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1989 Harley-Davidson FlhtcProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1989 Harley-Davidson Flhtc, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 5, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Harley-Davidson Flhtc has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling30

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1989 Harley-Davidson Flhtc recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control

Recall 89V-115 · Jul 20, 1989 · 2,509 vehicles

Risk. MOTORCYCLE SPEED WOULD INCREASE AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUTANY ACTION ON THE PART OF THE DRIVER PRESENTING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Harley-Davidson.

Best & worst years

1989 vs. every other Flhtc year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Flhtc median. How we score

'83'84'89'90'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'05'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Flhtc owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I HAVE HEARD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HARLEY'S EVOLUTION MOTOR. MANY OF THE PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AFTER 50000 MILES. I HAVE A 1978 HARLEY WITH WELL OVER 100000 MILES AND HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEING NORMAL ON THE OLDER SHOVELHEAD MOTORS PRODUCED PRIOR…
Complaint 706258 · May 5, 1999

Own a 1989 Flhtc?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.