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EnginePart report

2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S Engine Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
33%of 6 total for the year
Median mileage
13,350miles
Trend
Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S, 33% of the 6 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,350 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11631599, filed 2024-12, 13,350 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11757486, filed 2026-08

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2023233%
2022360%

Other parts of the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S

Steering
3 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology