There are no safety recalls for the 2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster, but owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA.
2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | |
| Child Seat | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar — 1
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
- Electrical System › Wiring — 1
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 11,300 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 2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Unknown or Other · reported Nov 11, 2005
My 6 year old son and my ex-husband were killed by another driver while they were on a motorcycle. I would like to know why there is not a law prohibiting children from riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. I was not allowed by law to put aaron in the car without being placed in a car seat, yet his father, even after my repeated request for him not to was able to put him on the back of his harley. We are trying to protect our children with all of these laws, even an adult can not ride in a car without a seat belt, but a motorcycle rider can ride without a helmet and he can even ride with his…
Electrical System · reported May 20, 2004
While driving, the motorcycle stalled. The consumer tried to restart the motorcycle, but was unable to do so. The consumer had to turn the circuit breaker on to restart. The consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and the mechanic could not duplicate the problem. The vehicle would not idle properly and the motorcycle lost power. The consumer there was a problem with the wiring.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 11,300 miles · reported Mar 27, 2003
Riding my 2001 harley-davidson 1200s (Sportster 1200 sport) home from work and the brakes locked up. Weather conditions: mist/light rain. The bike had just had its 10k service done a few weeks prior at local h-d dealership and they also put on new tires front & rear. The bike shook violently from side to side and I ended up laying it down. My r knee was scraped up and my l hand swollen and l ankle bruised. Very lucky as I was wearing leather jacket and boots. No broken bones. Ins co (Progressive) suggested a different shop (Not dealer) that they use. The shop is still waiting on handlebars…
Visibility · reported Sep 27, 2001
I purchased the motorcycle new and it has been nothing but a major problem from the mirrors falling off will moving, head light aimed at the sky not too the road, part of the forward gear shift control falling off over and over, leaking oil from the head and the lower end and from the air cleaner. I keep taking the bike back to the dealer and have been told its not leaking but there is oil all over the bike(They act like I may be dumping it on til they put a dye in it then its will this part is bad and this part is bad), on the mirrior I had to fix it and then they looked at it and said the…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Owners report visibility problems most often (2 reports), followed by steering (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 11,300 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.