VehicleVerdict

2005 Harley-Davidson Xl problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2005 Harley-Davidson Xl — 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Xl years?

Xl NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted4 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 2 complaints2005: 4 complaints
Xl NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Xl years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System125%
Latches & Locks125%
Other125%
Suspension125%

Does the 2005 Harley-Davidson Xl have recalls?

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

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.

“DT: 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON WIDE GLIDE. THE FRONT FORKS WERE SO WEAK THAT THEY SAGGED WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS NOT BRAKING. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SPRINGS WERE TOO WEAK IN THE FORKS. THE CONSUMER FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. HE TRIED TO GET THE AFTER MARKET SPRINGS, BUT THEY WERE ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 29, 2005

“I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FROM KENDON INDUSTRIES, 3711 E. LA PALMA AVE, ANAHEIM, CA 92806. THE TRAILER WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR A LONG BIKE (CHOPPER STYLE). THE FIRST TIME I USED THE TRAILER, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TIE DOWNS FOR THE BIKE AND COME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 5, 2006

“I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FROM KENDON INDUSTRIES, 3711 E. LA PALMA AVE, ANAHEIM, CA 92806. THE TRAILER WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR A LONG BIKE (CHOPPER STYLE). THE FIRST TIME I USED THE TRAILER, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TIE DOWNS FOR THE BIKE AND COME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · February 5, 2006

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XB (N/A). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 1, 2010

2005 Harley-Davidson Xl — common questions

Is the 2005 Harley-Davidson Xl reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Harley-Davidson Xl have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Harley-Davidson Xl. 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.