Recall 13V491 affects 436 2014 Harley-Davidson Trike motorcycles for excessive steering angle that can reduce braking or control. Free repair at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 436 2014 Trike motorcycles because an incorrectly machined part can allow too much steering angle, letting the inner fairing contact the rear brake fluid reservoir and drain brake fluid. Reduced rear brake performance or steering damper damage increases crash risk; the Harley-Davidson dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Trike uses the steering system to set how far the front end turns from side to side. Near that steering path is the rear brake fluid reservoir, the small tank that holds brake fluid for the rear brake circuit. The steering damper also sits in this area and helps control sudden handlebar movement.
On affected Trike motorcycles, an incorrectly machined part allows too much steering angle. When the bars turn too far, the inner fairing contacts the rear brake fluid reservoir. That contact can damage the reservoir and lead to brake fluid loss. The same excessive steering angle can also damage the steering damper.
There is no warning sign before failure. Because the filing does not list an advance symptom, do not rely on a sound, light, or change in steering feel to decide whether the motorcycle is included.
Who's affected?
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Trike | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Trike | steering system |
| Units affected | 436 |
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?
Loss of brake fluid from the rear reservoir can reduce brake performance. Steering damper damage can make the motorcycle harder to control. Either problem increases crash risk, so schedule the inspection soon and ride with caution until the trike is repaired. Repair will be free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Harley-Davidson Trike is included in this recall.
- Wait for Harley-Davidson's owner instructions before scheduling the dealer inspection if your VIN is included.
- Call Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 with questions and reference recall number 13V491 (Harley-Davidson recall 0152).
- Ask a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer about the fork stem bracket inspection and replacement, which fixes the excessive steering angle that can affect rear brake fluid and steering control.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. The dealer inspection and needed fork stem bracket replacement are free.
What happens at the repair
Harley-Davidson's filing says this recall began on December 2, 2013. At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician inspects the Trike for the fork stem bracket condition described in the recall. If the bracket is affected, the technician replaces the fork stem bracket at no charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The work is meant to correct the excessive steering angle that lets the inner fairing contact the rear brake fluid reservoir and damage the steering damper.
Timeline
| October 17, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 2, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V491?
Recall 13V491 covers 436 2014 Harley-Davidson Trike motorcycles with an incorrectly machined part that allows excessive steering angle. The inner fairing can contact the rear brake fluid reservoir, causing brake fluid loss, and the steering damper can be damaged. Harley-Davidson dealers inspect the trike and replace the fork stem bracket for free as needed.
What should I do if my 2014 Harley-Davidson Trike is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 13V491. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer and ask for recall number 0152. The dealer will inspect the trike and replace the fork stem bracket for free as needed.
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 the affected trikes and replace the fork stem bracket as necessary free of charge.
What is the safety risk on recall 13V491?
The safety risk is reduced braking performance or reduced steering control. Loss of brake fluid from the rear reservoir reduces brake performance, and steering damper damage reduces the rider's ability to control the motorcycle. Either condition increases crash risk.
When did Harley-Davidson start this recall repair?
Harley-Davidson began the recall on December 2, 2013. Owners with an included VIN can contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer for the inspection and fork stem bracket replacement as needed. Harley-Davidson also lists 1-800-258-2464 for owner questions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V491000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V491 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V491000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (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 →