Harley-Davidson has issued a recall covering nearly 17,000 motorcycles in the United States. The recall targets a dangerous rear brake defect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed the recall details. Riders should act quickly to protect their safety.

The recall affects approximately 16,994 motorcycles in total. All affected bikes belong to the Softail family of models. The defect involves insufficient clearance between two key components. This can lead to a complete loss of rear braking power.

What Is Causing the Brake Defect?

The root cause is a clearance problem between the rear brake line and the body control module. The two components can rub against each other over time. This rubbing creates a hole in the brake line. Brake fluid then escapes through that hole, reducing braking performance.

The NHTSA takes the matter seriously given the potential for injury. If a rider loses rear brake function, a crash becomes far more likely. Riders may not immediately notice the fluid leak. By the time the brakes fail fully, the danger is already present.

Harley-Davidson first learned of this problem on March 5, 2026. The company confirmed it is not aware of any accidents or injuries. No crashes have been linked to this defect at this stage. However, the risk remains real and serious.

Which Models Does the Recall Cover?

The recall targets four specific Softail models from model years 2025 and 2026. Each model covers a defined production date range. Owners should check their production date against the ranges listed below. All four models fall under the same defect category.

• 2025-2026 FLHC: produced October 3, 2024 through March 12, 2026
• 2025-2026 FXBB: produced October 3, 2024 through March 16, 2026
• 2025-2026 FXLRS: produced December 5, 2024 through March 16, 2026
• 2025-2026 FXLRST: produced October 3, 2024 through March 16, 2026

These models collectively account for 16,994 affected motorcycles across the country. All are part of Harley-Davidson’s popular Softail lineup. The Softail series is a staple of the brand’s model range. Owners of these bikes must take the recall notice seriously.

How Harley-Davidson Plans to Fix the Problem

Harley-Davidson will replace the body control module caddy and associated hardware. The new caddy design provides more clearance for the brake line. This prevents the rubbing that causes the dangerous hole. All repairs will take place at no cost to the owner.

Technicians will also inspect the rear brake line during the repair visit. If the brake line shows damage, the company will replace it. Associated parts will also receive replacement as needed. Every element of the repair comes free of charge to the vehicle owner.

Owners can take their motorcycles to any authorised Harley-Davidson dealership. The dealership network will handle all recall-related repairs. No appointment fee or parts charge applies to this service. Harley-Davidson covers the full cost of the fix.

What Owners Should Do Right Now

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 27, 2026, according to the source. Owners should watch their mailboxes for this official communication. The letter will contain specific instructions for scheduling a repair. Acting promptly after receiving it is strongly advisable.

Proper rear brake function is crucial for safe riding. It works in tandem with the front brake system. Losing one system significantly reduces stopping power. Riders should not ignore this recall under any circumstances.

Riders who own one of the four affected Softail models should stop riding until repairs are complete. This is especially important if their motorcycle has high mileage. The rubbing damage worsens over time. Continued riding could accelerate the damage before a repair.

How to Verify Your Motorcycle and Contact Harley-Davidson

Owners can contact Harley-Davidson customer service directly with questions. The dedicated customer service number is 1-800-258-2464. Representatives can confirm whether a specific motorcycle falls under the recall. They can also help schedule a dealership appointment.

Owners who are unsure about their motorcycle’s recall status have another option. They can check the NHTSA recall verification website to confirm eligibility. This tool allows vehicle owners to search by identification number. It provides an official and reliable way to verify recall status.

The NHTSA plays a central role in monitoring this recall process. The agency tracks manufacturer compliance and owner notification. It ensures that Harley-Davidson fulfils its obligations to affected customers. Owners should report any issues with the recall process directly to the NHTSA.

A Broader Safety Reminder for Motorcycle Riders

This recall serves as a timely reminder about motorcycle maintenance. Brake systems require regular inspection, especially on high-mileage bikes. Riders should monitor brake fluid levels as part of routine upkeep. Early detection of fluid loss can prevent serious accidents.

Harley-Davidson’s proactive response limits the risk to riders. The company acted after receiving its first report in March 2026. It launched the recall process swiftly to protect its customers. No injuries or accidents have occurred as a result of this defect so far.

The NHTSA continues to monitor the situation and track repair rates. Harley-Davidson must report on the progress of owner notifications and completed fixes. This oversight helps ensure the recall reaches every affected owner. Rider safety remains the central priority throughout this process.

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