Recall 12V503 affects 2,798 2012-2013 Harley-Davidson Vrscdx motorcycles for loose license plate bracket screws. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 2,798 2012-2013 Vrscdx motorcycles because license plate bracket mounting screws can loosen and let the bracket separate from the rear fender. If the bracket contacts the rear brake line and the damage goes undetected, rear brake performance can suffer and raise crash risk; the Harley-Davidson dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The license plate bracket assembly on 2012-2013 Harley-Davidson Vrscdx motorcycles is the hardware that holds the plate at the rear fender. It is supposed to stay fixed in place and clear of the rear tire, while the rear brake line remains routed nearby without contact from the bracket.
On affected motorcycles, the bracket assembly's mounting screws can loosen during use. If the screws back out far enough, the assembly can separate from the rear fender and touch the rear tire. Tire contact can make the bracket rotate, which puts the rear brake line at risk of damage.
There is no warning sign before failure. A rider can inspect the rear license plate bracket for looseness, missing screws, or movement, but the recall filing does not list a specific warning before the bracket separates.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same equipment component.
| 2013 Harley-Davidson Vrscdx | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2012 Harley-Davidson Vrscdx | Equipment |
| Units affected | 2,798 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Undetected contact between the license plate bracket and rear brake line can reduce rear brake performance. That raises crash risk and can lead to rider injury or death. Ride cautiously until the motorcycle is inspected, and schedule the recall repair with a Harley-Davidson dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Harley-Davidson Vrscdx is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to ask about the free inspection and repair for the license-plate-bracket screws that can loosen and damage the rear brake line.
- Bring the recall notice if Harley-Davidson mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V503 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the inspection is complete. Watch for any rear-brake performance change and contact the dealer before riding again if braking feels weak.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician inspects the license plate bracket assembly and its mounting screws, then repairs any affected motorcycle free of charge under recall 12V503. The repair focuses on keeping the bracket assembly secured to the rear fender so it does not separate, contact the rear tire, or damage the rear brake line. Because the remedy status is not listed in this data, confirm the repair path with a Harley-Davidson dealer before arranging service.
Timeline
| October 18, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 6, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V503?
Recall 12V503 covers 2,798 2012-2013 Harley-Davidson Vrscdx motorcycles with license plate bracket mounting screws that can loosen. The bracket can separate from the rear fender, contact the rear tire, and damage the rear brake line. Harley-Davidson dealers inspect and repair affected motorcycles for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Harley-Davidson Vrscdx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 12V503. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer and ask for the license plate bracket inspection and repair. Reference recall number 12V503 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Harley-Davidson's remedy says dealers will inspect and repair affected motorcycles free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced rear brake performance if the loose license plate bracket contacts the rear tire and damages the rear brake line. NHTSA campaign 12V503 says that condition increases crash risk and can lead to rider injury or death. The dealer repair fixes the bracket issue for free.
When did the Harley-Davidson Vrscdx recall repair begin?
The safety recall began on November 6, 2012. Because that date has passed, affected owners can contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer for the inspection and repair. Harley-Davidson also lists 1-414-343-4056 for owner questions about this recall.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V503000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-414-343-4056 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V503 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V503000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →