Recall 18V927 affects 12,871 2016-2019 Harley-Davidson XG500, XG750A, and XG750 motorcycles for brake-caliper corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 12,871 2016-2019 Street motorcycles, including XG500, XG750A, and XG750 models, because brake calipers can corrode internally after exposure to coastal conditions or road salt. The corrosion can increase brake drag and raise the risk of a crash, and Harley-Davidson dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake calipers on 2016-2019 Harley-Davidson XG500, XG750A, and XG750 motorcycles clamp the brake pads against the rotors when the rider uses the brakes. Inside each caliper, a piston moves in a bore, or machined channel, to push the pad into the rotor and then release it so the wheel turns freely.
On affected motorcycles, the piston bore area was not anodized, so it lacks the added corrosion resistance used in the recall kit calipers. Exposure over time to coastal air or road salt can corrode that bore. The piston then does not slide and release cleanly, which leaves the brake dragging against the rotor and creates extra resistance while riding or pushing the motorcycle.
A rider can notice weaker acceleration, extra brake noise, or a motorcycle that is harder to push by hand. Other warning signs are blue discoloration on the brake rotors or a brake pad smell near the front or rear caliper.
Who's affected?
Spans the XG500, XG750A, and XG750 across 2016-2019, all tied to the same hydraulic brake system.
| 2018 Harley-Davidson XG500 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Harley-Davidson XG750A | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Harley-Davidson XG750A | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Harley-Davidson XG750 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson XG750 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson XG750 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Harley-Davidson XG500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson XG750A | hydraulic brake system |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson XG500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson XG500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson XG750 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 12,871 |
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?
Excessive brake drag can increase crash risk. If acceleration drops, brake noise increases, the motorcycle feels hard to push, rotors turn blue, or you smell brake pad material near a caliper, stop riding and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016-2019 Harley-Davidson XG500, XG750A, or XG750 motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free front and rear brake-caliper replacement that fixes internal corrosion and brake drag.
- Bring the recall notice if Harley-Davidson mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V927 when you call.
- Avoid riding until the repair if the brakes drag or the motorcycle does not move freely.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician installs new front and rear brake calipers to replace the calipers covered by recall 18V927. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Harley-Davidson's reimbursement program for repairs paid before the recall notice applies to this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for a related brake caliper repair, ask Harley-Davidson customer service or the dealer how to submit repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 21, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 7, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| January 7, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 14, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 9, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V927?
Recall 18V927 covers 12,871 2016-2019 Harley-Davidson XG500, XG750A, and XG750 motorcycles with brake calipers that can corrode internally after exposure to coastal conditions or road salt. That corrosion can increase brake drag and crash risk. Harley-Davidson dealers install new front and rear brake calipers for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2019 Harley-Davidson XG500, XG750A, or XG750 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V927. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule front and rear brake caliper replacement. Reference recall number 0174 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 18V927, Harley-Davidson dealers replace the front and rear brake calipers free of charge at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What is the safety risk on this Harley-Davidson brake caliper recall?
The safety risk is excessive brake drag. Internal corrosion in the brake calipers can make the brakes drag more than intended, which increases crash risk. Harley-Davidson's remedy is to install new front and rear brake calipers for free.
What if I bought my Harley-Davidson XG500, XG750A, or XG750 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Harley-Davidson is included, then call a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer and reference recall 18V927 or Harley-Davidson recall number 0174.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V927000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V927 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V927000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →