FaultScore

FaultScore report

2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtk problems

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtk with NHTSA between 2011 and 2023. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 8 worst.

D

FaultScore 65/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Harley-Davidson Flhtk.

How this is worked out

The numbers

26

Complaints

3

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

22,022 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

77%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 54 vs 50 Severity 60 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 54
Against the median year of the Harley-Davidson Flhtk. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 60
11.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
77% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2011 compares with every other Harley-Davidson Flhtk

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtk

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 13 50.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 26,522 mi

Wheels 2 7.7%

Median failure at 16,907 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 2 7.7%

Median failure at 29,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 2 7.7%

Median failure at 24,050 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 3.8%
Fuel & Propulsion 1 3.8%

Median failure at 100 miles

Lights 1 3.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 31,000 mi

Suspension 1 3.8%
Body & Structure 1 3.8%

Median failure at 30 miles

Steering 1 3.8%
Electrical System 1 3.8%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 3 13.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 4.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 8 36.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 9 40.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 4.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Sep 2011 peak 4 Nov 2023

NHTSA investigations into the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtk

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE16009 Opened 6 Jul 2016 Closed 23 Apr 2018 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Sudden Brake Failure - Motorcycle

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 determ...

Recalls on the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtk

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

18V076000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

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. Depo

Risk: 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

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.

Risk: 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 35,000 miles Kernersville, NC Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY STEEP DRIVEWAY AND MY FRONT BRAKE SUDDENLY BECAME VERY HARD TO PULL, BORDERING ON IMPOSSIBLE, AND BASICALLY HAD NO STOPPING POWER. AS THIS IS THE ONLY BRAKE I COULD USE WHILE WALKING/BACKING MY BIKE DOWN MY SLOPED THE DRIVEWAY THE BIKE PICKED UP SPEED AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND THE BIKE FELL OVER. SINCE THEN I HAVE TRIED TO BLEED THE BRAKES 3 TIME WITH NO CHANGE. BRAKE LEVER IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL. I THEN REPLACED MY MASTER CYLINDER AND FLUID,BUT COULD STILL NOT BLEED THE FLUID TO GET PROPER LEVER PULL AN BRAKE ACTUATION. I HAVE NOW TROUBLESHOT THIS ISSUE AND NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE ABS MODULATOR, AS I AM GETTING FLUID FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER THROUGH THE LINE TO THE MODULATOR, BUT FLUID IS NOT PASSING THROUGH AND GETTING TO THE CALIPERS. FRONT BRAKES ONLY ARE AFFECTED, AS REAR SEEMS TO BE OK. VERY UNSAFE SITUATION TO HAVE AN ABS SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT HAVE A FAILSAFE BUILT IN TO POSSIBLY BYPASS THE SOLENOIDS IN THE MODULATOR IF THE MODULATOR FAILS. I HAVE READ ON INTERNET FORUMS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE, SO HOPEFULLY IT CAN BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA complaint #10883646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 31,000 miles Sykesville, MD Crash

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

I WAS ON A COUNTRY ROAD GOING INTO A CORNER. I HIT THE REAR BRAKE TO FIND I DID NOT HAVE ANY REAR BRAKES. AFTER THE ACCIDENT WHEN I GOT THE BIKE HOME AND HAD TIME TO INSPECT IT I FOUND THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD BLOW OUT CAUSING THE BACK BRAKES TO FAIL. I CALLED HARLEY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DID NOT GET ANY ANSWERS OR EVEN A PHONE BACK AFTER I TOLD THEM THAT THEY MAY HAVE A PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL. I THEN CALLED MY DEALER. THEY ARE TRYING TO HELP BUT ARE NOT SURE WHAT THEY CAN DO EITHER. THE END RESULT IS THIS, I HAVE THE SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND GARAGE KEPT. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THIS FAILURE. IT JUST HAD A MAJOR SERVICE DONE AT 30000 MILES. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS BIKE. THE BIKE WAS PURCHASED AROUND SEPTEMBER 2011 AND WENT TO THE DEALER IT WAS PURCHASED FROM FOR A 1000 MILES SERVICE WITH IN 2 MONTHS AFTER IT WAS BOUGHT. I AM NOT LOOKING CAUSE A LOT OF GRIEF BUT IF HARLEY HAS PROBLEM I WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD WANT FIGURE WHAT HAPPENED AND TRY TO MAKE THIS CUSTOMER HAPPY.

