2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster
Only 4 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 4 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 4 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
DT: 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON WITH 37 MILES ON IT. AFTER THE OWNER LEFT WITH THE MOTORCYCLE SHE NOTICED THAT IT WAS CHOKING AND MAKING TERRIBLE NOISES WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS ENGAGED. THE NOISE BEING A SEVERE CLICKING IN 4TH AND 5TH GEARS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050627
1 of 4 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
NOT LONG AFTER MY 1000 MILE NEW VEHICLE CHECKUP, MY 2005 XL883R SPORTSTER'S FRONT BRAKE LEVER WOULD COLLAPSE TO THE HANDLE BAR. THE FRONT BRAKE WOULD OPERATE, BUT THE LEVER WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE REGULAR POSITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050907
1 of 4 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
NOT LONG AFTER MY 1000 MILE NEW VEHICLE CHECKUP, MY 2005 XL883R SPORTSTER'S FRONT BRAKE LEVER WOULD COLLAPSE TO THE HANDLE BAR. THE FRONT BRAKE WOULD OPERATE, BUT THE LEVER WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE REGULAR POSITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050907
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES USED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT, P/NOS 61338-02, 62169-02A, 61338-94D, AND 62169-95C FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2005 CARBURETED SPORTSTERS, DYNA, SOFTAIL, AND TOURING MODEL MOTORCYC
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN JANUARY 27, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080. IF YOU HAVE HAD OR INSTALLED A REPLA
Campaign 04E094000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES. THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN FEBRUARY 7, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080.
Campaign 04V607000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04E094000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V607000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2005 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 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
The most-reported component is power train:manual transmission, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.