the federal safety agency Complaint Description — This complaint concerns two unrepaired safety recalls (23V591 and 25V375) on a 2021 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S (FXLRS) Softail motorcycle that were never remedied prior to a fatal crash on April 12, 2023. Recall 23V591 (issued August 2023) involves a fastener that may fracture, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to contact the rear tire, creating a groove and causing sudden loss of tire pressure — increasing crash risk. Recall 25V375 (issued June 2025) involves the rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting tab, which may fracture under normal use, with the same potential tire contact and pressure loss hazard. Neither recall was repaired prior to the fatal crash. The motorcycle was impounded following the crash and subsequently transferred before any inspection for recall-related defects could be conducted. It is unknown whether either defect was present at the time of the crash, as no inspection for recall compliance was performed post-crash. Safety was placed at severe risk — the operator died. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer or dealer for recall defects after the crash. No dealer service was ever performed to remedy either recall. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection.
The worst 2021 Harley-Davidson Fxlrs problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes1
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes1
- Suspension1
Recalls 2
Suspension: rear: shock absorber
- What is wrong
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Softail motorcycles. The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1‑800‑258‑2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0188. Some of the vehicles included in this recall were previously repaired under recall 23V591, and will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 25V375000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear: shock absorber
- What is wrong
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2019 FLDE, 2018-2021 FLHC, 2018-2023 FLHCS, 2018 and 2023 FLHCS ANV, 2020-2023 FXLRS, 2022-2023 FXLRST, and 2022 FXRST Softail motorcycles. A fastener securing the rear shock absorber may break and allow the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
- Risk
- A loss of tire pressure can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the shock absorber fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1‑800‑258‑2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0181.
Recall number 23V591000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Fxlrs 54
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- TIRE TREAD DEPTH GUIDE-UPDATE. PURPOSE: [Revision C. Updated: Tire Tread Depth Guide
- Battery warranty guidelines
- TIRE TREAD DEPTH GUIDE-UPDATE. PURPOSE: [Revision B. Updated: Tire Tread Depth Guide
- BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: [Revision F. Added: Added video link for the DCA-8000 Battery Tester
- Battery warranty guidelines
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Cosmetic cylinder staining (all milwaukee-eight models)
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
What 2021 Harley-Davidson Fxlrs owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The rear brakes will not and do not stop the bike. The ABS rear brakes do not engage yet when checking the error codes on the bike it shows the brakes are engaging. This is very dangerous. You need both brakes on a motorcycle
The contact owns a 2021 Harley-Davidson FXLRS. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V591000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Compare the 2021 Harley-Davidson Fxlrs
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Questions about the 2021 Harley-Davidson Fxlrs
Is the 2021 Harley-Davidson Fxlrs reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2021 Harley-Davidson Fxlrs, 1.5 times a typical Fxlrs model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Harley-Davidson Fxlrs?
Brakes, with 1 complaint. Next is suspension (1).
How many recalls does the 2021 Harley-Davidson Fxlrs have?
2 recalls, covering suspension.
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