2005 Harley-Davidson Softail problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (2) · Power Train (1) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (2)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2008-10-20 · M-1233 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
harley davidson: a change to the final torque of the fork cap (part number 45419-80) and for tube plug (part number 45838-77). the new torque for both parts is 60-70 ft lbs (81.3-94.9nm). *pe
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly 2005-02-11 · 836 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
update fitment information regarding the efi fuel tank fitting cover. harley-davidson. *tt
What owners report
2011-06-16 · Power Train · 15,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2005 harley davidson soft tail motorcycle. the contact was driving 60 mph when the rear wheel along with the drive chain unbolted and detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the rear wheel, drive chain, and bolts connected to the drive chain were replaced. the contact stated that the failure had …”
2005-08-11 · Electrical System · 10,257 mi“repeat discrepancy, failure occurred at night while in forward motion on state highway 17 (north carolina) ref: report # 10132164. *nm…”
2005-08-11 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 4,180 mi“from what i'm learning the hard way, some 2005 harley davidson motorcycles burn oil at a rate of 1 quart per thousand miles - mine is one of them. according to dealer and harley-davidson motor company, this is acceptable. owners manual states nothing about this, nor was this information made known to me at time of sale in oct. 2004. o…”
2005-08-09 · Electrical System · 10,100 mi“2005 harley davidson softail heritage in a rainstorm a driver did not see me and almost hit me as he turned into my lane. after i got home i discovered my headlights were inoperative. this motorcycle has less than 11,000 miles on it and the deficiency within the electrical system/wiring harnesses could've killed me. the bike is at new river har…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.