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2005 Harley-Davidson SportsterProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints40 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage9kFuel system, gasoline, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 5, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster 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
Fuel system, gasoline20
Power train20
Electrical system10
Service brakes, hydraulic10

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

1 recall

2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster 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 →

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 Sportster 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 Sportster median. How we score

'71'72'85'88'92'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'05'07'08
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Sportster owners report

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

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM DELIVERY CONCERNING THE CARBURETOR. THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO TURN OFF OR START AND LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUEL VALVE, THE DRIVE BELT AND ADJUSTED…
Complaint 10152592 · Mar 13, 2006 · 9,200 miles
NOT LONG AFTER MY 1000 MILE NEW VEHICLE CHECKUP, MY 2005 XL883R SPORTSTER'S FRONT BRAKE LEVER WOULD COLLAPSE TO THE HANDLE BAR. THE FRONT BRAKE WOULD OPERATE, BUT THE LEVER WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE REGULAR POSITION. ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD STAY ON. AFTER RIDING A FEW HUNDRED YARDS, AND REPEATEDLY…
Complaint 10135543 · Sep 7, 2005

Own a 2005 Sportster?

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