Recall 22V160 covers 4,177 2021-2022 Harley-Davidson XL883N, XL1200X, and XL1200NS motorcycles with brake-fluid labels that can detach. Replacement is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 4,177 2021-2022 XL883N, XL1200X, and XL1200NS motorcycles because brake fluid warning labels can detach from the reservoir caps. Missing labels can lead to improper brake system maintenance, affect brake performance, and increase crash risk; Harley-Davidson dealers will install new labels free of charge.
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 brake master cylinder cover on the 2021-2022 Harley-Davidson XL883N, XL1200X, and XL1200NS carries a DOT 4 brake fluid warning decal. That decal tells the rider and service technician which brake fluid belongs in the reservoir. Brake fluid choice matters because the hydraulic brake system depends on the correct fluid to move pressure from the lever or pedal to the brake caliper.
On affected motorcycles, the decal was made with a non-uniform edge. That edge can keep the decal from staying bonded to the cover surface, so the warning label can loosen, shift, or detach from the reservoir cap. The brake hardware is not described as defective in this recall; the problem is the missing or misplaced fluid warning information required for the motorcycle brake system.
The warning sign is visible. An owner can notice a loose decal, a decal that has moved out of position, or a decal missing from the brake fluid reservoir cap.
Who's affected?
Covers three XL models across 2021-2022, with the same rear master cylinder cover kit tied to both label and hydraulic brake fluid information.
| 2022 Harley-Davidson XL883N | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| 2022 Harley-Davidson XL883N | hydraulic brake system |
| 2022 Harley-Davidson XL1200X | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2022 Harley-Davidson XL1200X | hydraulic brake system |
| 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200X | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200X | hydraulic brake system |
| 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2021 Harley-Davidson XL1200NS | hydraulic brake system |
| 2021 Harley-Davidson XL883N | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
| 2021 Harley-Davidson XL883N | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 4,177 |
| 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?
Missing brake fluid warning labels can lead to improper brake system maintenance, affect brake performance, and increase the risk of a crash. If the decal is loose or out of position, have the label inspected and replaced before relying on it for maintenance. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Harley-Davidson XL883N, XL1200X, or XL1200NS is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free brake-fluid warning-label inspection and replacement that restores the brake-maintenance information on the reservoir caps.
- Bring the recall notice or replacement labels if Harley-Davidson mailed them to you.
- Reference recall number 22V160, or Harley-Davidson recall 0632, when you call the dealer.
- Keep up with brake-fluid maintenance and have the label inspected before your next service visit if the reservoir-cap warning label is missing or loose.
What happens at the repair
Harley-Davidson mailed replacement brake fluid warning labels to owners at no charge. You can also take the motorcycle to a Harley-Davidson dealer, where a Harley-Davidson technician inspects the brake fluid reservoir cap label and replaces it if needed. The label inspection and replacement are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket label repairs already paid are handled through Harley-Davidson's limited warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since the recall filing says failures before the owner letter were covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 16, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 21, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| March 28, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 1, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 1, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 4, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V160?
Recall 22V160 covers 4,177 2021-2022 Harley-Davidson XL883N, XL1200X, and XL1200NS motorcycles with brake fluid warning labels that can detach from the reservoir caps. Missing labels can lead to improper brake system maintenance, affect brake performance, and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Harley-Davidson XL883N, XL1200X, or XL1200NS is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 22V160. If it is, use the replacement label Harley-Davidson mailed, or contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer for label inspection and replacement. Reference Harley-Davidson recall number 0632 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost. Harley-Davidson is providing replacement labels free of charge, and a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer will inspect and replace the brake fluid warning label for free.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is improper brake system maintenance if the brake fluid warning label is missing from the reservoir cap. That can affect brake performance and increase crash risk. This recall does not carry a do-not-drive order, but the label should be replaced promptly if your VIN is included.
What if I bought this Harley-Davidson Sportster used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. If you did not receive the April 4, 2022 owner letter, check your VIN and contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer with recall number 22V160 or Harley-Davidson recall number 0632.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V160000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | (414) 343-4056 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V160 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V160000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →