MYRModel Year Report

2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster

○ Not enough data
2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:01:13.926Z

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, 2002 highlighted. 1985: 1 complaints 1985 1988: 2 complaints 1992: 1 complaints 1992 1996: 6 complaints 1997: 1 complaints 1997 1998: 6 complaints 1999: 6 complaints 1999 2000: 9 complaints 2001: 6 complaints 2001 2002: 6 complaints 2002 2003: 8 complaints 2003 2005: 4 complaints 2007: 1 complaints 2007 2008: 2 complaints 2008
2002: 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.

VISIBILITY

2 of 6 total reports mention: visibility.

Show complaint excerpts

LEFT HAND MIRROR WILL FLY OFF WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020906

VISIBILITY

1 of 6 total reports mentions: visibility.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

CUSTOM 1200, AT 65 MPH, LEFT MIRROR SNAPPED OFF AND HIT CONSUMER IN THE FACE. CONSUMER SUFFERED FACIAL INJURIES.*AK JLG

NHTSA ODI report, 20020816

POWER TRAIN

1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

AFTER MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN RIDDEN FOR 30-45 MINUTES SHIFT LEVER BECOMES ALMOST UNUSABLE IF MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN LEFT TO IDLE OF IS TURNED OFF, AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF MOVING UP AND DOWN IT CAN BE USED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031201

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS AND MOTORCYCLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT BIKE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY AND IS ALSO MAKING A POPPING NOISE AND BACKFIRING. *TT

NHTSA ODI report, 20020410

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING, INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS AND MOTORCYCLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. *AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT BIKE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY AND IS ALSO MAKING A POPPING NOISE AND BACKFIRING. *TT

NHTSA ODI report, 20020410

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20021112 — PE (closed 20030226)

REAR VIEW MIRROR STEM FAILURES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2002 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 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster?

The most-reported component is visibility:rearview mirrors/devices, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 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.