1996 Harley-Davidson Flht
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 4 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
IGNITION SWITCH HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981005
IGNITION SWITCH EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT FAILURE, RECALL NOTICE SENT HOWEVER UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981005
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE, WHILE OPERATING THE MOTORCYCLE, CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE TO COME TO A SCHREECHING HALT WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980615
1 of 7 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: FL TOURING MOTORCYCLES. A LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH CAN OCCUR DUE TO EXCESSIVE CURRENT AND OTHER FACTORS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH/CIRCUIT BREAKER AND INSTALL A RELAY KIT.
Campaign 98V158000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Harley-Davidson Flht — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V158000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 Harley-Davidson Flht reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Harley-Davidson Flht?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 86% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Harley-Davidson Flht have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.