Harley-Davidson has announced a safety recall covering almost 17,000 motorcycles after identifying a defect that could compromise rear braking performance and increase the likelihood of an accident.
The recall applies to selected 2025 and 2026 Softail motorcycles, including the FLHC, FXBB, FXLRS, and FXLRST models, according to information released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Brake Line Could Become Damaged During Normal Use
Federal safety regulators said the problem stems from the positioning of the rear brake line, which may rub against the motorcycle’s Body Control Module (BCM).
Over time, repeated contact can wear through the brake line, creating a hole that allows brake fluid to escape.
If that happens, riders could experience reduced or complete loss of rear braking, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Inspections and Repairs to Be Offered
Harley-Davidson said affected motorcycles will be inspected by authorized dealers, with any necessary repairs carried out at no cost to owners.
The company is urging customers whose motorcycles fall within the recall to arrange an inspection as soon as they receive notification to ensure their bikes remain safe to operate.
Owners Will Be Contacted Directly
Notification letters are scheduled to be mailed to affected owners beginning May 18, providing details about the recall and instructions for booking service appointments.
Customers seeking additional information can also contact Harley-Davidson’s customer service department at 1-800-258-2464 for assistance.
Separate From Recent Ford Vehicle Recall
The motorcycle recall is unrelated to another major automotive safety campaign announced recently involving Ford vehicles.
That separate recall affected approximately 1.4 million Ford F-150 pickup trucks due to concerns over a gearshift-related issue and does not involve Harley-Davidson motorcycles or the brake defect identified by federal regulators.
