2015 Harley-Davidson XG500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Harley-Davidson › XG500 › 2015
These records cover every 2015 Harley-Davidson XG500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2015 Harley-Davidson XG500. Newest first.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2015 XG500 motorcycles manufactured January 20, 2014, to July 7, 2015, and XG750 motorcycles manufactured May 12, 2014, to July 7, 2015. The fuel pump modules on these motorcycles have a poor seal at the fuel pump inlet.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If there is a poor seal at the fuel pump inlet it can cause interruption to the fuel supply, possibly causing a brief hesitation with the abrupt restoration of power. This abrupt restoration of power can lead to loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began on August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-414-343-4056. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0167.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2015 XG500 motorcycles manufactured January 28, 2014, to March 9, 2015, and 2015 XG750 motorcycles manufactured May 12, 2014, to March 9, 2015. The affected motorcycles may have been manufactured without a rear reflector assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the motorcycle is missing the rear reflector it can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a rear reflector assembly, free of charge. The recall began on April 29, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0620.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2015 XG500 and XG750 motorcycles manufactured June 11, 2014, to August 14, 2014. The fuel tank filler neck may be insufficiently flat, preventing the fuel cap from sealing properly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the fuel cap doesn't properly seal, fuel may leak, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycle and test to see if fuel can leak from under the fuel cap. Any motorcycle that leaks fuel from under the fuel cap will have its gas tanked replaced, free of charge. The recall began in late September 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0161.
Owner complaints
11 complaints3 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
This IS the third time my bike has been in the shop since august 2019. On may 8, 2019, it has been back in the shop for six week. The first time it broke down in was in the shop for 6 weeks. I'm being told the output shaft IS being redesigned. when you're going thought the gears the output shaft…
This IS the third time my bike has been in the shop since august 2019. On may 8, 2019, it has been back in the shop for six week. The first time it broke down in was in the shop for 6 weeks. I'm being told the output shaft IS being redesigned. when you're going thought the gears the output shaft breaks. You don't even get though the 6 gears. Then bike loses all power train once the output shall. this IS very dangerous when you are in traffic. You have to find a safe place to coast to the side of the road. this IS the third time it's been in the for the same thing. First time august 27, 2018. Second time october 24, 2018. Took my bike in for them to check the output shaft and bolt. Third time march 25, 2019.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
First accident was at a traffic light intersection, with low fuel, but no fuel light yet. accelerating on slight uphill left turn, from stop at light. went from 1ST to 2ND, was leaving the curve when I hit a pot hole. the bike lagged slightly, then accelerated suddenly I was unable to avoid…
First accident was at a traffic light intersection, with low fuel, but no fuel light yet. accelerating on slight uphill left turn, from stop at light. went from 1ST to 2ND, was leaving the curve when I hit a pot hole. the bike lagged slightly, then accelerated suddenly I was unable to avoid hitting the curb and crashed. being a new rider I assumed that the pot hole had caused me to roll on the throttle, which IS very responsive, and put this incident down to rider error. it was a sanctioned club ride, so reports were filed with the dealership. the bike spent about 4 months at harley davidson of baltimore service department, for what was mostly cosmetic damage, and I was paying cash for repairs, so there IS no explanation for why it took so long to repair, but they asked me multiple times how, or why I thought the accident happened. they never mentioned anything to me about the unexpected acceleration issues with this bike, but in hindsight I believe they knew from the questions they asked. the bike also had a speed wobble at highway speeds prior to this incident which was witnessed by others, directly prior to the accident, that they said would not be covered by warranty because of the accident, even though I reported it to them before the ride, and was scheduled to leave the bike with them afterwards to investigate; this disappeared, after the months in service department, they said they could not replicate it. a few months later I went out for a ride with a friend, I was making an uphill right hand turn out of a parking lot driveway, with full tank of gas, when the bike hesitated and then suddenly went to full acceleration, again I hit the curb and came off. the second time I realized the issue was with the bike and began investigating and found that others were experiencing the same problem.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train · Unknown or other
I brought my xg500 to a harley davidson dealer to fix a recall on the fuel pump. After an estimated 100 miles, the bike suddenly lost all power to the back wheel while I was driving on the highway at about 65mph. The throttle would rev up the engine, but it wasn't making me move. This put me in a very unsafe predicament and I had to roll across lanes of traffic while decelerating.
