What is behind the 0188 recall campaign and which models are affected

Harley-Davidson is recalling over 82,000 Softail models worldwide. A component on the rear shock absorber can break and, in the worst case, damage the rear tire. The measure is safety-related and affects models from 2017 to 2024.

Details about the recall 0188

Harley-Davidson is conducting the recall under internal code 0188, and internationally it is also running under NHTSA number 25V375. A total of 82,117 Softail series motorcycles worldwide are affected, built between 2017 and 2018 model year up to 2024. The manufacturer's stated defect rate is around 0.1 percent, but Harley-Davidson nevertheless considers the issue to be safety-related.

What can happen with the shock absorber's adjustment bracket

The focus is on the mounting tab for the rear shock absorber preload adjuster. Over time, this mounting tab can become fatigued and break. If this happens, the preload adjuster will no longer be held securely in position, can move uncontrollably, and may come into contact with the rear tire. This can result in cuts or damage to the tire sidewall and even sudden loss of air pressure. In extreme cases, this can suddenly impair the stability of the vehicle and lead to a fall.

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Previous recall does not rule out new problems

What is interesting is that this issue has already been addressed once before. Some of the affected motorcycles were already included in the earlier recall 0181 (NHTSA 23V-591). At that time, work was also being done on incorporating the adjuster. However, the new recall 0188 does not explicitly rule out the possibility that a machine may be affected again. So even if your bike was included in the old recall, it is still worth checking the chassis number and comparing it with the dealer.

These Softail models are affected

According to official documents and consistent media reports, the following Harley-Davidson Softail models are included in recall 0188:

• FLDE Softail Deluxe, model years 2018 to 2019
• FLHC Heritage Classic, model years 2018 to 2021
• FLHCS Heritage Classic 114, also known as the 114S depending on the market, model years 2018 to 2024
• FLHCS ANV Heritage Classic 114 Anniversary, 2018 and 2023 anniversary models
• FXLRS Low Rider S, model years 2020 to 2024
• FXLRST Low Rider ST, model years 2022 to 2024
• FXRST Low Rider El Diablo, model year 2022

This means that both regular series models such as the Heritage Classic and limited special editions such as the El Diablo are included in the promotion.

What the workshop is doing now

As a remedy, the dealer is installing a revised mounting kit with a reinforced bracket for the preload adjuster. The new design is intended to limit the adjuster's mobility and ensure that it does not come into contact with the rear tire. According to the manufacturer, the work itself takes around twenty minutes, plus the usual time for acceptance, documentation, and handover. The repair is free of charge for you as the rider.

Why VIN verification is important now

It is important that you do not rely on the fact that you have „already been in for a recall.“ The decisive factor is the chassis number. The dealer can use this to check in the system whether your motorcycle is included in campaign 0188 and whether the new bracket has already been installed or not. If you want to be on the safe side, make a quick appointment with your authorized dealer, have the VIN checked, and have the conversion entered.

Text: Harleysite December 5, 2025

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