VehicleVerdict

1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster — 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Sportster years?

Sportster NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted11 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1985: 5 complaints1988: 2 complaints1992: 1 complaints1993: 2 complaints1996: 6 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 7 complaints1999: 8 complaints2000: 11 complaints2001: 8 complaints2002: 7 complaints2003: 11 complaints2005: 9 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 2 complaints
Sportster NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportster years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers338%
Lighting225%
Other113%
Steering113%
Transmission113%

Does the 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster have recalls?

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

98V267000OtherOctober 23, 1998 · 232 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE CERTIFICATION LABEL INCORRECTLY INDICATES THE FRONT TIRE SIZE AS 100/90-19 57H INSTEAD OF THE CORRET DESIGNATION MH90-21 56H. ALSO THE CERTIFICATION LABELS DO NOT CONTAIN THE CORRECT MODEL DESIGNATION. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Consequence

IF INCORRECT TIRE INFORMATION IS GIVEN, UNDERRATED TIRES COULD BE PLACED ON THE MOTORCYCLE CAUSING EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR OR, IN EXTREME CASES, POSSIBLE TIRE BLOWOUTS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. IF AN OWNER DESIRES, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ENTIRE MIRROR BROKE RIGHT OFF AND FLEW OFF. THIS LEFT TURN SIGNALS HANGING BY THE CABLE. MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 14, 2000

“CONSUMER STATES THE SIGNAL LIGHT IS LOOSE AND SLIDES OUT OF POSITION FROM THE BRAKE HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND WAS DANGLING.NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting

“I RECEIVED A RECAL NOTICE ON 11/17/99, I HAVE BEEN CONTACTING THE DEALER SINCE AND THEY HAVE DENIED ME THE REPAIR WITH THE EXCUSE OF UN ABEILABILITY OF PARTS. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY REPORT PARTS HAVE BEEN SENT AND SHOULD BE AVEILABLE. RECALL%96V167000. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

“RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM HARLEY DAVIDSON. CONTACTED DEALER AND MADE APPT. TOOK IN MOTORCYCLE AND REFUSED TO FIX IT, DID NOT HAVE PARTS AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD BE IN. WAS TOLD AT THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT THE HANDLEBARS WERE PROBABLY OKAY TO GO AHEAD AND RIDE IT. ON THE RECALL IT STATES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster — common questions

Is the 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster. 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.