Vehicle recall 96V204000 · October 22, 1996
Harley-Davidson FL, FX and 2 more models
The effects of reformulated gasoline along with certain usage of the fuel supply valve affects the supply of gasoline to the carburetor.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- The effects of reformulated gasoline along with certain usage of the fuel supply valve affects the supply of gasoline to the carburetor. This condition requires two factors: (1) the use of reformulated fuels containing mbte and (2) starting the motorcycle with the fuel valve handle in the off position.
- Consequence
- This condition can cause the fuel flow to be unpredictable thus causing the engine to shut down increasing the risk of a motorcycle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers the replace the diaphragm in the fuel valve.
- Notes
- Owner notification:owner notification is expected to begin during October 1996.NOTE:owners who take their motorcycles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 96V204000
- Reported to NHTSA
- October 22, 1996
- Filed by
- HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR CO.
- Owner notification
- October 25, 1996
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 176,515
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Harley-Davidson FL (1994-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
- Harley-Davidson FX (1995-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995
- Harley-Davidson Softail (1995-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995
- Harley-Davidson XL (1995-1997): 1997, 1996, 1995
Has your Harley-Davidson been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Harley-Davidson dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.