CarRecallWatchThe 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (2 reports).
2005 Harley-Davidson Softail recalls
Most common 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail problems
Problem areas named in the 4 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
What owners report
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFT TAIL MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE REAR WHEEL ALONG WITH THE DRIVE CHAIN UNBOLTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THE REAR WHEEL, DRIVE CHAIN, AND BOLTS CONNECTED TO THE DRIVE CHAIN WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCED TWICE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT CAUSING THE FAILURE BUT THAT THE DEALER HAD NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
FROM WHAT I'M LEARNING THE HARD WAY, SOME 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES BURN OIL AT A RATE OF 1 QUART PER THOUSAND MILES - MINE IS ONE OF THEM. ACCORDING TO DEALER AND HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY, THIS IS ACCEPTABLE. OWNERS MANUAL STATES NOTHING ABOUT THIS, NOR WAS THIS INFORMATION MADE KNOWN TO ME AT TIME OF SALE IN OCT. 2004. OBVIOUSLY THIS COULD LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE IF NOT CHECKED FREQUENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR ACCIDENT IF IN MOTION AT TIME OF FAILURE. MOMENTARILY, IF MOTORCYCLE IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY IT WILL LEAD TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY UNWILLING TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION IN WRITING UNTIL MY MOTORCY
REPEAT DISCREPANCY, FAILURE OCCURRED AT NIGHT WHILE IN FORWARD MOTION ON STATE HIGHWAY 17 (NORTH CAROLINA) REF: REPORT # 10132164. *NM
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 COULD'VE KILLED ME. THE BIKE IS AT NEW RIVER HARLEY DAVIDSON AT JACKSONVILLE NORTH CAROLINA SUPPOSEDLY UNDER REPAIR (WITHIN THEIR APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE OF COURSE). THIS TYPE OF FAILURE AT NIGHT OR DAY IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND ONE WOULD EXPECT MORE QUALITY CONTROLS FROM A MANUFACTURER WITH A REPUTATION THAT HARLEY DAVIDSON HAS. *NM
2005 Harley-Davidson Softail questions
Does the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail: Fuel System, Gasoline:Carburetor System; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (2), Engine And Engine Cooling (1), Power Train (1).
How do I check if a recall on my 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.