Safety Recall NHTSA · 79V169000 Reported July 9, 1979

Brakes:hydraulic:master cylinder:pistons:cups:spri

Harley-davidson Motor Company · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 21,970 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
79V169000
Manufacturer Campaign
NR (Not Reported)
Component
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Vehicles Affected
21,970
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
July 9, 1979

Defect Summary

The rear brake master cylinder plastic piston employs a non-specified material which may allow excessive water absorption. As a result, the plastic piston might stick in the master cylinder piston bore and cause brake drag.

Corrective Action

Dealer will replace rear brake master cylinder pistons without charge to owner.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Harley-davidson Motor Company dealer and reference recall ID 79V169000 or campaign NR (Not Reported).
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Harley-davidson Motor Company or involving Service Brakes, Hydraulic.

FAQ: Recall 79V169000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 79V169000?

NHTSA recall 79V169000 was issued by Harley-davidson Motor Company on July 9, 1979. It addresses: Brakes:hydraulic:master cylinder:pistons:cups:spri. The recall affects approximately 21,970 vehicles, with the defect involving the Service Brakes, Hydraulic component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Harley-davidson Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 79V169000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.