Published by If you or a loved one experienced injuries while riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle due to mechanical failures, defective parts, or undisclosed safety issues, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to dangerous motorcycle defects.
Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Harley-Davidson Recall Lawsuit and we can help. Please click the button below for a Free Confidential Case Evaluation or call us toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.
Table Of Contents
- Harley-Davidson Recall Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Harley-Davidson Recall Lawsuit Updates
- NHTSA Reports and Statistics
- Harley-Davidson Defects & Safety Issues
- Harley Stops Electric Motorcycle Production due to Charging Problem
- Harley Davidson Oil Leak Recall
- Do You Qualify for a Harley-Davidson Recall Lawsuit?
- Harley-Davidson Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Harley-Davidson Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What should I do if I no longer have documentation related to my Harley-Davidson motorcycle but want to join the lawsuit?
- 2. Can I return my defective Harley-Davidson motorcycle for a refund?
- 3. What are the possible outcomes of the Harley-Davidson recall lawsuit?
- 4. How do I check if my Harley-Davidson is included in a recall?
- 5. Will filing a lawsuit affect my motorcycle’s warranty?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
Harley-Davidson Recall Lawsuit Overview
Harley-Davidson recall lawsuits focus on defective motorcycle components that can cause accidents, injuries, or death to riders.
These lawsuits involve allegations that Harley-Davidson failed to adequately test their motorcycles or warn customers about potential safety issues.
Recent recalls have affected tens of thousands of motorcycles, including 12,624 Harley Trikes recalled for brake system issues and 57,000 motorcycles recalled worldwide for oil line failures that led to at least nine reported incidents, two crashes, and one injury [1].
Latest Harley-Davidson Recall Lawsuit Updates
March 2025
– A major class action settlement has been approved for owners of 2019-2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycles with defective anti-lock brake systems (ABS).
The settlement includes compensation ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 per motorcycle owner, free repairs, and extended warranties. This resolution comes after multiple riders reported sudden brake failures resulting in accidents and injuries.
January 2025 – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expanded its investigation into Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire electric motorcycles following reports of unexpected power loss while riding.
At least 35 incidents have been documented, with 12 resulting in accidents and 5 in serious rider injuries. Harley-Davidson has cooperated with investigators but maintains these are isolated incidents.
December 17, 2019 – Harley-Davidson recalled its 2019-2020 Tri-Glide motorcycles over concerns of possible “unintended activation of one rear brake.”
The recall, affecting 12,624 Harley Trikes, involved the “Trike Traction Control System,” which Harley said may respond incorrectly to a faulty rear-wheel speed signal by activating one of the rear brakes.
Specific models included in the recall were:
- 2019-2020 Tri-Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG)
- 2019-2020 Freewheeler (FLRT)
- 2020 CVO Tri-Glide (FLHTCUTGSE)
NHTSA Reports and Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database and reports:
- Over 1.5 million Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been subject to safety recalls in the past decade
- The 2024 voltage regulator harness recall affected approximately 41,637 motorcycles in the United States alone [2]
- Brake-related issues account for approximately 35% of all Harley-Davidson recalls since 2015
- NHTSA has recorded 200 complaints specifically related to Harley-Davidson brake failures in the past five years
- Harley-Davidson’s recall rate is approximately 30% higher than the industry average for motorcycle manufacturers
Harley-Davidson Defects & Safety Issues
Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been recalled for various defects that can cause serious safety hazards to riders. These issues have affected multiple models across different years.
- Brake System Failures: Traction control system malfunctions in Trike models causing unexpected brake activation, potentially leading to loss of control and accidents
- Oil Line Leaks: Improperly secured oil lines can come loose, spraying oil onto the rear tire and causing dangerous road slickness and potential crashes
- Electrical System Problems: Charging issues with LiveWire electric motorcycles that could potentially cause unexpected power loss while riding
- Clutch Failures: Master cylinder issues causing clutch disengagement problems that can prevent proper stopping or lead to loss of control
Harley Stops Electric Motorcycle Production due to Charging Problem
October 15, 2019
– Harley-Davidson temporarily halted production and distribution of LiveWire, the company’s first electric motorcycle, due to a problem with the bike’s charging equipment, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Harley maintained that the LiveWire was still safe to ride, but asked owners to only charge the motorcycles at dealerships, as there may be a problem with plugging them into low voltage outlets.
“We recently discovered a non-standard condition during a final quality check; stopped production and deliveries; and began additional testing and analysis, which is progressing well. We’re dealers and customers and have assured them they can continue to ride LiveWire motorcycles.”- Spokesperson for Harley-Davidson
Harley Davidson Oil Leak Recall
June 5, 2017
– Harley-Davidson said an oil line on the affected motorcycles may come loose, causing oil to leak onto the rear tire’s path.
There have been at least nine reports of displaced oil lines. Harley is aware of two crashes and one injury associated with the issue, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The recall includes certain models of the following 2017 Harley-Davidson motorcycles built between July 2, 2016, and May 9, 2017:
- Electra Glide Ultra Classic
- Police Electra Glide
- Police Road King
- Road King
- Road King Special
- Street Glide
- Street Glide Special
- Road Glide
- Road Glide Special
About 57,000 motorcycles worldwide were affected by the recall, including 46,000 in the U.S.
Do You Qualify for a Harley-Davidson Recall Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Harley-Davidson recall lawsuit if:
- You own or owned a Harley-Davidson motorcycle subject to one of the safety recalls mentioned above
- You experienced an accident or injury that may have been caused by the defect addressed in the recall
- Your motorcycle exhibited the defective condition (brake problems, oil leaks, etc.) either before or after the recall was announced
- You incurred expenses related to repairs, medical treatment, lost wages, or other damages
- The incident occurred within your state’s statute of limitations for product liability claims
Evidence Required for a Harley-Davidson Recall Lawsuit
To strengthen your Harley-Davidson recall lawsuit, you should gather the following evidence:
- Proof of motorcycle ownership (title, registration, purchase receipts)
- Service and maintenance records showing the defect or attempted repairs
- Medical records documenting injuries related to the motorcycle defect
- Photographs of the defective motorcycle component and any damages
- Police reports if an accident occurred due to the defect
- Recall notices you received from Harley-Davidson
- Documentation of any communication with Harley-Davidson or dealerships regarding the defect
Damages You Can Recover
If your Harley-Davidson recall lawsuit is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses for injuries caused by the defective motorcycle
- Lost wages if you missed work due to injuries
- Pain and suffering related to the accident and recovery
- Cost of motorcycle repairs not covered by the recall
- Loss of value to your motorcycle due to the defect
- In rare cases, punitive damages if Harley-Davidson showed gross negligence regarding safety issues
Harley-Davidson Recall Information
Harley-Davidson has issued several significant recalls in recent years:
- December 2019 Trike Brake Recall: Affected 12,624 Tri-Glide models with potential for unintended rear brake activation
- October 2019 LiveWire Electric Motorcycle: Production halt due to charging equipment issues
- June 2017 Oil Line Recall: Affected 57,000 motorcycles worldwide (46,000 in the U.S.) with potentially loose oil lines that could spray oil onto the rear tire
- February 2018 Clutch Recall: Affected 251,000 motorcycles with potential clutch master cylinder issues
- July 2020 Brake Light Recall: Affected 31,000 motorcycles with potentially faulty brake lights that might not activate when brakes are applied
For each recall, Harley-Davidson has typically notified owners and offered free repairs through authorized dealerships. However, these repairs can only prevent future incidents and cannot address injuries or damages that occurred before the recall was announced.
Statute of Limitations for Harley-Davidson Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a Harley-Davidson recall lawsuit varies by state but generally ranges from 1-6 years.
These time limits typically begin from:
- The date of the accident or injury caused by the defective motorcycle
- The date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that your injury was caused by a defective motorcycle component
- In some states, the date the motorcycle was purchased (for claims about economic loss rather than personal injury)
Some states have specific statutes of limitations for product liability claims that differ from general personal injury deadlines. Additionally, if a case involves wrongful death, different deadlines may apply.
Because the deadlines vary significantly by location and circumstances, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after experiencing an incident with your Harley-Davidson motorcycle to ensure you don’t miss the filing deadline.
Related motorbike litigations:
- BMW Motorbike Recall Litigation
- Baja Motorsports Mini Bike Recall Litigation
- Harley-Davidson LiveWire Lawsuit
- Honda CRF Case
FAQs
If you no longer have documentation related to your Harley-Davidson motorcycle but want to join the lawsuit, consult with a lawyer who may be able to help you obtain necessary records, such as purchase receipts, maintenance records, or the motorcycle’s VIN, to support your case.
2. Can I return my defective Harley-Davidson motorcycle for a refund?
Whether you can return your defective Harley-Davidson motorcycle for a refund depends on the terms of the recall, the warranty, and your state’s consumer protection laws. Contact Harley-Davidson or your dealer for specific instructions on how to proceed with a return or refund.
3. What are the possible outcomes of the Harley-Davidson recall lawsuit?
Possible outcomes of the Harley-Davidson recall lawsuit include a settlement between the parties, a court ruling in favor of the plaintiffs with compensation awarded, or a dismissal of the case if the claims are not substantiated. The lawsuit could also lead to changes in manufacturing practices or additional product recalls.
4. How do I check if my Harley-Davidson is included in a recall?
To check if your Harley-Davidson is included in a recall, visit the NHTSA website (safercar.gov) and enter your motorcycle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), contact your local Harley-Davidson dealership, or call Harley-Davidson’s customer service. You can also register your motorcycle with Harley-Davidson to receive direct notifications about recalls.
5. Will filing a lawsuit affect my motorcycle’s warranty?
Filing a lawsuit against Harley-Davidson should not legally affect your motorcycle’s warranty. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers from having warranties voided simply for seeking legal remedies. However, certain warranty conditions may still apply separately from your legal action, so consult with an attorney about your specific situation.
See more about product liability cases.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by defective Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Most states have statutes of limitations ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of the defect, and these deadlines are strictly enforced by courts.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve. As time passes, evidence may become more difficult to gather, witnesses’ memories fade, and you may lose your legal right to file a claim altogether.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:
- Free, confidential case evaluations to determine if you have a valid claim
- No upfront costs or legal fees – we only get paid if you win your case
- Experienced product liability attorneys with specific knowledge of motorcycle defect cases
- Nationwide representation for Harley-Davidson owners across all 50 states
Don’t let motorcycle manufacturers avoid responsibility for their defective products. Contact us today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Again, if you were injured on a Harley-Davidson, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
References
1. https://www.wsj.com/articles/harley-davidson-halts-electric-motorcycle-production-11571073048?mod=hp_lead_pos7
2. https://www.yahoo.com/news/harley-davidson-recalls-over-41-185310324.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALru9oovhDaQQ2QONylEn2yNMS9bJFA9dnX_Iu-2zSF-MBAh6JdyGS4Cceho-o2YRbbcLLi1_Y8OxkcBrmZTf4626BJ8PSz0buMv3Gqr91nP1ksODcbJyUpU14NkDnjMrwm3U5V3W3tYRay-qzxv9kpvI8CXVXXmYlIUy3RjFSrD
3. https://www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/motorcycle-recalls