- Engine · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
July 3, 2015 - it stalled twice while sitting completely stopped at stop signs with the clutch fully pulled in. It idled low and then completely died. Restarting the bike, I was able to get it moving with quite a bit of leaping and lagging and the engine sputtering. Once up and through 1ST and 2ND…
July 3, 2015 - it stalled twice while sitting completely stopped at stop signs with the clutch fully pulled in. It idled low and then completely died. Restarting the bike, I was able to get it moving with quite a bit of leaping and lagging and the engine sputtering. Once up and through 1ST and 2ND gear (sputtering like if was missing fuel) it seemed to suddenly engage and was ok. I compensated for the lagging, but it kept jumping as if suddenly catching without pressure on the throttle increasing. It did this mostly at lower speeds at first, but also leaps when at higher speeds (45-55mph) on rural roads - again, jumping into the higher speed suddenly and without an increase on the throttle. on july 18, 2015, the bike jumped while taking a turn from one street onto another, startling me and causing me to veer from my lane and left of center, nearly taking me off the road as it continued to jump and sputter. I corrected my position and marked it up to the bike still needing to be "broken in". july 31, 2015 - while normal shifting and increasing speeds to match the speed limit, my bike accelerated to a of 40mph before jumping, the engine light briefly flickering on and then off a few times, and losing throttle power. I turned the bike off and checked the clutch, oil, and indicators before restarting, revving the engine and reentering the roadway. The engine light did not come back on prior to reentering. Once on the road and back up to 40mph, the bike jumped again, engine light flickered of and on 4 times and remained off. Return trip was similar.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I previously filed a report about my motorcycle stalling and surging on 4/18 which resulted in a crash in wet weather. My local dealership brought my bike in and had it for a week while waiting for a new fuel pump. I am on my second fuel pump. The exact same symptoms as before but a completely new…
I previously filed a report about my motorcycle stalling and surging on 4/18 which resulted in a crash in wet weather. My local dealership brought my bike in and had it for a week while waiting for a new fuel pump. I am on my second fuel pump. The exact same symptoms as before but a completely new fuel pump. I was almost hit while taking off slowly from a light when the bike surged and the car behind me expected me to continue moving through the intersection. This IS my only vehicle and I am financially tied into it and it IS unsafe to ride. My fuel light does not come on and it acts as if there IS no fuel. It has a 3.3 gallon tank and I have never been able to put more than 2.5 gallons in it.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Like many others, since day 1 my harley street 500 has been experiencing a "lag and leap" issue. The first day I had my bike I experienced an issue where when starting from a stop, or making a turn at low speeds, the bike would stall like it was out of gas, and then suddenly accelerate again…
Like many others, since day 1 my harley street 500 has been experiencing a "lag and leap" issue. The first day I had my bike I experienced an issue where when starting from a stop, or making a turn at low speeds, the bike would stall like it was out of gas, and then suddenly accelerate again, almost throwing me off the back of the bike. I brought my bike to the dealer, they told me I was low on gas, filled me up and sent me along my way. However, the issue has continued to happen every single time (it IS 100% reproducible) the bike travels for roughly 100 miles after filling (3.5 gallon tank with advertised ~60mpg). When I fill up (the only remedy to the issue), I can usually never get more than 2 gallons in. Leaving 1.5 gallons of unused gas in the tank. There are many others experiencing this issue with the exact same symptoms, and it IS reproducible. So far, my dealer has said they have no known issues with the bike, and the response from harley seems to be mixed as to what they will do about it, or even acknowledge if there IS an issue. Note: the fuel light also never comes on, probably because there IS over 1 gallon of gas in the tank at all times. this issue IS incredibly frustrating not only because it essentially reduces the range of the bike because the only fix IS to keep it filled above a certain level, but it IS very unsafe. I have had this happen to me on at least 5 separate incidents, and usually its when pulling out into traffic. I have been lucky to not fall off the bike due to the sudden deceleration and acceleration, and to not cause a major traffic accident due to coming to a sudden stop in traffic. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Motorcycle will bog down and then surge without warning if there IS about 1/3 of a tank left. Low fuel indicator never comes on before it happens and it's worse when driving on hills or while banking in turns. Last night was the third time this has happened to me as I was coming up the hill and…
