Recall 16V283 affects 8,060 2014-2016 Harley-Davidson Fxdl motorcycles for ignition switch damage that can stall the engine. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 8,060 2014-2016 Fxdl motorcycles because engine vibration can damage the ignition switch and shut the engine off while riding. A stalled motorcycle raises the risk of a crash, and Harley-Davidson dealers will replace the switch free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ignition switch on the 2014-2016 Harley-Davidson Fxdl is the electrical switch that tells the motorcycle to stay powered and running after the key is turned on. It sits on the engine, so it has to keep its electrical contacts steady while the motorcycle vibrates.
On affected motorcycles, engine vibration can damage the inside of the ignition switch. The filing says the updated switch adds a snap ring to limit movement inside the switch and ribs to protect the circuit board, which is the small electronic board that carries the switch signals. Without those controls, the internal parts move enough to damage the electronics, and the engine can shut off while riding.
The warning sign is slight hesitation when accelerating through the 4500 - 5500 RPM range. If you feel that hesitation, describe it to the Harley-Davidson dealer as an ignition switch symptom.
Who's affected?
The 2014, 2015, and 2016 Fxdl are tied to the same ignition-switch component in the electrical system.
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Fxdl | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Fxdl | electrical system |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Fxdl | electrical system |
| Units affected | 8,060 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
If the engine shuts off, the motorcycle stalls, increasing the risk of a crash. Slight hesitation while accelerating through the 4500 to 5500 RPM range is the warning sign listed for this recall. If you feel it, ride cautiously and schedule the ignition switch repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Harley-Davidson Fxdl is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free improved ignition-switch installation that fixes the vibration damage linked to engine stalling while riding.
- Bring the owner notice if you received one. If not, reference recall number 16V283 and Harley-Davidson recall 0168 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the engine shuts off.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician installs an improved ignition switch. The recall addresses engine vibration damage inside the ignition switch, which can shut the engine off while riding. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket ignition-switch repairs already paid are handled through Harley-Davidson's limited warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 10, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 16, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 17, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 23, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 3, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V283?
Recall 16V283 covers 8,060 2014-2016 Harley-Davidson Fxdl motorcycles with an ignition switch that can be damaged by engine vibration. If the switch fails while riding, the engine can shut off and the motorcycle can stall, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Harley-Davidson Fxdl is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 16V283. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule installation of the improved ignition switch. Reference recall number 16V283 or Harley-Davidson recall number 0168 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair to be performed at no cost, and Harley-Davidson dealers will install the improved ignition switch free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included motorcycles.
Is it safe to ride my Harley-Davidson Fxdl before the recall repair?
The risk is an engine shutoff while riding. If your VIN is included, the motorcycle can stall without the engine staying powered, increasing crash risk. Ask a Harley-Davidson dealer for guidance before riding to the appointment, especially if the motorcycle has shown ignition or stalling problems.
What if I bought my Harley-Davidson Fxdl used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Fxdl is included, then call a Harley-Davidson dealer or Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 with recall number 0168.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V283000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V283 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V283000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →