2005 Harley-Davidson Softail recalls and problems

The 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail has 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Harley-Davidson dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Harley-Davidson Softail recalls

Recall 04V-607: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Dec 23, 2004 · 9,501 vehicles affected · HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Certain motorcycles may have been produced with defective fuel shut-off valves. The functionality of the 'on' position and the 'reserve' position of the valve may have been reversed.

Risk: If the bike were operating with the valve in the 'on' position, the bike could run out of fuel, the expected fuel reserve will not be available. This could lead to the driver running out of gas without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel valve and replace it, if necessary. The recall began february 7, 2005. Owners should contact harley-davidson at 1-414-342-4080.

Recall 04V-465: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Sep 30, 2004 · 2,828 vehicles affected · HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain motorcycles, a condition occurs that could allow pressure to build up in the fuel tank. On fuel injected vehicles, this condition could cause fuel to spray out unexpectedly when the fuel cap is removed. On carbureted vehicles, excessive fuel could be transferred to the carburetor, which would eventually allow fuel to drip from the air cleaner.

Risk: These situations could cause serious personal injury or create a fire hazard for persons or property on or near the motorcycle.

Fix: Dealers will test each canister for blockage, then replace as necessary. The recall began november 4, 2004. Owners should contact harley-davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

2005 Harley-Davidson Softail problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Power Train	1

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,257 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 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 15,000 miles · reported Jun 16, 2011

The contact owns a 2005 harley davidson soft tail motorcycle. The contact was driving 60 MPH when the rear wheel along with the drive chain unbolted and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the rear wheel, drive chain, and bolts connected to the drive chain were replaced. The contact stated that the failure had been experienced twice with the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the parts were not causing the failure but that the dealer had not properly repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that he did not feel safe driving the vehicle. The…

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 4,180 miles · reported Aug 11, 2005

From what I'm learning the hard way, some 2005 harley davidson motorcycles burn oil at a rate of 1 quart per thousand miles - mine is one of them. According to dealer and harley-davidson motor company, this is acceptable. Owners manual states nothing about this, nor was this information made known to me at time of sale in oct. 2004. Obviously this could lead to engine seizure if not checked frequently, possibly resulting in injury or accident if in motion at time of failure. Momentarily, if motorcycle is not covered by warranty it will lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Harley-davidson…

Electrical System · at 10,257 miles · reported Aug 11, 2005

Repeat discrepancy, failure occurred at night while in forward motion on state highway 17 (North carolina) ref: report # 10132164.

Electrical System · at 10,100 miles · reported Aug 9, 2005

2005 harley davidson softail heritage in a rainstorm a driver did not see me and almost hit me as he turned into my lane. After I got home I discovered my headlights were inoperative. This motorcycle has less than 11,000 miles on it and the deficiency within the electrical system/wiring harnesses could've killed me. The bike is at new river harley davidson at jacksonville north carolina supposedly under repair (Within their appointment schedule of course). This type of failure at night or day is completely unacceptable and one would expect more quality controls from a manufacturer with a…

Other Harley-Davidson Softail years

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Compare all Harley-Davidson Softail years · All Harley-Davidson models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail: 04V-607 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-465 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,257 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.