Harley-Davidson's lineup has 478 recorded NHTSA recalls across 122 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.3/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Harley-Davidson's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Harley-Davidson — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle brand originating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, renowned for its distinctive engine sound, robust design, and association with a free-spirited lifestyle. These bikes are typically favored by riders who appreciate a powerful, visceral riding experience and a strong sense of community, often associated with touring and cruising. ForCar.org allows you to decode any Harley-Davidson VIN to unlock comprehensive vehicle specifications, identify past recalls, and access a wealth of detailed information about your motorcycle.
Buying or selling? See current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Harley-Davidson models 122
Every Harley-Davidson model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles 122
Harley-Davidson recalls
Across the Harley-Davidson lineup, ForCar tracks 478 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Harley-Davidson recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Harley-Davidson model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Harley-Davidson FLHX | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Harley-Davidson FLH | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Harley-Davidson FLHTCU / Electra Glide Ultra Classic | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Harley-Davidson FLHR | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Harley-Davidson FLHR / Road King | 3.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Harley-Davidson FLHT | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard | 4.0 /5 | |
| 09 | Harley-Davidson FLTRX / Road Glide | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Harley-Davidson: Power Train:clutch Assembly. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Harley-Davidson reliable?
Across rated models, Harley-Davidson averages a 4.3/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 111 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Harley-Davidson dominates the US cruiser, touring and trike motorcycle segments with US market share consistently above 35-40% in heavyweight motorcycles. The brand competes against Indian Motorcycle (the only other major US heavyweight manufacturer), Honda, Yamaha, BMW Motorrad and Triumph. International sales focus on Europe, Japan and Australia. The Pan America (2021) and adventure-touring Pan America CVO (2024) represent Harley's push into segments dominated by BMW and KTM.
Harley-Davidson models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Harley-Davidson model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Harley-Davidson FLHTCU / Electra Glide Ultra Classic | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic | 4.0 /5 | |
| 03 | Harley-Davidson FLHX | 3.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Harley-Davidson FLH | 3.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited | 4.0 /5 | |
| 06 | Harley-Davidson FLHTCUI | 3.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Harley-Davidson FLHR | 3.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Harley-Davidson FLHR / Road King | 3.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Harley-Davidson Sportster | 3.5 /5 | |
| 10 | Harley-Davidson FLHT | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Harley-Davidson models
Fuel-economy rankings for Harley-Davidson are being compiled — check the most fuel-efficient cars meanwhile.
Safest Harley-Davidson models
NHTSA safety rankings for Harley-Davidson are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Harley-Davidson window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Harley-Davidson's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Harley-Davidson window stickers →How to read a Harley-Davidson VIN
Every Harley-Davidson built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Harley-Davidson and the country it was built in (real Harley-Davidson codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1HD
- Brazil932
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Harley-Davidson
William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson built their first motorcycle in 1903 in a 10-by-15-foot wooden shed in Milwaukee. The 1907 incorporation of Harley-Davidson Motor Company introduced the V-Twin engine in 1909, an architecture the brand has maintained for 115 years. Harley-Davidson supplied military motorcycles to the US Army in both World Wars and was acquired by AMF in 1969 before a 1981 management buyout returned the company to independent ownership. The 1986 IPO took Harley-Davidson public.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1903 |
| Headquarters | Milwaukee, USA |
| Slogan | "Live to Ride. Ride to Live." |
| Models tracked | 122 (1981–2026) |
Harley-Davidson — frequently asked
How do I decode a Harley-Davidson VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Harley-Davidson models are there?
ForCar tracks 122 Harley-Davidson models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Harley-Davidson made?
Harley-Davidson is headquartered in Milwaukee, USA, founded in 1903. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Harley-Davidson recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Harley-Davidson model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Harley-Davidson is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Harley-Davidson warranty?
New Harley-Davidson vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Harley-Davidson dealer.