By Dennis Chung
Recall covers 88,039 vehicles (but only 0.4% may have the defect)
Harley-Davidson has issued a recall on nine different models, including Softails, Trikes, and Touring bikes, because their airbox breathing ports may be blocked. The recall covers a total of 88,039 motorcycles and three-wheelers, but Harley-Davidson estimates only 0.4% of them may suffer from this issue.
The affected models are:
- 2025-2026 Breakout (2,618 units)
- 2025-2026 Fat Boy (1,992 units)
- 2026 Road Glide Limited (1,067 units)
- 2024-2026 Road Glide (47,241 units)
- 2026 Road Glide 3 (629 units)
- 2024-2026 Street Glide (28,612 units)
- 2025 Street Glide Ultra (3,570 units)
- 2026 Street Glide Limited (1,048 units)
- 2026 Street Glide 3 Limited (1,262 units)
FLTRXL Road Glide Limited
All of the affected models use Milwaukee-Eight engines with the same airbox. Models like the Heritage Classic and Street Bob, which use a circular airbox, or higher performance M-8 models like the Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, or CVO models, which use different airboxes, are not included in the recall.
According to the recall documentation, the airbox baseplates on the affected models may have a thin layer of plastic covering the breather port. This can result in pressure build-up in the crankcase. If the dipstick is removed in this condition, the pressure may cause oil to shoot out from the fill spout, creating a risk of injury. Signs to look out for include smoke coming from the exhaust, excessive oil consumption, a detached breather hose, or an audible release of pressure when removing the dipstick.
Harley-Davidson first started investigating blocked airbox baseplates in April 2025. A quarantine material request (QMR) was implemented on airboxes in their inventory, which involved visually inspecting their breather ports using a flashlight. While that helped, it was unable to identify what was blocking all of the affected airboxes. It wasn’t until February 2026 that investigators realized the blockage was from a thin layer of plastic, which would not have been visible using their flashlight test. Harley-Davidson then implemented a different test, using a tool to physically inspect the breather ports.
On March 18, 2026, a dealer reported one of its technicians was injured. Harley-Davidson then expanded the scope of its evaluation. Harley-Davidson identified 192 warranty and customer reports of blocked breather ports, with 14 of them resulting in oil coming out the spout. Harley-Davidson inspected 207 vehicles at its factory in York, PA., and found 3 with blocked breather passages. A Harley-Davidson Product Development Center mechanic also got splashed with oil while removing a dipstick while testing a motorcycle. Harley-Davidson began voluntary recall actions on April 27.
Harley-Davidson dealers will inspect recalled models and remove any breather port blockages. Owners should expect to receive notices between May 5 and May 20.
