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2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250sProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250s, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-590 the manufacturer reports only 50% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 50%Owner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Engine

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 28, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250s 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
Engine20
Structure10

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

3 recalls

2021 Harley-Davidson RH1250s 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.

34%repaired · 2026 Q3

Steering: linkages

New

Recall 26V-075 · Feb 9, 2026 · 9,401 vehicles · 3,166 repaired

Risk. An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

50%repaired · 2026 Q3

Steering: linkages

Recall 25V-590 · Sep 10, 2025 · 8,424 vehicles · 4,197 repaired

Risk. An upper triple clamp that fractures while the motorcycle is being operated could lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

83%repaired · 2023 Q4

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Recall 22V-030 · Jan 25, 2022 · 3,917 vehicles · 3,255 repaired

Risk. Operating a motorcycle without a visible speedometer or neutral indicator may increase the risk of a crash.

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

2021 vs. every other RH1250s 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 RH1250s median. How we score

'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What RH1250s owners report

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

While riding the motorcycle, engine suddenly began making a loud clacking noise. Brought motorcycle in to Harley Davidson dealer and it was diagnosed that they cam chain tensior had become loose and was destroyed inside the engine causing small bits of metal to clog oil ports and damage the engine.…
Complaint 11734248 · Apr 28, 2026
There is a known issue with he engines in these motorcycles where the bolt for the timing chain tensioner comes loose and causes excessive wear in the timing chain guid with causes the timing chain tensioner to come apart inside of the engine which will cause the engine to have to be replaced due…
Complaint 11707329 · Dec 28, 2025

Own a 2021 RH1250s?

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