NHTSA complaint #10585844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 31,000 miles Sykesville, MD Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS ON A COUNTRY ROAD GOING INTO A CORNER. I HIT THE REAR BRAKE TO FIND I DID NOT HAVE ANY REAR BRAKES. AFTER THE ACCIDENT WHEN I GOT THE BIKE HOME AND HAD TIME TO INSPECT IT I FOUND THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD BLOW OUT CAUSING THE BACK BRAKES TO FAIL. I CALLED HARLEY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DID NOT GET ANY ANSWERS OR EVEN A PHONE BACK AFTER I TOLD THEM THAT THEY MAY HAVE A PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL. I THEN CALLED MY DEALER. THEY ARE TRYING TO HELP BUT ARE NOT SURE WHAT THEY CAN DO EITHER. THE END RESULT IS THIS, I HAVE THE SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND GARAGE KEPT. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THIS FAILURE. IT JUST HAD A MAJOR SERVICE DONE AT 30000 MILES. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS BIKE. THE BIKE WAS PURCHASED AROUND SEPTEMBER 2011 AND WENT TO THE DEALER IT WAS PURCHASED FROM FOR A 1000 MILES SERVICE WITH IN 2 MONTHS AFTER IT WAS BOUGHT. I AM NOT LOOKING CAUSE A LOT OF GRIEF BUT IF HARLEY HAS PROBLEM I WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD WANT FIGURE WHAT HAPPENED AND TRY TO MAKE THIS CUSTOMER HAPPY.

NHTSA complaint #10585844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 22,000 miles Van Buren, AR

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide Ultra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V076000 (Services Brakes, Hydraulic) was performed; however, while riding and coming to a complete stop, the front brake was engaged but failed to respond. The contact was able to stop the motorcycle by engaging the rear brake. The contact stated that the front brake was inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for the repair. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

NHTSA complaint #11553821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 12,167 miles Johnstown, PA

SERVICE BRAKES

WHEN I WENT TO APPLY THE REAR BRAKE THE PEDAL WAS SOLID AND BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. I NARROWLY AVOIDED CRASHING BUT NOT MY BIKE IS NOT SAFE TO RIDE. AFTER RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT HARLEY HAS BEEN AWARE OF ABS FAILURE FOR MANY YEARS THAT WAS CAUSED BY POOR DESIGN OF THEIR ABS SYSTEM. HOWEVER IT IS UP TO THE CONSUMER TO REPLACE THE PART. THEIR RECALL STATES TO CHANGE BRAKE FLUID EVERY TWO YEARS. HOWEVER OTHER VEHICLES WITH TH ESAME BRAKE FLUID HAVE NO ISSUES.

NHTSA complaint #11323169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Ashville, AL

POWER TRAIN

I HAD JUST PULLED OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND MY MOTORCYCLE STARTED PRODUCING A CLANKING NOISE FROM THE PRIMARY CASE AND AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE PRIMARY COMPENSATOR WAS FAILING. AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED, MY CYCLE ALSO DROPPED VOLTAGE FROM 14.8 VOLTS DC DOWN TO 8 OR 9 VOLTS DC AND CAUSED THE CYCLE TO BOG, AND LOST MECHANICAL POWER ON A HILL WITH HIGH TRAFFIC FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS ON A HEAVILY TRAFFICKED MAIN U.S. HIGHWAY. HAD IT BEEN DAYLIGHT, THE ISSUE COULD HAVE COSTED MY LIFE HAD IT NOT BEEN FROM THE GLOW OF MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS GLOWING IN THE DARK NIGHT, BLINKING. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WHERE TO PULL OFF OF THE ROAD DUE TO AN 11 FOOT DROP OFF. THIS IS AND HAS BEEN A COMMONLY KNOWN ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEAR HARLEY DAVIDSON MODELS AND ARE ALL STILL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED FOR THE COMPENSATOR FAILING DANGEROUSLY. AT TIMES, THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN CASES OF THEM DISMANTLING THEMSELVES AND CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH BEFORE NOW AND ALMOST CAUSED DEATH OF MY OWN DUE TO WHEN AND WHERE IT HAPPENED.

NHTSA complaint #11316186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Ashville, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAD JUST PULLED OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND MY MOTORCYCLE STARTED PRODUCING A CLANKING NOISE FROM THE PRIMARY CASE AND AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE PRIMARY COMPENSATOR WAS FAILING. AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED, MY CYCLE ALSO DROPPED VOLTAGE FROM 14.8 VOLTS DC DOWN TO 8 OR 9 VOLTS DC AND CAUSED THE CYCLE TO BOG, AND LOST MECHANICAL POWER ON A HILL WITH HIGH TRAFFIC FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS ON A HEAVILY TRAFFICKED MAIN U.S. HIGHWAY. HAD IT BEEN DAYLIGHT, THE ISSUE COULD HAVE COSTED MY LIFE HAD IT NOT BEEN FROM THE GLOW OF MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS GLOWING IN THE DARK NIGHT, BLINKING. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WHERE TO PULL OFF OF THE ROAD DUE TO AN 11 FOOT DROP OFF. THIS IS AND HAS BEEN A COMMONLY KNOWN ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEAR HARLEY DAVIDSON MODELS AND ARE ALL STILL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED FOR THE COMPENSATOR FAILING DANGEROUSLY. AT TIMES, THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN CASES OF THEM DISMANTLING THEMSELVES AND CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH BEFORE NOW AND ALMOST CAUSED DEATH OF MY OWN DUE TO WHEN AND WHERE IT HAPPENED.

