Recall 14V185 affects 9,102 2013-2014 Harley-Davidson Fxsb and Fxsbse motorcycles for inaccurate fuel readings. Free software update at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 9,102 2013-2014 Fxsb and Fxsbse motorcycles because suspension variances can put the gas tank at an angle that makes the fuel level sensor read inaccurately. The gauge error can leave a rider out of fuel before the low-fuel warning lamp lights, causing a stall and increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fuel level sensor on 2013-2014 Harley-Davidson Fxsb and Fxsbse motorcycles reads how much gasoline is in the tank and sends that information to the fuel gauge. The gauge depends on the tank sitting at the intended angle, so the sensor reading matches the actual fuel level.
On affected motorcycles, suspension variances can change the gas tank mounting angle. That altered angle puts the fuel level sensor in the wrong position for an accurate reading. The sensor still reports a fuel level, but the reading does not match the amount of gasoline left in the tank.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is the reading itself: the gauge can show more fuel than the motorcycle actually has, so treat an included VIN as needing the recall repair.
Who's affected?
Fxsb and Fxsbse motorcycles span the 2013 and 2014 model years, all tied to the fuel system.
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Fxsb | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Fxsbse | fuel system |
| 2013 Harley-Davidson Fxsb | fuel system |
| 2013 Harley-Davidson Fxsbse | fuel system |
| Units affected | 9,102 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An inaccurate fuel gauge can leave the motorcycle out of fuel before the Low Fuel Warning lamp comes on. Loss of fuel can stall the motorcycle and increase the risk of a crash, so keep fuel topped off and schedule the software update soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Harley-Davidson Fxsb or Fxsbse is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free fuel-level sensor software update that corrects the inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
- Reference recall number 14V185 when you call the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if Harley-Davidson mailed one to you.
- Keep fuel in reserve until the repair is complete, since the motorcycle can stall if the gauge reads inaccurately.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician updates the motorcycle's software to recalibrate the fuel level sensor signal. The software update is meant to correct an inaccurate fuel reading caused by the gas tank mounting angle. This recall lists a free software update, but the current remedy status is not marked available here. Treat the dealer repair as free once available and confirm timing with a Harley-Davidson dealer before arranging service.
Timeline
| April 8, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 28, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V185?
Recall 14V185 covers 9,102 2013-2014 Harley-Davidson Fxsb and Fxsbse motorcycles with a fuel level sensor calibration problem. The gauge can read inaccurately, letting the motorcycle run out of fuel and stall before the low fuel warning lamp gives dependable notice.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Harley-Davidson Fxsb or Fxsbse is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 14V185. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer and ask for the fuel level sensor software update. Reference recall number 14V185 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 dealers will update the software to recalibrate the fuel level sensor signal free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected stall after the motorcycle runs out of fuel. Recall 14V185 says the fuel gauge can be inaccurate, and the motorcycle can run out of fuel before the low fuel warning lamp illuminates, increasing crash risk.
What warning signs should I watch for?
The low fuel warning lamp is not a dependable warning sign for this recall. Harley-Davidson reported that the motorcycle can run out of fuel before the lamp illuminates, so the VIN check and dealer software update matter more than waiting for a warning light.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V185000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V185 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V185000 |
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 →