Harley-Davidson, the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer, is navigating a challenging period marked by leadership transitions and a significant product recall that has affected tens of thousands of its motorcycles. As the company continues its search for a new CEO, it simultaneously grapples with safety concerns that have prompted a large-scale recall of its popular Softail models.
In April 2025, Harley-Davidson publicly confirmed it was undertaking an "on-going CEO search process," a move aligned with the Board's succession planning responsibilities. This announcement followed CEO Jochen Zeitz's expression of interest in retiring after a five-year tenure. Zeitz, who has led the company since 2020, is expected to step down sometime in 2025. However, by May, the company had yet to identify a suitable replacement, with the Board's search committee continuing its rigorous efforts.
While the leadership transition remains unresolved, Harley-Davidson faced a pressing operational issue earlier this month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a recall affecting more than 82,000 Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycles, spanning model years 2018 through 2024. This recall is one of the largest in recent company history and centers on a potentially dangerous defect involving the rear shock pre-load adjuster.
The problem lies in the mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster, which may fracture under normal use due to fatigue. If this mounting tab breaks, it allows the rear shock absorber adjuster to come into contact with the rear tire. Such contact can create a groove in the tire, potentially leading to a sudden loss of tire pressure. The NHTSA warns that this defect increases the risk of a crash, a risk that Harley-Davidson takes seriously despite no reported injuries or fatalities linked to the issue as of early June 2025.
The affected models include a broad range of Softail motorcycles: FLDE (2018-2019), FLHCS (2018-2024), FLHC (2018-2021), FXLRS (2020-2024), FXLRST (2022-2024), FLHCS ANV (2018 and 2023), and FXRST (2022). In total, the recall encompasses 82,117 units, with some models dating back to as early as 2017, highlighting the extensive scope of this safety concern.
This safety issue first came to light in late 2024 when Harley-Davidson's Technical Subcommittee received a service request reporting a failure of the rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting bracket. The bracket had reportedly failed and become lodged between the shock and the rear fender. Subsequent investigations uncovered six motorcycles exhibiting the same defect, prompting Harley-Davidson's Field Action Committee to get involved in May 2025. This led to the formal recall announcement earlier this month.
Harley-Davidson has responded by offering a free-of-charge remedy to owners of affected motorcycles. Authorized dealers will install a new bracket designed to limit the movement of the pre-load adjuster and prevent it from contacting the rear tire. This repair aims to eliminate the risk of tire damage and sudden pressure loss. Owners of the recalled motorcycles are expected to receive notification letters between June 16 and June 23, 2025, advising them to schedule service appointments at their earliest convenience.
For riders, signs of this defect may include unusual noises from under the seat or a visibly loose rear shock adjuster if the seat is removed. Additionally, those operating affected motorcycles might notice difficulty maneuvering the bike, symptoms that warrant immediate inspection and repair.
While this recall adds to a series of recent safety actions — with several Harley-Davidson recalls occurring over the past eight to nine months — the company maintains transparency and a commitment to rider safety. The recall number for this issue is 0188, and Harley-Davidson encourages owners with questions to contact the company directly at 1-800-258-2464 or reach out to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Further details are also available on the NHTSA website.
As Harley-Davidson navigates this complex phase, balancing executive leadership changes with significant product safety challenges, the company’s focus remains on protecting its loyal customer base and preserving its storied legacy in the motorcycle industry.
