MYRModel Year Report

1998 Harley-Davidson Softail

○ Not enough data
1998 Harley-Davidson Softail
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:26:33.714Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Harley-Davidson Softail Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1997: 1 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 2000: 7 complaints 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2002: 4 complaints 2003: 7 complaints 2004: 4 complaints 2004 2005: 4 complaints 2007: 2 complaints 2008: 1 complaints 2008 2010: 1 complaints 2011: 3 complaints 2012: 3 complaints 2012 2013: 1 complaints 2013
1998: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19953
19963
19971
19983
19990
20007
20012
20024
20037
20044
20054
20072
20081
20101
20113
20123
20131

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

1 of 3 total reports mentions: suspension.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING THE MOTORCYCLE SPEED 20-25 MPH, FRONT TIRES STARTED TO SHAKE, FRONT END STARTED TO JERK, THE ROAD CURVED LEFT, MOTORCYCLE KEPT PULLING TO THE RIGHT, HIT A CURB, FRONTAL IMPACT AND LOST CONTROL, DEALER CONTACTED ,AND CLAIMED OFFICER,...

NHTSA ODI report, 19990325

STEERING

1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN TURNING HANDLE BARS FROM SIDE TO SIDE HANDLES WILL HIT FUEL TANK ON EITHER SIDE OF CYCLE. FUEL TANK GETS DENTED. DEALER STATED IT WAS A KNOWN DEFECT, AND THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020514

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

THE DESIGN OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS TOO SHORT AND INTERFERES WITH APPLYING THE BRAKES WHILE FOOT IS RESTING ON THE FLOORBOARD. FOOT BECOMES TRAPPED BETWEEN THE FLOORBOARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS IS THE HERITAGE SOFTAIL MOTORCYCLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990218

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19971215 — service brakes, hydraulic

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM THE RECALL SERVICE ON THESE VEHICLES.

Campaign 97V227000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Harley-Davidson Softail — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 97V227000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail?

The most-reported component is suspension:front, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 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.