Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic (1999–2002) that have at least 5 complaints. 2001 has the most, with 10. Across all years, the part named most often is engine cooling (7 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Ultra Classic model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 9 | 20,350 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 10 | 14,754 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 9 | 34,500 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine cooling7 28%
- Electrical system7 28%
- Transmission and drivetrain3 12%
- Fuel system3 12%
- Wheels2 8.0%
- Vehicle speed control1 4.0%
- Tires1 4.0%
- Suspension1 4.0%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2001: “Electrical system failure. Faulty stator. Caused the bike to loose lights and stall on the interstate in moderate to heavy traffic. Took it to the dealer and they advised me harley davidson motor co. Knows about this defect and it should be recalled. The replacement stator is a upgraded part due to the failures of the original stators. They advised me to keep my receipts in the event it is recalled so I may possibly get a refund. Bike had 19,000 miles when the stator failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10340231, filed 2010-06, 19,000 miles2002: “I have experienced a complete electrical power failure on my harley davidson 2002 Ultra Classic motorcycle while in motion. The problem has been reported by several other owners of this motorcycle in various website forums. When the power fails, the motor shuts down, and there is no horn, no lights, no directional signals, etc. That makes this a very serious situation especially when you are in traffic. The problem is believed to be related to a circuit breaker defect that some dealers correct by replacing it with a maxi fuse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10041550, filed 2003-10, 12,800 miles1999: “The tour pack bracket snapped in half. The light medal tubing which supported the tour pack broke on the right side and cracked on the left side at bolt sites. Nearly $50.00 to replace. Consumer kept old one and is getting it worked on. Jb”
NHTSA complaint #10021795, filed 2003-07, 34,500 milesOther Harley-Davidson models
263 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhx
174 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtk
147 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtcui
100 complaintsHarley-Davidson XG750
85 complaintsHarley-Davidson Harley Davidson
84 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtc
82 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtcutg
76 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology