Harley Davidson Recalls Over 82,000 Softail Motorcycles for Loss of Tire Pressure

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

Harley-Davidson is recalling more than 82,000 Softail motorcycles in the United States due to a potential safety defect that could lead to a sudden loss of tire pressure.

The recall, acknowledged by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on June 12, affects 82,117 motorcycles manufactured between 2018 and 2024.

According to the NHTSA 2025 Harley Davidson Tire Pressure Recall notice, a defect in the rear shock pre-load adjuster may cause a mounting tab to break.

If this occurs, the broken adjuster can come into contact with and damage the rear tire, potentially leading to dangerous riding conditions.

The Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer launched the recall after receiving a service request in September 2024 involving a Softail model, which alleged failure of the pre-load adjuster mounting bracket.

Since then, further investigation has confirmed the risk across multiple Softail models.

What Caused the 2025 Harley Davidson Softail Recall?

The rear shock spring pre-load adjuster mounting tab can crack during normal riding conditions, leading to a potentially hazardous situation.

When the tab fractures, the adjuster may shift out of position and come into direct contact with the rear tire.

Continued contact can cause the tire to develop a groove or sustain other damage, increasing the likelihood of a sudden loss of air pressure and heightening the risk of a crash. Riders might notice early signs of this issue, including:

• Unusual noises coming from beneath the seat
• Difficulty maneuvering the motorcycle
• Visible wear or damage on the rear tire
• Contact marks between the tire and the adjuster when inspecting under the seat

To correct the issue, Harley-Davidson is providing a redesigned bracket and hardware kit to prevent the adjuster from interfering with the tire.

The repair is being performed free of charge, and dealerships have received installation instructions.

Starting with the 2025 model year, all new Softail motorcycles are being built with the updated hardware already in place.

The underlying cause of the defect is fatigue in the adjuster’s mounting tab, which can fracture over time during normal use.

If this damage remains unnoticed, the resulting tire contact may cause a gradual or sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the potential for a crash. In addition to audible cues, the issue may be visible during inspection if the seat is removed.

Related Previous Softail Suspension Recalls

In 2023, Harley-Davidson issued a recall due to a potential failure of the rear shock absorber fastener. If the fastener broke, it could compromise the position of the rear tire and increase the risk of a crash.

This recall affected various Softail models manufactured between 2018 and 2023, with approximately 65,224 units impacted. The remedy involved replacing the faulty fastener.

Notably, some motorcycles that were repaired under the 2023 campaign (NHTSA Recall 23V-591) are also included in the 2025 recall.

However, the current issue relates to a different component—specifically, the rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting tab. The 2025 recall includes certain 2018–2024 Softail motorcycles.

How to Know If Your Motorcycle Is Affected

According to the recall acknowledgment, affected models include:

• FLDE (2018–2019)
• FLHC (2018–2021)
• FLHCS (2018–2024)
• FLHCS ANV (2018, 2023)
• FXLRS (2020–2024)
• FXLRST (2022–2024)
• FXRST (2022)

If you own a Harley-Davidson Softail and want to confirm whether your motorcycle is included in the 2025 recall—or any prior safety campaigns—there are a few straightforward steps you can take:

1. Locate Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
2. Check the Harley-Davidson Recall Lookup Tool
3. Use the NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool
4. Contact Your Local Harley-Davidson Dealership

How Will Harley Davidson Fix the Suspension Issue?

To address the 2025 Softail suspension defect, Harley-Davidson has developed a hardware-based solution aimed at preventing the rear shock pre-load adjuster from coming into contact with the rear tire.

The repair involves installing new parts designed to increase durability and eliminate the risk of the adjuster shifting under normal riding conditions. The repair process includes the following:

• Installation of a Reinforced Bracket: A new bracket is installed to more securely hold the pre-load adjuster in place. This reinforced component is designed to prevent movement or failure of the adjuster, which was the root cause of the tire contact issue.
• Upgraded Mounting Hardware: The service also includes replacement of bolts and fasteners with improved components. These upgraded parts are engineered to better withstand vibration and long-term stress, reducing the chances of fatigue or cracking over time.
• Dealer-Performed Service: Repairs will be carried out by authorized Harley-Davidson technicians. The service typically takes less than an hour to complete and is provided at no cost to the motorcycle owner.
• Updated Factory Production: All 2025 and newer Softail motorcycles are now being manufactured with the updated bracket and mounting hardware installed as standard, ensuring that new models do not have this defect.

What You’ll Need to Schedule the Repair:

• Your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• An appointment with an authorized Harley-Davidson dealership
• Reference to Recall Number 0188 when booking your service

Steps for Affected Riders

If you own a Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle affected by the 2025 suspension recall, taking prompt action is essential to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here’s what you should do:

1. Confirm Whether Your Motorcycle Is Affected
2. Schedule a Service Appointment
3. Complete the Recommended Repair
4. Monitor Your Motorcycle After the Repair
5. Keep All Service Records, Recall Notices and Dealership Communications
6. Contact a Lemon Law Attorney if Problems Persist

It’s important to understand that every case is unique, and the outcome depends on factors such as the number of repair attempts, the nature of the defect, and the motorcycle’s service history.

Consulting with an experienced lemon law attorney can help you evaluate your situation and determine whether you’re entitled to compensation, a replacement, or a potential refund.

If your Harley-Davidson Softail remains unsafe or unreliable due to this issue, legal guidance can be a valuable step toward resolving the problem.

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

Don’t Ride Into Danger: Call the Lemon Law Experts Now

Recalls affecting Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycles highlight ongoing safety risks for riders.

If your Softail has been repeatedly repaired for suspension problems while under warranty, tire pressure loss, or other unresolved defects—you may be protected under your state’s lemon law.

If your motorcycle qualifies, you could be entitled to a refund, a replacement bike, or cash compensation.

Refunds and replacements are typically subject to a usage fee based on mileage before the defect appeared, while replacements might also include price adjustments if the substitute model is more expensive.

Importantly, many state lemon laws require the manufacturer to cover your legal fees and costs if your claim is successful, meaning you can pursue justice without upfront costs.

At the Lemon Law Experts, we have been assisting motorcycle owners with lemon law and warranty claims since 2009.

Our knowledgeable team offers personalized support and works tirelessly to achieve the best results—whether that means securing compensation, a replacement vehicle, or another legal remedy.

If your Harley-Davidson Softail continues to show signs of safety concerns despite recall repairs, don’t wait.

Call the Lemon Law Experts at (877) 885-5366 or complete our quick online form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Let us fight for your rights so you can ride with confidence again.