Summary (tl;dr)

Harley-Davidson has recently issued two significant recalls for various 2024-2026 motorcycle models due to defects that could cause oil ejection and loss of rear brakes, leading to increased safety concerns for riders.

Essential Background

Harley-Davidson has a history of issuing recalls to address potential safety concerns in its motorcycles. Prior to the most recent recalls, Harley-Davidson also recalled over 40,000 model year 2024 motorcycles in October 2024 due to a defect that could cause a loss of electrical power while in motion. This earlier recall stemmed from a wire potentially rubbing against the crankcase, leading to a short circuit and a complete loss of power without warning.

The Full Story

Harley-Davidson is currently trending due to two recent recalls impacting nearly 105,000 of its 2024-2026 motorcycle models. One recall, announced in late April 2026, affects 88,039 motorcycles across nine models, including certain Softails, Trikes, and Touring bikes. This recall is due to a "supplier manufacturing issue" where a thin layer of plastic may block the airbox breathing port, causing pressure to build in the crankcase. If the dipstick is removed under these conditions, oil could forcefully eject, posing a risk of injury. Harley-Davidson estimates that only 0.4% of the recalled motorcycles are likely to have this issue.

The second, separate recall, issued in April 2026, involves nearly 17,000 Softail motorcycles from the 2025-2026 model years. This recall addresses a defect where the rear brake line may come into contact with the Body Control Module (BCM), potentially wearing a hole in the brake line, leading to a brake fluid leak, and ultimately a loss of rear braking capability. This issue was identified after a customer reported inoperable brakes on a 2025 FXLRST model. Harley-Davidson dealers will inspect and repair the affected components free of charge for both recalls, and owner notifications are expected to be mailed out in May 2026.

Why It Matters

These recalls are significant because they address potential safety hazards that could lead to injury or crashes for Harley-Davidson riders. The possibility of oil ejection due to crankcase pressure or the unexpected loss of rear brakes can compromise rider control and safety. The widespread nature of these recalls, affecting tens of thousands of motorcycles, means a substantial number of owners will need to have their vehicles inspected and repaired, highlighting ongoing quality control concerns for newer Harley-Davidson models.

Geographic Location

• York, York County, Pennsylvania, United States (factory where Harley-Davidson inspected vehicles for blocked breather passages)
• Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced recalls)