1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 33%of 6 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster, 33% of the 6 complaints for this model year.
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.
“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 1998-06Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology