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1998 Harley-Davidson Softail problems

The most common problem on the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail is brakes. Its complaint count is close to a typical Softail model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
1
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls 1

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkagesReported December 15, 1997 · 2,012 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: motorcycles. The rear brake pedal assembly may have an inadequate weld.
Risk
This condition can allow the lever hub to separate from the master cylinder lever which would affect rear brake performance.
Remedy
Dealers will perform the recall service on these vehicles.

Recall number 97V227000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail

Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail 1

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 14, 2002 · Steering · PA

When turning handle bars from side to side handles will hit fuel tank on either side of cycle. Fuel tank gets dented. Dealer stated it was a known defect, and there was nothing he could do to remedy the problem.

Filed Feb 18, 1999 · Brakes · FL

The design of the brake pedal is too short and interferes with applying the brakes while foot is resting on the floorboard. Foot becomes trapped between the floorboard and the brake pedal. This is the heritage softail motorcycle. Owner has notified the manufacturer about the problem.

Filed Oct 28, 1998 · Suspension · FL · crash · 1 injury

While driving the motorcycle speed 20-25 MPH, front tires started to shake, front end started to jerk, the road curved left, motorcycle kept pulling to the right, hit a curb, frontal impact and lost control, dealer contacted ,and claimed officer, island cycle did repairs, and ny harley davidson manufacturer is revtech tires - problem is defective tire valve. Island cycle is aware of the problem, vehicle repaired at owners expense with deductible.

Compare the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail

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Questions about the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail

Is the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail, close to a typical Softail model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail?

Brakes, with 1 complaint. Next is steering (1).

How many recalls does the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail have?

1 recall, covering service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 97V227000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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