Motorcycle will bog down and then surge without warning if there IS about 1/3 of a tank left. Low fuel indicator never comes on before it happens and it's worse when driving on hills or while banking in turns. Last night was the third time this has happened to me as I was coming up the hill and turning in to my driveway the motorcycle bogged down, and before I could completely roll off the throttle it accelerated and pushed the rear wheel out causing me to lay my bike down. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Vehicle lurches forward uncontrollably. Throttle response IS extremely erratic. This caused inexperienced rider to lose control at a low speed and was thrown from vehicle as it went out of control onto the sidewalk. Fuel tank was nearly full. Continued riding exhibited extremely erratic throttle control. Vehicle IS very unpredictable. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
I was driving about 10 to 15 mph up a hill with a good amount of gas remaining in the tank as the bike suddenly lost power. After about a second or two, it regained power, almost like it had lost the fuel source and then found it again. This made for the bike to launch forward and almost cause me…
I was driving about 10 to 15 mph up a hill with a good amount of gas remaining in the tank as the bike suddenly lost power. After about a second or two, it regained power, almost like it had lost the fuel source and then found it again. This made for the bike to launch forward and almost cause me to be tossed from the bike. This has happened a few times in the past few months, whenever the fuel level hits a certain amount in the tank. *jhs
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle bogs down when accelerating from a stop, then lurches violently. This only happens when fuel IS about 1/3 full. The low fuel light IS not on and the vehicle otherwise runs normal. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Upon acceleration from a stop, the 2015 harley davidson street 500 and 750 (xg500 and xg750) models lose fuel pressure when the fuel tank IS under approximately 1/2 capacity. the problem IS exacerbated when accelerating up hills. upon loss of fuel pressure, the motorcycle violently thrusts…
Upon acceleration from a stop, the 2015 harley davidson street 500 and 750 (xg500 and xg750) models lose fuel pressure when the fuel tank IS under approximately 1/2 capacity. the problem IS exacerbated when accelerating up hills. upon loss of fuel pressure, the motorcycle violently thrusts the rider forward, and when the fuel pressure recovers, the rider IS unexpectedly thrust backwards, resulting in a possible loss of control of the vehicle at best. in my case, my neck was strained. multiple cases on this problem have been reported to H-D, and they say they are investigating. there IS no solution yet, however. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Inconsistent Throttle Response
This investigation was opened on April 20, 2015 to investigate reports of inconsistent throttle control on all MY 2015 HD XG750 and XG500 motorcycles.At the time, ODI had 14 consumer complaints and no crashes reported.At the time of closing this investigation ODI has 51 reports (6 of which allege a crash occurred). In…
This investigation was opened on April 20, 2015 to investigate reports of inconsistent throttle control on all MY 2015 HD XG750 and XG500 motorcycles.At the time, ODI had 14 consumer complaints and no crashes reported.At the time of closing this investigation ODI has 51 reports (6 of which allege a crash occurred). In addition to requesting information from Harley-Davidson (HD), ODI interviewed complainants and dealer service/parts department personnel.ODI staff also test rode one of the crash bikes to experience the alleged condition first-hand.At low fuel levels (typically below .8 gallon), the engine may stumble and/or stall when fuel flow from the pump to engine is interrupted.This is due to a poor seal at the fuel pump inlet. Ultimately, HD decided to recall (15V-474) the affected motorcycles (MY 2015 XG500 and XG750 produced 1-20-14 through 6-24-15) to install a new fuel pump assembly.With the recall, our information request is moot and this PE is closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010212SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV F): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: [Revision F. Added: Added video link for the DCA-8000 Battery Tester. Added: Supplemental Procedure Video.] This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines for battery warranty.
