Service Brakes. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

Power Train complaints

5 reports

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Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2022

EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

The guard/spring housing locater on the rotor behind the drive sprocket developed a fatigue crack, it propagated approximately half way around the circumference before separating and then being pulled thru between the drive chain and sprocket . this caused the drive train to seize up locking up the engine and rear wheel and d…

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NHTSA ODI #11471559

28,200 miles · Sep 6, 2016

Power Train

COMPENSATOR PRIMARY CHAIN FAILURE SHUTTER WHEN DRIVING HARD STARTING FAILURE TO STARTER MOTOR PART IS JUNK WILL CAUSE REAR WHEEL TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING ENDING UP IN CRASH AND DEATH

NHTSA ODI #10903896

18,500 miles · Mar 9, 2014

Power Train

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BEGAN TO HEAR A FAINT HIGH PITCHED SQUEAL IN THE TRANSMISSION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ALONG WITH A NOTICEABLE "CLUNK" IN THE ENGINE AT STARTUP AND SHUTDOWN. ALSO NOTICED THE "CLUNK" WHEN SHIFTING THE LOWER GEARS AND THE BIKE WAS BECOMING DIFFICULT TO GET INTO NEUTRAL. TOOK THE BIKE IN FOR THE 20,000 MILE SERVICE AND MECHANIC ADVISED HE HAD FOUND AN ISSUE WITH THE COMPENSATOR IN THE DRIVE TRAIN. MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN A FAILURE AT ANY TIME AND CAUSE A LOCK DOWN OF REAR WHEEL OR CAUSE THE BIKE TO LOSE DRIVE TRAIN FUNCTION, ALONG WITH DAMAGE TO OTHER INTERNAL COMPONENTS. COST OF REPAIR IS AROUND $900.00. WENT HOME AND RESEARCHED COMPENSATOR FAILURES ON 2009 H-D TOURING MODELS AND DISCOVERED PAGE AFTER PAGE OF OTHER RIDER EXPERIENCING COMPENSATOR FAILURES ON 08 AND LATER H-D TOUR MODELS DUE TO AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF OIL NOT REACHING THE COMPENSATORS AND THE RETAINING BOLT BACKING OFF. H-D APPARENTLY KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND BEGAN INSTALLING THEIR SCREAMING EAGLE (HIGHER QUALITY AND PRICE)COMPENSATORS IN THE LATER 2011 MODELS, WHICH INCLUDES AN OIL CATCH THAT DIRECTS OIL AT THE COMPENSATOR SPROCKET. I BELIEVE THIS SHOWS A LACK OF CARE AND CONCERN FOR H-D RIDERS AND DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THIS ISSUE WARRANTS AN IMMEDIATE RECALL OF ALL 2008-2011 AND EARLIER BIG BORE TOURING MODELS WITH THE DEFECTIVE COMPENSATORS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10568072

32,000 miles · Feb 26, 2014

Power Train

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED DURING A MAINTENANCE REPAIR HE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BALL BEARING WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 32…

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NHTSA ODI #10565944

50,000 miles · Apr 23, 2013

Power Train

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MY BIKE IS A 2009 ULTRA CLASSIC. I SENT THIS TO ATT: HARLEY DAVIDSON CUSTOMER SERVICE LEAD/MANAGER, AND REALLY GOT NOWHERE WITH THIS ISSUE. I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO CHECK ON WHY I HAVE BEEN SEEING GRINDINGS ON MY DRAIN PLUG FROM MY PRIMARY CHAIN CASE. HERE, I FOUND A PIECE OF METAL 7"X 1/2" WIDE STUCK BETWEEN MY PRIMARY CHAIN AND THE CLUTCH PACK GRINDING AWAY TO BREAK AND LODGE INTO THE GEARING WHICH COULD HAVE LOCKED UP THE REAR TIRE. THE METAL IS OFF THE COMPENSATOR BELL HOUSING ( A VERY POOR DESIGN) FROM THE SPRING DISC FLOPPING INSIDE IT WEARING A GROOVE THE FRACTURING OFF OF IT AND SENDING IT INSIDE THE PRIMARY CHAIN CASING. THE COULD HAVE BEEN THE DEATH OF MY WIFE AND I OR MY DAUGHTER AND I. I AM TOTALLY SHOCKED AT THIS AND IT IS REALLY TROUBLING ON THE FINDINGS. I ALSO WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS HARLEY DAVIDSON GOING TO DO WITH THIS INFO, AND WHAT WILL THEY DO FOR ME FOR THE DAMAGE, WEAR, AND CONTAMINATION, THIS HAS CAUSED THE INSIDE OF THE PRIMARY CHAIN CASING; AS IN CLUTCH PACK, BEARING AND SEALS, ETC. I WILL ALSO PUT THIS ON THE WEB/YOUTUBE, TO LET HARLEY OWNERS KNOW MY DISCOVERY WITH THE PICTURES, IF NOTHING BECOMES OF THIS. I HAVE NO PROBLEM MAKING POSTERS, SO THAT I CAN BRING THE BIKE TO RALLIES AND SHOWS TO SHOW THE QUALITY AND THE LACK OF MAKING A RECALL. A DEATH IS LESS ON THE EQUATION OF COST FOR WHAT I BELIEVE HAS HAPPENED HERE.

NHTSA ODI #10510059

Official recalls

18V076000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid

Jan 29, 2018

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling all 2008-2011 Touring, CVO Touring and VSRC motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), including Road King (FLHR), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHP), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHPE), Electra Glide Standard Police (EFI) (FLHTP), Electra Glide Classic (EFI) (FLHTC), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (EFI) (FLHTCU) and Street Glide (EFI) (FLHX), 2008 VROD (VRSCAWA), CVO Road King 4 (FLHRSE4), Night Rod (VRSCDA), CVO Ultra Classic 3 (FLHTCUSE3), Night Rod Special (VRSCDXA), 2008-2010 Road King Classic (EFI) (FLHRC), 2008-2009 Road Glide (EFI) (FLTR) and Electra Glide Standard (EFI) (FLHT), 2009-2010 V-Rod (VRSCAW), 2009 CVO Ultra Classic (FLHTCUSE4) and CVO Road Glide 3 (FLTRSE3), 2009-2011 Night Rod Special (VRSCDX) and V-Rod Muscle (VRSCF), 2010 CVO Ultra Classic 5 (FLHTCUSE5) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2010-2011 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (FLHTK) and Road Glide Custom (FLTRX), 2011 Road Glide Ultra 103 (FLTRU103), Street Glide 103 (FLHX103), Road King Classic 103 (FLHRC103), CVO Ultra Classic 6 (FLHTCUSE6), CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE), Road Glide Custom 103 (FLTRX103), and CVO Street Glide 2 (FLHXSE2) motorcycles. Deposits may form on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period of time beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule specified in the Owners Manual.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0171.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Consequence: These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0171.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid

Consequence: These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

11V506000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Oct 19, 2011

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 TOURING, CVO TOURING AND TRIKE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. SEE THE ABOVE LIST FOR THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE THE SWITCH TO NOT ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP OR ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP WHEN NO BRAKE IS APPLIED AND/OR CAUSE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK AT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AFFECTING REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE. EITHER CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: HARLEY-DAVIDSON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL A INSTALL A REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KIT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

09V457000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Dec 1, 2009

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 TOURING FAMILY MOTORCYCLES, INCLUDING CVO TOURING AND TRIKE PRODUCTS, MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008 THROUGH NOVEMBER 19, 2009. THE FRONT FUEL TANK MOUNTS MAY DISTORT IN REACTION TO SEVERE FRAME DAMAGE FROM A FRONTAL COLLISION. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE A FUEL LEAK AT THE WELD OF THE FRONT BRACKET TO THE TUNNEL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LEFT AND RIGHT BRACE, WHICH ARE INTENDED TO REDUCE FRONT MOUNT DISTORTION DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS. THIS REPAIR WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

PE16009 · Sudden Brake Failure - Motorcycle

Opened Jul 6, 2016 · Closed Apr 23, 2018

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation in July 2016 based on forty-three (43) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).During the course of this investigation ODI received a total of 145 VOQs related to the alleged defect on the subject motorcycles.Owners allege they experience a sudden and complete loss of brakes on one or both wheels.To better understand the cause of the braking issue on the subject motorcycles, ODI requested NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct inspections and testing of affected vehicle braking systems.Through its work, VRTC determined that deposits were forming on the valves in the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) of the Antilock Braking System (ABS). These deposits could prevent the proper function of the HCU and render the brakes ineffective.To understand why deposits were forming in the HCU, Harley Davidson completed an analysis of the Dow 460 brake fluid used as original equipment on the subject motorcycles and determined that it had stability issues if left in the brake system for an extended period of time.Harley Davidson found that if a brake fluid flush was not conducted as outlined in the owner?s manual for the motorcycles, and was left in the system for a period of time beyond their recommendation; deposits could form in the HCU.Through further testing, Harley Davidson identified an alternate, commercially available, brake fluid that did not have the same stability issues as the original fluid and could stop the proliferation of any current brake system deposits.ODI sent Information Request (IR) letters to Harley Davidson and Dow Chemical (the supplier of the brake fluid on the subject motorcycles) to collect information about the subject bikes and the alleged defect.Harley Davidson responded in full on Sept 30, 2016 and Dow responded with a confidential submission on October 25, 2017.ODI analyzed the information contained in both IR responses and concluded that motorcycles manufactured during Model Years (MY) 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 were failing at a rate greater than their peers.Based on this analysis and the brake fluid study conducted by Harley Davidson, a group of motorcycles was identified that were potentially affected by the instability of the original brake fluid.2008 marked the introduction of ABS on Harley Davidson motorcycles and a change in the Dow 460 brake fluid used in the 2012 MY vehicles provided the bases for the scope of the affected population.With recall action 18V-076 taken by Harley Davidson this investigation is closed as further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/ using the complaint identification numbers attached to this resume.