 61338-02, 62169-02A, 61338-94D, AND 62169-95C FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2005 CARBURETED SPORTSTERS, DYNA, SOFTAIL, AND TOURING MODEL MOTORCYCLES. THESE VALVES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.

Consequence

IF THE BIKE WERE OPERATING WITH THE VALVE IN THE 'ON' POSITION, THE BIKE COULD RUN OUT OF FUEL, THE EXPECTED FUEL RESERVE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE DRIVER RUNNING OUT OF GAS WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN JANUARY 27, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080. IF YOU HAVE HAD OR INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE IN YOUR MOTORCYCLE, PLEASE TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO YOUR DEALER TO HAVE THE VALVE INSPECTED FOR PROPER OPERATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

04V465000Fuel SystemSeptember 30, 2004 · 2,828 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, A CONDITION OCCURS THAT COULD ALLOW PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE FUEL TANK. ON FUEL INJECTED VEHICLES, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE FUEL TO SPRAY OUT UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THE FUEL CAP IS REMOVED. ON CARBURETED VEHICLES, EXCESSIVE FUEL COULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE CARBURETOR, WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY ALLOW FUEL TO DRIP FROM THE AIR CLEANER.

Consequence

THESE SITUATIONS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR CREATE A FIRE HAZARD FOR PERSONS OR PROPERTY ON OR NEAR THE MOTORCYCLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TEST EACH CANISTER FOR BLOCKAGE, THEN REPLACE AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“REPEAT DISCREPANCY, FAILURE OCCURRED AT NIGHT WHILE IN FORWARD MOTION ON STATE HIGHWAY 17 (NORTH CAROLINA) REF: REPORT # 10132164. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 11, 2005

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFT TAIL MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE REAR WHEEL ALONG WITH THE DRIVE CHAIN UNBOLTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE REAR WHEEL, DRIVE CHAIN, AND BOLTS CONNECTED TO THE DRIVE CHAIN WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 13, 2009

“FROM WHAT I'M LEARNING THE HARD WAY, SOME 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES BURN OIL AT A RATE OF 1 QUART PER THOUSAND MILES - MINE IS ONE OF THEM. ACCORDING TO DEALER AND HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY, THIS IS ACCEPTABLE. OWNERS MANUAL STATES NOTHING ABOUT THIS, NOR WAS THIS INFORMATION MADE KNOWN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 7, 2005

2005 Harley-Davidson Softail — common questions

Is the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail. 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.