1996 Harley-Davidson Softail
Only 3 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 3 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 |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
SPEEDOMETER STICKS INTERMITTENTLY, DOESN'T INDICATE THE CORRECT SPEED. EVENTUALLY SPEEDOMETER WILL UNSTICK AND WORK NORMALLY. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI report, 20000127
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
RECALL REPAIR NOT ABLE TO BE DONE DUE TO LACK OF PARTS (FUEL SUPPLY VALVE).
NHTSA ODI report, 19990225
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
WAS DRIVING MOTORCYCLE WHEN CAM BEARINGS BLEW OUT AND SCATTERED METAL PIECES THROUGHOUT ENGINE, CAUSING IT TO STALL OUT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010604
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE EFFECTS OF REFORMULATED GASOLINE ALONG WITH CERTAIN USAGE OF THE FUEL SUPPLY VALVE AFFECTS THE SUPPLY OF GASOLINE TO THE CARBURETOR. THIS CONDITION REQUIRES TWO FACTORS: (1) THE USE OF REFORMULA
Remedy: DEALERS THE REPLACE THE DIAPHRAGM IN THE FUEL VALVE.
Campaign 96V204000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Harley-Davidson Softail — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V204000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail 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 Softail?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Harley-Davidson Softail 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.