Harley-Davidson Motor Company: Safety Recalls in 1978

Updated on March 19, 2026.

There were 3 safety recalls made by Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1978. See the details of the recalls below.

You can also see similar information for other manufacturers.

Data Source: NHTSA.

See this for other years:

July 19, 1978

(Campaign #: NR (Not Reported))

BRAKES:HYDRAULIC:MASTER CYLINDER:HOUSING

THE INVOLVED MOTORCYCLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS IN WHICH THE PLUNGER PISTON BORE DIAMETER WAS HONED .015 INCHES OVER MAXIMUM SPECIFICATIONS. THIS OVERSIZED BORE RESULTS IN A POOR FIT BETWEEN THE ELASTOMERIC PISTON CUP AND THE CYLINDER BORE, WHICH ALLOWS FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM.

NHTSA ID: 78V159000

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

# of Units Affected: 342

Consequence Summary:

Corrective Action:

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY AT NO COST TO OWNER.

Park Outside Advisory: No

Do not Drive Advisory: No

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April 11, 1978

(Campaign #: NR (Not Reported))

BRAKES:MECHANICAL SERVICE:LINKAGE

SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH WEAK REAR BRAKE CONTROL INNER LEVER ARM AND PIVOT SHAFTS. AS A RESULT, EXCESSIVE PRESSURE WILL BE NEEDED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID: 78V079000

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

# of Units Affected: 568

Consequence Summary:

Corrective Action:

THE DEALER WILL REPLACE EXISTING LEVER ARMS AND PIVOT SHAFTS WITH REINFORCED ONES.

Park Outside Advisory: No

Do not Drive Advisory: No

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March 1, 1978

(Campaign #: NR (Not Reported))

BRAKES:HYDRAULIC:DISC:CALIPER

THE CLAMPING BOLT WASHER ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK DUE TO EXPOSURE TO HYDROGEN. (THESE WASHERS WERE INCORRECTLY PROCESSED, CAUSING THEM TO BECOME BRITTLE AND BREAK).

NHTSA ID: 78V042000

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

# of Units Affected: 3,438

Consequence Summary:

Corrective Action:

THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE WASHER IN THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER AT NO CHARGE.

Park Outside Advisory: No

Do not Drive Advisory: No

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