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2004 Harley-Davidson Softail problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail is engine and cooling. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical Softail model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
1
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail problems

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

  • Engine
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 1

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported September 30, 2004 · 2,828 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorcycles, a condition occurs that could allow pressure to build up in the fuel tank. On fuel injected vehicles, this condition could cause fuel to spray out unexpectedly when the fuel cap is removed. On carbureted vehicles, excessive fuel could be transferred to the carburetor, which would eventually allow fuel to drip from the air cleaner.
Risk
These situations could cause serious personal injury or create a fire hazard for persons or property on or near the motorcycle.
Remedy
Dealers will test each canister for blockage, then replace as necessary. The recall began november 4, 2004. Owners should contact harley-davidson at 1‑414‑343‑4056.

Recall number 04V465000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 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 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 25, 2010 · 10,000 miles · CT

This is a failure of the electronic security system on a 2004 hd heritage motorcycle. We noticed an electronic failure several times and over the course of one year found that it occurred only and consistently every time we parked in the immediate vicinity of overhead high tension lines. While only an inconvenience to us, perhaps this will help in the toyota investigation.

Filed Jul 9, 2005 · Suspension · 500 miles · GA

After 500 miles, wobble was discovered in handlebars between 38 to 42 miles per hour. Taken to dealer was told it was trait on model. Called harley, they told me to take it to another dealer of my choice. Took back to dealer where purchase was made. They adjusted steering head bearings. Problem solve. After another 500 miles, same situation occurred. Wobble in front end between 38 to 42 miles per hours. Took bike back to dealer, adjusted steering head bearings and greased front end. Problem solved. After 1,000 miles, wobble come back in handler bars between, 38 to 42 miles per hour. Took back to the dealer. Dealer said there was nothing wrong with bike. That was the trait of heritage softail. They rode a new bike and it done the same thing. The bike is safe to ride and there is nothing wrong with it. Called harley and they said the dealer said there was nothing wrong with the bike. I told harley they had fixed the bike on two previous attempts. Harley said someone would call me back within 30 minutes. I called general manager at the dealership and he said that he would do everything possible to fix the bike. This is the fourth attempt to correct the wobble in the front end.

Filed Oct 5, 2004 · Engine · 500 miles · FL

Vehicle stalled intermittently. Dealer stated the vehicle needed new pipes, air breather and carburetor.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Wheels · CA

While driving at high speeds vehicle shook, causing consumer to slow down. Consumer contacted dealership about this issue, however, the problem recurred. *ak the bikes wheels were unstable. The solid wheels caught wind vorticies which caused the vehicle to be unstable. The dealer refuse to change the wheels.

Compare the 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail

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Questions about the 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail

Is the 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail reliable?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail, 1.3 times a typical Softail model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail?

Engine and cooling, with 1 complaint. Next is suspension (1).

How many recalls does the 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail have?

1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.

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