Model year record

2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S recalls & problems

The 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250S has 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (3 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints6filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SteeringFeb 9, 2026

Linkages

Recall 26V0750009,401 vehicles

Problem: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley) is recalling certain 2021-2026 RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
Risk: An upper triple clamp that fractures can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the upper triple clamp, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 19, 2026. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0191. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V590. Motorcycles that were repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy performed.

SteeringSep 10, 2025

Linkages

Recall 25V5900008,424 vehicles

Problem: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain RH1250S (Sportster S) motorcycles. The upper triple clamp may fracture.
Risk: An upper triple clamp that fractures while the motorcycle is being operated could lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the upper triple clamp, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 1, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0190.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Fires	Typical mileage*
Steering	3	0	—
Engine	2	1	—
Fuel/propulsion system	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Engine
Cam tensioner bolt that holds the tensioner in place, broke causing the tensioner to come loose, making the engine make a loud ticking noise and eventually making the engine inoperable.
Aug 16, 2026
Steering
The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson RH1250 Sportster S. The contact stated received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V590000 (Steering) and 26V075000 (Steering); and the vehicle developed a secondary failure in the steering bearings. The contact stated that the recall repair caused the damage, and the dealer refused to include the bearings in the recall repair or provide a no-cost repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was being repaired, but the steering bearings were not included in the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,200.
Mar 4, 2026 · 4,200 miles
Steering
The contact owns a 2023 Harley Davidson RH1250S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V590000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and the manufacturer responded by referring the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Jan 5, 2026
Steering
The contact owns a 2023 Harley Davidson RH1250S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V590000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and the manufacturer responded by referring the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Jan 5, 2026
Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel filters clog due to reaction of alcohol in fuel and bare fuel tank. 2024 models are having the fuel tanks coated to prevent the problem. Folders bikes stall creating a safety hazard. This issue should be a recall.
Sep 1, 2025
EngineFire
The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster RH1250S. The contact stated that while while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power and he observed a loud popping noise emanating from the exhaust pipe. On another occasion while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the contact observed flames emanating from the plastic edge of the right front of the seat. The vehicle was steered off the highway and the flames were distinguished by the contact. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they could not replicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,350.
Dec 4, 2023 · 13,350 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.