MYRModel Year Report

1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster

○ Not enough data
1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:00:51.739Z

Only 6 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 6 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 Sportster Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1985: 1 complaints 1985 1988: 2 complaints 1992: 1 complaints 1992 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 1 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1998 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 9 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001 2002: 6 complaints 2003: 8 complaints 2003 2005: 4 complaints 2007: 1 complaints 2007 2008: 2 complaints 2008
1998: 6 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19851
19882
19921
19966
19971
19986
19996
20009
20016
20026
20038
20054
20071
20082

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

MOTORCYCLE WOULD BACKFIRE AND STALL WHEN GIVING IT THROTTLE GOING FROM A STOP OR IDLING. I QUICKLY DIS-ENGAUGED THE CLUTCH TO START THE MOTOR BACKUP, BUT THE CAR IN THE SECOND LANE WAS ALREADY LOCKING HIS BRAKES.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980621

POWER TRAIN

1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

CLUTCH ON MOTORCYCLE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO PUSH. OWNER IS VERY CONCERNED RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE. DEALERS HAVE NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980604

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER NOTICED A DRY RUST COLORED DUST COMING FROM THE MOTORCYCLE WHILE RIDING. AFTER COMING TO A STOP, THE CONSUMER NOTICED GAS LEAKING ON THE GROUND. THE RUST COLORED DUST WAS DRY GAS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031021

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 of 6 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

REAR TAIL LIGHT CAME OFF MOTORCYCLE AND LODGED IN REAR WHEEL AT 65MPH, 3 OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM SAME TYPE MOTORCYCLE OWNERS IN QUICK SURVEY. HARLEY DAVIDSON ISN'T EVEN INTERESTED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020809

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 6 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • 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).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster?

The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 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.