1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1996 | 6 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 9 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 8 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
MOTORCYCLE IS AT A STOP, MOTORCYCLE WILL THEN BACKFIRE THROUGH CARBURETOR WHEN ACCELERATING, IT WILL STALL OUT. NEEDS TO RESTART,DEALERSHIP SAYS CANNOT FIX PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971027
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 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 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.