VehicleVerdict

2016 Harley-Davidson Xg500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Xg500 — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Xg500 years?

Xg500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted19 complaints2015: 19 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 1 complaints
Xg500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Xg500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Harley-Davidson Xg500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering2100%

Does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Xg500 have recalls?

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

18V927000BrakesDecember 21, 2018 · 12,871 units

Defect

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Street 500 (XG500), Street 750 (XG750), and 2017-2019 Street 750A (XG750A) motorcycles. The brake calipers may corrode internally after exposure to certain driving environments such as coastal regions or road salt, resulting in increased brake drag.

Consequence

Excessive brake drag can increase the risk of crash.

Remedy

Harley-Davidson has notified owners, and dealers will install new front and rear brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0174.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AT AROUND 3,000 MILES THE FORK BEARINGS/ STEERING NECK BEARINGS STARTED TO RUST CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME CHOPPY OR UNSAFE. THE PROBLEM STARTED AFTER SPENDING ONE RAINY SEASON OUTSIDE, HOWEVER WAS PARKED INDOORS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 2, 2019

2016 Harley-Davidson Xg500 — common questions

Is the 2016 Harley-Davidson Xg500 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Xg500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Harley-Davidson Xg500. 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.