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2023 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RH1250S Safety Overview

The 2023 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RH1250S has been closely monitored for safety issues.

Official NHTSA Recalls

The NHTSA has issued 2 official safety recalls for this vehicle. Key affected components include:

  • Steering:linkages

Severe Defect Warnings

Notably, some of these defects carry severe risks, such as an upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Consumer Complaints

Consumers have also filed 6 safety complaints.

Common areas of concern reported by owners include engine and steering.

Why It Matters

Staying informed about these safety records is critical for HARLEY-DAVIDSON RH1250S owners to ensure ongoing reliability and safety on the road. Always consult an authorized dealer for official remedy repairs.

Latest Vehicle Recalls

2023 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RH1250S 26V075000

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley) is recalling certain 2021-2026 RH1250S (Sportster S) motor...

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

NHTSA Recall 26V075000: An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 2/9/2026
2023 HARLEY-DAVIDSON RH1250S 25V590000

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain RH1250S (Sportster S) motorc...

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.

NHTSA Recall 25V590000: An upper triple clamp that fractures while the motorcycle is being operated... Check affected vehicles and find your free remedy.

Reported: 9/10/2025

Recent Complaints

ODI ID: 11757486.0

Component: ENGINE

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"Cam tensioner bolt that holds the tensioner in place, broke causing the tensioner to come loose, making the engine make a loud ticking noise and eventually making the engine inoperable."

Reported: 8/16/2026
ODI ID: 11722348.0

Component: STEERING

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250 Sportster S. The contact stated received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V590000 (Steering) and 26V075000 (Steering); and the vehicle developed a secondary failure in the steering bearings. The contact stated that the recall repair caused the damage, and the dealer refused to include the bearings in the recall repair or provide a no-cost repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was being repaired, but the steering bearings were not included in the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,200."

Reported: 3/4/2026
ODI ID: 11708741.0

Component: STEERING

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"The contact owns a 2023 Harley Davidson RH1250S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V590000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and the manufacturer responded by referring the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure."

Reported: 1/5/2026
ODI ID: 11708743.0

Component: STEERING

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"The contact owns a 2023 Harley Davidson RH1250S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V590000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and the manufacturer responded by referring the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure."

Reported: 1/5/2026
ODI ID: 11687612.0

Component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"Fuel filters clog due to reaction of alcohol in fuel and bare fuel tank. 2024 models are having the fuel tanks coated to prevent the problem. Folders bikes stall creating a safety hazard. This issue should be a recall."

Reported: 9/1/2025
ODI ID: 11631599.0

Component: ENGINE

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0

"The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster RH1250S. The contact stated that while while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power and he observed a loud popping noise emanating from the exhaust pipe. On another occasion while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the contact observed flames emanating from the plastic edge of the right front of the seat. The vehicle was steered off the highway and the flames were distinguished by the contact. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they could not replicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,350."

Reported: 12/4/2023