CarRecallWatchThe 1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Power Train (2 reports).
0Recalls
2Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Sportster?
1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster recalls
No safety recalls on file for the 1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster.
Most common 1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster problems
Problem areas named in the 2 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 2 |
What owners report
THE MAGNETS INSIDE THE CLUTCH BASKET ON THE END OF THE TRANSMISSION MAINSHAFT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE STATOR WHICH IS BOLTED ONTO THE CRANKCASE. THE RESULT IS THAT THE ELECTRICAL GENERATING SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY RUINED AND THE TRANSMISSION GEARS SHEAR OFF TEETH. THIS CAN HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO LOCK UP THE TRANSMISSION AND THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DRIVE MECHANISMS RESULTING IN LOCKING UP THE REAR WHEEL, CAUSING THE RIDER TO GO DOWN.
THE TRANSMISSION DOOR ON THE 4-SPEED HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER EVOLUTION MODEL (PRODUCED FROM 1984-1991) HAS A BEARING THAT SUPPORTS THE TRANSMISSION MAINSHAFT. THE BEARING GETS WORN TO THE POINT WHERE THE MAGNETS ON THE INSIDE OF THE CLUTCH BASKET AT THE END OF THE MAINSHAFT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE STATOR MOUNTED OVER THE TRANSMISSION DOOR. THE RESULT IS THAT THE CLUTCH BASKET MAGNETS BREAK UP AND THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION START TO SHATTER. THIS CAN CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP, CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE. ANOTHER RESULT IS THAT, IF THE MAGNETS INSIDE THE CLUTCH BASKET DON'T CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SHATTER, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BECAUSE THE MAGNETS
1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster questions
Does the 1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster at this time.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 1988 Harley-Davidson Sportster 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.
Other Harley-Davidson Sportster years
2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster2005 Harley-Davidson Sportster2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster2000 Harley-Davidson Sportster1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster1992 Harley-Davidson Sportster