The 1997 Harley-Davidson Flht has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 55,013 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FL TOURING MOTORCYCLES. A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN OCCUR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT AND OTHER FACTORS.
THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL TO START, OPERATE ERRATICALLY, OR STALL.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH/CIRCUIT BREAKER AND INSTALL A RELAY KIT.
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“Harley refused to recognize the problem yet multiple persons have since confirmed to me that this is a common problem including professional harley mechanics. No safety defect listed in the summary. *ak”
“The consumer received a recall letter stated that they needed a part for their ignition switch. However the parts have not been available since receiving the letter , which was on july 22nd. The recall no. Is 98v158000. *ak”
“Cruise control malfunction caused by faulty speedometer.”
“Motorcycle would not start. Took motorcycle to dealership & it was repaired under warranty. No crash or injuries. 1997 flhtcui brought jan 1997, read it in mcn. *ak”
“Vehicle pulls to left.”
“Consumer received recall letter in july 1998. Contacted dealer, no parts were available to remedy the problem. Dealer has not yet received parts from the manufacturer. Recall number 98v158000. Please give any further details. *ak”
“Consumer received recall letter in july concerning ignition switch. Dealer has no parts available to correct the problem, they are still on back order. Recall number 98v15000. *ak *ml”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 Harley-Davidson Flht as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.