Harley-Davidson Recalls Over 82,000 Softail Models Due To Rear Shock Mounting Fault

Harley-Davidson has initiated a voluntary recall for 82,117 Softail motorcycles from model years 2018 to 2024, due to a defect in the rear shock pre-load adjuster tab that may fracture during regular use. Affected models include FLHCS, FXRST, FLDE, FXLRST, FXLRS, FLHCS ANV, and FLHC. The defect could lead to the adjuster contacting the rear tire, causing potential tire damage and increasing crash risks. Dealers will replace the faulty component at no cost, with notifications to be sent to owners beginning June 16, 2025.

Keshav Rajput

Updated Jun 19, 2025, 09:22 AM IST

Harley-Davidson Motor Company has announced a voluntary safety recall involving 82,117 motorcycles in the Softail series for model years 2018 through 2024 due to a defect in the rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting tab, which may fracture under regular use.

The affected models include the FLHCS, FXRST, FLDE, FXLRST, FXLRS, FLHCS ANV and FLHC, all of which share a particular type of rear shock adjuster bracket. The flaw does not affect Softail variants equipped with different shock adjuster designs.

2018–2024 Harley-Davidson FLHCS Units affected: 24,718
2022 Harley-Davidson FXRST Units affected: 739
2018–2019 Harley-Davidson FLDE Units affected: 3,875
2022–2024 Harley-Davidson FXLRST Units affected: 16,058
2020–2024 Harley-Davidson FXLRS Units affected: 25,887
2018–2023 Harley-Davidson FLHCS ANV (Anniversary Edition) Units affected: 2,084
2018–2021 Harley-Davidson FLHC Units affected: 8,756

According to the report filed by Harley Davidson to NHTSA said, The rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting tab installed on certain Model Year 2018-2024 Softail motorcycles may fracture under normal use, potentially allowing the rear shock adjuster to contact the rear tire. If the defect condition occurs and remains undetected, contact between the adjuster and tire may create a groove in the tire, which may eventually lead to a sudden loss of pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Operator or passenger may detect a noise from under the seat. A loose rear shock adjuster may also be visually observed if the seat is removed. In addition, if the rear shock adjuster is making contact with the rear tire, the operator may experience difficulty maneuvering the motorcycle, and non-typical wear

may be noted on the rear tire.

The issue was first flagged in September 2024 through a service request. While an earlier recall (0181) had attempted to address similar concerns by upgrading the mounting hardware, Harley-Davidson received further reports indicating the problem persisted. By April 2025, failures were confirmed on vehicles both previously repaired and newly built with the updated design. This prompted further internal reviews leading to the recall authorization in late May 2025.

To deal with the issue, dealers will install a redesigned bracket that limits adjuster movement and prevents contact with the rear tire. Repairs will be provided at no cost to owners. Notifications to dealers began in the week of June 9, 2025, with owner notices to follow from June 16 in a phased rollout.

Harley-Davidson Recalls Over 82,000 Softail Models Due To Rear Shock Mounting Fault

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