2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Visibility:rearview Mirrors/Devices (2) · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/Devices:exterior (1) · Power Train:manual Transmission (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Harley-Davidson Sportster model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
What owners report
2005-12-05 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 3,682 mi“dt: the contact stated the rear upper valve cover leaked. the dealership replaced the front and rear upper valve covers. since the valves were replaced the problem has not returned. *ak updated 1/4/2006 - the rear rocker box cover leaked. the front and rear box cover were replaced. the gaskets were replaced with updated ones. *nm…”
2003-12-01 · Power Train:manual Transmission · 6,000 mi“after motorcycle has been ridden for 30-45 minutes shift lever becomes almost unusable if motorcycle has been left to idle of is turned off, after a few minutes of moving up and down it can be used. very dangerous if i can not shift into appropriate gear. *ak…”
2002-09-06 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/Devices“left hand mirror will fly off while traveling on highway. dealership is aware of problem.*ak…”
2002-08-16 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/Devices“custom 1200, mirrors on vehicle are very high stemmed, vibration will not allow rider to see traffic behind him when changing lanes. dealer stated there was nothing he could do.*ak *slc…”
2002-08-16 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/Devices:exterior“custom 1200, at 65 mph, left mirror snapped off and hit consumer in the face. consumer suffered facial injuries.*ak jlg…”
2002-04-10 · Fuel System, Gasoline:carburetor System“while driving, intake manifold leaks and motorcycle completely shuts down. *ak consumer adds that bike would stall intermittently and is also making a popping noise and backfiring. *tt…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.