Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 3 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
3 reports
29,800 miles · Aug 20, 2016
EngineSteering
I JUST PURCHASE A 1999 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXDL FROM SMOKEY MOUNTAIN HARLEY DAVIDSON. ON MY WAY TO WORK DOING ABOUT 70MPH I EXPERIENCED A HIGH SPEED "WOBBLE" ON THE BIKE CAUSING A IMMEDIATE LOSS OF CONTROL AND MANUVERABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I HAD TO SLOWLY REDUCE SPEED AND TRY WITH WHAT LITTLE STEERING TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF…
Read full complaint
I JUST PURCHASE A 1999 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXDL FROM SMOKEY MOUNTAIN HARLEY DAVIDSON. ON MY WAY TO WORK DOING ABOUT 70MPH I EXPERIENCED A HIGH SPEED "WOBBLE" ON THE BIKE CAUSING A IMMEDIATE LOSS OF CONTROL AND MANUVERABILITY OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I HAD TO SLOWLY REDUCE SPEED AND TRY WITH WHAT LITTLE STEERING TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT ALMOST MADE ME CRASH THE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE I WASNT PERPARED OR EXPECTING IT TO HAPPEN OR HAD ANY KNOWLEDGE THE BIKE WAS DEFECTIVE. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED SMHD AND EXPLAINED TO THEM THE PROBLE AND DROPPED IT OFF FOR REPAIR AND THEY GAVE THE MOTORCYCLE BACK AND SAID THEY "DIDNT FIND ANYTHING WRONG." THIS COULD BE DEADLY AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS FIXING IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA ODI #10897310
Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #746245
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 1999
Wheels
THE BROKEN PIVOT BOLT CAUSED THE REAR WHEEL TO FALL OFF, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK VENT FITTING THAT COULD BE PLUGGED ALLOWING THE CARBURETOR TO OVERFLOW FUEL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK VENT FITTING AND, IF PLUGGED, WILL CORRECT THIS CONDITION.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE CAM BOLT CAN LOSE ITS CLAMP LOAD AND/OR BREAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO QUIT RUNNING WITH OR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE ENGINE COULD RUN ERRATICALLY BEFORE QUITTING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE CAM BOLTS AND WASHERS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1999 HARLEY-DAVIDSON Fxdl Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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