2007 Harley-Davidson Softail problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2007 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other Softail years?

Softail NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Softail years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	1	33%	▼ down
Other	1	33%	— flat
Transmission	1	33%	— flat

Does the 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V173000Electrical SystemApril 26, 2007 · 52,240 units

Defect

CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A CONDITION THAT PERMITS THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE TO CONTACT A WELD BEAD ON THE OIL TANK. THIS MAY CAUSE THE WELD BEAD TO ABRADE THROUGH THE INSULATION ON THE CABLE AND CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT FROM THE BATTERY THROUGH THE OIL TANK AND OIL LINES.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO AN OIL LEAK AND/OR POSSIBLE FIRE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BATTERY CADDY THAT WILL PROTECT THE CABLE AND ENSURE PROPER CABLE ROUTING. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON NIGHT TRAIN. I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON HIGHWAY 12 IN BURBANK, WA. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, AND I GAVE THROTTLE, THE DRIVE BELT AND THE DRIVE TRAIN WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE REAR HUG PULLED OUT. WITH 3 BOLTS SHEERED OFF LAYING ON THE GROUND. LUCKILY WITH…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 19, 2010

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V173000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES) ON MAY 8 2007. HE CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 8, 2007

“WHILE DRIVING A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON NIGHT TRAIN. I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON HIGHWAY 12 IN BURBANK, WA. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, AND I GAVE THROTTLE, THE DRIVE BELT AND THE DRIVE TRAIN WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE REAR HUG PULLED OUT. WITH 3 BOLTS SHEERED OFF LAYING ON THE GROUND. LUCKILY WITH…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 19, 2010

2007 Harley-Davidson Softail — common questions

Is the 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail reliable?

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.

Does the 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2007 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.

How does 2007 compare to other Softail years?

What are the most common 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail problems?

Does the 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2007 Harley-Davidson Softail — common questions

Is the 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail reliable?

Does the 2007 Harley-Davidson Softail have recalls?

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