Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 Harley-Davidson Xlh1000 — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE REAR BRAKE FREE TRAVEL ADJUSTING BOLT AND NUT INSTALLED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME JAMMED DURING BRAKE OPERATION.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST AND TIGHTEN THE JAMNUTS.
Defect
THE INVOLVED MOTORCYCLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS IN WHICH THE PLUNGER PISTON BORE DIAMETER WAS HONED .015 INCHES OVER MAXIMUM SPECIFICATIONS. THIS OVERSIZED BORE RESULTS IN A POOR FIT BETWEEN THE ELASTOMERIC PISTON CUP AND THE CYLINDER BORE, WHICH ALLOWS FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WEAK REAR BRAKE CONTROL INNER LEVER ARM AND PIVOT SHAFTS. AS A RESULT, EXCESSIVE PRESSURE WILL BE NEEDED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE EXISTING LEVER ARMS AND PIVOT SHAFTS WITH REINFORCED ONES.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Harley-Davidson Xlh1000. 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.