1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 19,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster. The part named most often is electrical system, with 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling (2) and exterior lighting (1). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 19,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system2 33%
- Engine cooling2 33%
- Exterior lighting1 17%
- Fuel system1 17%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Motorcycle would backfire and stall when giving it throttle going from a stop or idling. I quickly dis-engauged the clutch to start the motor backup, but the car in the second lane was already locking his brakes. I did manage to get the bike started in the knick of time, and the oncoming car missed me by only a few feet. I am an experienced motorcycle operator, and did not pop the clutch and stall in that manner. The motorcycle makes a loud pop coming up through the carburator, when it backfires.”
NHTSA complaint #537168, filed 1998-06Exterior lighting: “Rear tail light came off motorcycle and lodged in rear wheel at 65mph, 3 other complaints from same type motorcycle owners in quick survey. Harley davidson isn't even interested.”
NHTSA complaint #765289, filed 2002-08Fuel system: “The consumer noticed a dry rust colored dust coming from the motorcycle while riding. After coming to a stop, the consumer noticed gas leaking on the ground. The rust colored dust was dry gas. Consumer stated the motorcycle was rebuilt in 1999, including a new gas tank. The leak was caused by stress cracks at the base of the tank. The motorcycle was taken to the repair shop, however the consumer was told the gas tank was no longer under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10044429, filed 2003-11, 19,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
100% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 19,000 and 19,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster.
Other model years of the Harley-Davidson Sportster
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 8 | 2,142 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 6 | 4,841 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 6 | 6,300 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 9 | 4,250 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 6 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 6 | 19,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 6 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Harley-Davidson Sportster model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 2.
Has the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 19,000 miles and the middle half falls between 19,000 and 19,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.