Recall 21V225 covers 31,346 2019-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL motorcycles and replacement headlight assemblies for headlight failure. Free repair at Harley-Davidson dealers.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 31,346 2019-2021 Sportster XL motorcycles, including XL1200NS and XL883N models, because the glass bulb inside the headlight assembly can fail and shut off both high and low beams. Loss of both beams can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash; Harley-Davidson dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The headlamp assembly on affected 2019-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster (XL) motorcycles holds the headlight bulb and aims light down the road. It uses a bulb with separate high and low beam filaments, so the rider can switch between normal night riding light and the brighter beam used for longer sight distance. The assembly also includes a bulb shield inside the lamp.
On the affected headlamp assembly, that shield has a glossy, chrome interior finish. Harley-Davidson traced the problem to heat conditions created by that finish inside Headlamp Assembly 68297-05A. The heat can open a hole in the bulb tip, and that damage can lead both high and low beam filaments to fail. When both filaments are out, the motorcycle loses its headlight beam.
If either headlamp filament fails, the Security Lamp will illuminate. Treat that light as the warning sign and ask a Harley-Davidson dealer to inspect the headlamp assembly.
Who's affected?
Spans the XL1200NS, XL1200C, XL883N, XL883L, XL1200X, XL1200CX, and XL1200XS across 2019, 2020, and 2021, all with the same headlamp bulb assembly.
| 2020 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS | Bulbs |
|---|---|
| 2019 Harley-Davidson XL1200C | Bulbs |
| 2020 Harley-Davidson XL883N | Bulbs |
| 2019 Harley-Davidson XL883L | Bulbs |
| 2019 Harley-Davidson XL1200X | Bulbs |
| 2020 Harley-Davidson XL1200X | Bulbs |
| 2020 Harley-Davidson XL1200CX | Bulbs |
| 2019 Harley-Davidson XL1200XS | Bulbs |
| 2019 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS | Bulbs |
| 2019 Harley-Davidson XL883N | Bulbs |
| 2019 Harley-Davidson XL1200CX | Bulbs |
| 2021 Harley-Davidson XL883N | Bulbs |
| 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS | Bulbs |
| 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200X | Bulbs |
| Units affected | 31,346 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
A loss of both headlight beams can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. If the Security Lamp illuminates after a headlamp filament fails, treat it as a warning to schedule service soon and avoid riding in low light until checked. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster (XL) motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free headlamp bulb shield installation that addresses glass bulb failure and loss of both high and low beams.
- Bring the recall notice if Harley-Davidson mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V225 when you call.
- Ride with extra caution until the repair is complete. Avoid night riding or poor-visibility conditions if both headlight beams are not working.
- Call Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 with questions and reference Harley-Davidson recall 0177.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician installs a headlamp bulb shield on the affected headlight assembly. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Harley-Davidson. If you already paid for a related headlamp repair before the recall notice, Harley-Davidson's standard reimbursement program applies. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Harley-Davidson customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 23, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
|---|---|
| March 31, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
| April 5, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 12, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 12, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 15, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V225?
Recall 21V225 covers 31,346 2019-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster (XL) motorcycles and replacement headlight assemblies with a bulb defect that can cause loss of both high and low beams. Harley-Davidson dealers will install a headlamp bulb shield for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 21V225. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the headlamp bulb shield installation. Reference recall number 21V225 or Harley-Davidson recall number 0177 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Harley-Davidson dealers will install the headlamp bulb shield free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under recall 21V225.
What is the safety risk?
The glass bulb inside the headlight assembly can fail, causing loss of both high and low beams. That reduces visibility and increases crash risk, especially in low light or at night. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair if your motorcycle is included.
What if I bought this Harley-Davidson used or had the headlight replaced?
The free recall repair still applies if your VIN or replacement headlight assembly is included. This recall also covers 796 headlight assemblies sold as replacement parts for certain older Sportster, Softail, Dyna, and V-Rod motorcycles. Check your VIN and ask the dealer to inspect the headlight assembly.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V225000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V225 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V225000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →