Harley-Davidson Motor Company is recalling 16,994 model-year 2025–2026 Softail motorcycles after identifying a rear brake line that may contact the Body Control Module (BCM), potentially wearing a hole in the line and compromising rear braking. The action, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V234000, covers FLHC, FXBB, FXLRS, and FXLRST models built with the manufacturer’s new narrow-frame electrical architecture. Dealer notifications began April 16, and affected owners will be notified by mail between May 18 and May 25, 2026.
Highlights
- Recall covers 16,994 Softail motorcycles across FLHC, FXBB, FXLRS, and FXLRST models from the 2025 and 2026 model years
- Rear brake line (p/n 41800974) may contact the BCM, causing abrasion, fluid loss, and reduced rear brake performance
- Remedy includes replacing the BCM caddy and hardware, plus inspecting and replacing the brake line if damaged, free of charge
- Harley-Davidson reports no accidents or injuries connected to the defect; production fix implemented March 18, 2026
Scope of the Recall
The defect affects only Softail variants built on the new narrow-frame platform introduced for model year 2025. According to Harley-Davidson’s Part 573 filing, wide-frame Softail models in the 2025 and 2026 ranges share different frame geometry and are excluded from the action.
Unit breakdown by model is as follows:
- 2025–2026 FXLRST: 5,338 units, produced Oct. 3, 2024 – Mar. 16, 2026
- 2025–2026 FXBB: 4,799 units, produced Oct. 3, 2024 – Mar. 16, 2026
- 2025–2026 FLHC: 3,549 units, produced Oct. 3, 2024 – Mar. 12, 2026
- 2025–2026 FXLRS: 3,308 units, produced Dec. 5, 2024 – Mar. 16, 2026
Harley-Davidson estimates 100 percent of the recall population is affected by the defect.
The Defect and Safety Risk
The rear brake line (part number 41800974) on the affected motorcycles has insufficient clearance from the Body Control Module. Over time, contact between the two components could abrade the line, creating a hole and allowing brake fluid to escape.
According to the NHTSA filing, if the fluid loss goes undetected, rear braking may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash. Riders may notice brake fluid pooling beneath the motorcycle or a decrease in rear brake performance as early warning signs.
Chronology and Investigation
Harley-Davidson’s Technical Subcommittee was first alerted to the issue on March 5, 2026, after a service report flagged inoperable brakes on a 2025 FXLRST. Over the following three weeks, a review of warranty and service records surfaced three additional claims of brake fluid loss or rear brake failure.
The manufacturer subsequently placed all FXBB, FLHC, FXLRS, and FXLRST units within its control on ship hold, returned field parts for inspection, reviewed CAD assembly models for all Softail variants, and inspected pre-production motorcycles that had completed full-vehicle mileage accumulation testing. The Field Action Committee received the findings on March 25, and the Executive Decision Authority authorized the voluntary recall on April 6.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the BCM caddy (part number 69203217) and associated hardware on all affected motorcycles at no cost. The revised caddy repositions the BCM to provide greater clearance from the rear brake line. The rear brake line will also be inspected, and if damage is found, the line and related components will be replaced.
Production units shipped after March 18, 2026, already incorporate the updated BCM caddy. NHTSA has flagged the recall with a “Do Not Drive” and “Park Outside” consumer advisory designation.
Owners can contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Vehicle Identification Numbers became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 16, 2026.
Recall History Context
This is the third rear brake line-related recall Harley-Davidson has issued in recent years. In 2023, the manufacturer recalled 2,212 FLHXSE and FLTRXSE motorcycles after a frame rail clamp failed to adequately retain the rear brake line, allowing it to contact the exhaust. In 2024, a separate action covered front brake line routing on FXRST and FXLRST Softails.
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Harley-Davidson recalls 16,994 Softail motorcycles (FLHC, FXBB, FXLRS, FXLRST) over rear brake line contact with the BCM that may cause fluid loss and brake failure. (158 characters)
