Menu

2005 Harley-Davidson SoftailProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints40 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage10kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 16, 2011. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail has problems

4 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
Electrical system20
Engine and engine cooling10
Power train10

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

2 recalls

2005 Harley-Davidson Softail 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

Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system

Recall 04V-607 · Dec 23, 2004 · 9,501 vehicles

Risk. IF THE BIKE WERE OPERATING WITH THE VALVE IN THE 'ON' POSITION, THE BIKE COULD RUN OUT OF FUEL, THE EXPECTED FUEL RESERVE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Storage: tank assembly

Recall 04V-465 · Sep 30, 2004 · 2,828 vehicles

Risk. THESE SITUATIONS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR CREATE A FIRE HAZARD FOR PERSONS OR PROPERTY ON OR NEAR THE MOTORCYCLE.

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

2005 vs. every other Softail 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 Softail median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'07'08'10'11'12'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Softail owners report

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

REPEAT DISCREPANCY, FAILURE OCCURRED AT NIGHT WHILE IN FORWARD MOTION ON STATE HIGHWAY 17 (NORTH CAROLINA) REF: REPORT # 10132164. *NM
Complaint 10132546 · Aug 11, 2005 · 10,257 miles
2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL HERITAGE IN A RAINSTORM A DRIVER DID NOT SEE ME AND ALMOST HIT ME AS HE TURNED INTO MY LANE. AFTER I GOT HOME I DISCOVERED MY HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THIS MOTORCYCLE HAS LESS THAN 11,000 MILES ON IT AND THE DEFICIENCY WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/WIRING HARNESSES…
Complaint 10132164 · Aug 9, 2005 · 10,100 miles

Own a 2005 Softail?

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