- 11008736SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV E): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: Revision E. Added: Added procedures for the DCA-8000 E Battery Tester.* Updated: All sections. This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines for battery warranty.
- 11007544SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.8.8): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 24.8.8. Release Date: Week of August 5, 2024. New Features for Harley-Davidson vehicles: Advanced Module Replace for 2021 and later Revolution Max; 2023 and later CVO Touring; and 2024 Street Glide (FLHX), Road Glide (FLTRX). New Features for LiveWire vehicles: Updated calibrations for 2024 S2DM EV1/ EV6; 2024 S2MH EV1; and 2024 S2DM, S2MH. Changes: Added Hand Control Module (HCM) (Part No. 71500522A and 71500536A) for reflash support.
- 11001293SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.6.4): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 24.6.4. Release Date: Week of May 1, 2024. New Features for LiveWire S2DM and S2MH, 2024 Revolution Max, and 2024 Touring.
- 10195171Difficulty starting engine or engine starts and stalls at idle. Improperly routed starter cable near the bank angle sensor (BAS) can cause this condition.
- 10195169Harley-Davidson is aware of conditions that may result in a streaking appearance or film residue on the inside of some instrument gauges including speedometer and tachometers. This may occur after exposure of the vehicle to humid conditions. This condition may remain even after the moisture has evaporated.
- 10193490Difficulty starting engine or engine starts and stalls at idle. Improperly routed starter cable near the bank angle sensor (BAS) can cause this condition.
- 10193488Harley-Davidson is aware of conditions that may result in a streaking appearance or film residue on the inside of some instrument gauges including speedometer and tachometers. This may occur after exposure of the vehicle to humid conditions. This condition may remain even after the moisture has evaporated.
- 10147408SERVICE BULLETIN M1466: STREET - UPPER STEERING HEAD BEARING SEAL. REVISION. Purpose: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has developed a new upper steering head bearing seal for fitment on Street models. The new seal replaces the current seal on the upper steering head bearing only. The lower steering head bearing seal will still use the current seal. Current service procedures and specifications remain the same.
- 10125143TECH ARTICLE TA0001: 2014 and Later Sportsters - Rear Brake Sound. A customer reports a sound (similar to a groan) from the rear of the vehicle and/or the rear brake area during rear brake application under 7 mph. Explain to the customer that this is the result of a normal harmonic resonance at certain frequencies. It is not detrimental to motorcycle operation, performance or durability.
- 10096818Service bulletin m1437: non-compliance recall 0624 - philippine 2015 xg500 emissions, notifies that certain model year 2015 australian configuration xg500 vehicles were shipped to the philippines dealer-direct market and do not comply with the tailpipe emission requirements which IS specified by section 22, chapter II of republic act 8749 (clean air act of 1999) in relation to part ix, rule xxxi of denr administrative order 2000-81 (implementing rules and regulations of ra8749) required for this market.
- 10057784Harley-davidson: tsb contains owner notification letter. Select document search button below. Some motorcycles have an issue with installation torque on screws on the right side rider foot control mounting and no charge repair IS provided. Model 2015 street xg500, xg750.
- 10057019Harley davidson: see document search button for owner letter. Safety recall 0161. On certain motorcycles, the fuel tank filler neck IS not allowing fuel cap to seal properly to fuel tank causing it to leak. Model 2015 xg500, xg750.
Every Harley-Davidson XG500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.