There are no safety recalls for the 2009 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail, but owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA.
2009 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Electrical System | 6 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | |
| Power Train | 4 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 1
- Seats › Motorcycle — 1
- Power Train › Driveline — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 1,700 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2009 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 2,476 miles · reported Sep 7, 2014
While getting off of the bike passenger noticed fuel leaking from the fuel line at the gas tank connection. Upon closer inspection found that the quick connect fitting at the fuel tank was leaking.upon closer inspection of the quick connect it appears to have two internal "o" rings. Prior to this issue I have never disconnected the fuel line, bike has never been dropped and there has been no other adverse events to this area. With the extremely low mileage (Less than 3,000), meticulous care and running the fuel tank dry before storage there should not be a failure of this nature. Fuel leaking…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 13,250 miles · reported Apr 1, 2014
Motorcycle died in intersection. When I went to restart it, it took several tries and each time I tried I got a grinding noise. Finally started but light had already turned and I was in intersection past red. This has become more frequent. Only happens when motor is warmed up. Starter? Compensator? I have read on line the bikes of that time period have this problem. Could have been hit by a car.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 22,000 miles · reported Mar 27, 2012
Applied the rear brake to stop, pedal went all the way down, fire started by rear brake lite switch by brake fluid on hot exhaust.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 15,600 miles · reported Mar 16, 2012
Clutch lever seemed far to reach, took in for inspection and/or possible adjustment. Came back with clutch lever sticking or ratcheting, no longer smooth to operate. This made it very hard to operate in the friction zone needed for slow operation and turning around. Clutch would pop and jump forward almost causing to fall over many times. Took in for repair.....lubed and ground out the inside of wear area on lever and unit that the clutch cable comes into. Was told that it would wear down in time and become smooth, that this is typical of this model of motorcycle. Problem not fixed and dealer…
Tires · at 5,800 miles · reported Jul 21, 2011
I own a 2009 harley davidson softail custom fxstc with 5,800 miles on it and the front tire is showing notable cupping and excessive wear. This model of tire dunlop d407f is no longer being sold and is superseded by the d408f. Service bulletin m-1258a covers other harley models with a similar tire and issue. Since a motorcycle only has two wheels the cupping and premature wear are a hazard that needs to be addressed as a safety concern. Reported as case #[xxx] to harley davidson. This issue is mentioned on several harley davidson rider forums. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of…
Other Harley-Davidson Soft Tail years
No other model years have data.
Compare all Harley-Davidson Soft Tail years · All Harley-Davidson models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2009 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2009 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (6 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 1,700 miles.
Are Harley-Davidson recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Harley-Davidson dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.