NHTSA complaint #11316186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 48,000 miles Ashville, AL

ENGINE

I HAD JUST PULLED OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND MY MOTORCYCLE STARTED PRODUCING A CLANKING NOISE FROM THE PRIMARY CASE AND AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE PRIMARY COMPENSATOR WAS FAILING. AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED, MY CYCLE ALSO DROPPED VOLTAGE FROM 14.8 VOLTS DC DOWN TO 8 OR 9 VOLTS DC AND CAUSED THE CYCLE TO BOG, AND LOST MECHANICAL POWER ON A HILL WITH HIGH TRAFFIC FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS ON A HEAVILY TRAFFICKED MAIN U.S. HIGHWAY. HAD IT BEEN DAYLIGHT, THE ISSUE COULD HAVE COSTED MY LIFE HAD IT NOT BEEN FROM THE GLOW OF MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS GLOWING IN THE DARK NIGHT, BLINKING. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WHERE TO PULL OFF OF THE ROAD DUE TO AN 11 FOOT DROP OFF. THIS IS AND HAS BEEN A COMMONLY KNOWN ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEAR HARLEY DAVIDSON MODELS AND ARE ALL STILL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED FOR THE COMPENSATOR FAILING DANGEROUSLY. AT TIMES, THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN CASES OF THEM DISMANTLING THEMSELVES AND CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH BEFORE NOW AND ALMOST CAUSED DEATH OF MY OWN DUE TO WHEN AND WHERE IT HAPPENED.

NHTSA complaint #11316186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 32,000 miles Bayville, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES

HAD BRAKE RECALL DONE FOR BRAKE FLUSHING BUT INTERMITTENTLY THE BRAKE PEDAL GET HARD AND WILL NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE REAR BRAKE. HARLEY DEALER FLUSHED THE FLUID BUT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS CONTROLLER AND THEY SAY THAT'S NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I HAVE FLUSHED THE FLUID EVERY YEAR BY MYSELF SO IT IS NOT A FLUID PROBLEM ALTHOUGH HARLEY WON'T ADMIT IT. THEY HAVE SINCE CHANGED TO ANOTHER SUBLET MANUFACTURER (BOSCH) TO MAKE THEIR NEW CONTROLLERS. I THINK MINE SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THE FACTORY AT NO CHARGE FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE CONTROLER.

NHTSA complaint #11109787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 31,000 miles Orange, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

LOSS OF BRAKING- AFTER SERVICE OF BRAKE FLUID RECALL- BRAKES FAILED AT 70 MPH ON FREEWAY. THE FRONT BRAKE HANDLE BECAME STIFF AND HAD NO MOVEMENT OR BRAKING.

NHTSA complaint #11083544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 22,044 miles University Park, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

FRONT BRAKE HANDLE BECAME FROZEN....COULD NOT SQUEEZE HANDLE TO OPERATE FRONT BRAKES. ONLY DROVE A VERY SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE I REALIZED I HAD NO FRONT BRAKES....PUT BIKE BACK INTO GARAGE AND CALLED TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. HARLEY REPAIR SHOP QUICKLY DETERMINED SOURCE OF PROBLEM...A DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE. THEY INDICATED THEY HAD SEEN OTHER BIKES WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IF I HADN'T NOTICED PROBLEM AS SOON AS I TOOK OFF, AND HAD TO STOP QUICKLY IN TRAFFIC, I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN SERIOUS TROUBLE. I CALLED HARLEY CUSTOMER SERVICE AS WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THIS DEFECT. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD RECALL THE BIKES TO INSPECT THE PART.

NHTSA complaint #11060864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 17,925 miles Seminole, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

MY FRONT BREAK FROZE AND WOULD NOT WORK HAD TO STOP WITH BACK BRAKE THERE WAS NO WARNING IF I WERE GOING FAST I WAS GOING FAST I WOULD HAVE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME I TOOK IT BACK TO HARLEY SHOP THAY REPLACED HYDRONIC PUMP 825.00 THERE WAS NO WARNING IT FROZE

NHTSA complaint #11013998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30 miles Buckhannon, WV

STRUCTURE:BODY

LEFT SADDLEBAG CAME OFF WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH ON 4 LANE ROAD. CAUSED MANY VEHICLES BEHIND ME TO QUICKLY AVOID HITTING IT. THE CONNECTING STUDS VIBRATED LOOSE CAUSING THIS TO FALL OFF. NOT TO MENTION AN ESTIMATE OF 600,00 DOLLARS TO REPAIR SADDLEBAG. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT FOR VEHICLES BEHIND.

NHTSA complaint #11005602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 13,300 miles Lake Charles, LA

SERVICE BRAKES

I EXPERIENCED FRONT BRAKE ISSUES ON MY MOTORCYCLE THAT I BELIEVE TO BE RELATED TO THE ABS SYSTEM. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURED, WITH THE MOTORCYCLE IN MOTION, ON A STATE HIGHWAY BEING OPERATED AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 45 MPH, THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER FAILED TO DEPRESS UNDER NORMAL PRESSURE, AND WOULD ONLY ENGAGE IF I PLACED AN UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF FORCE ON THE BRAKE LEVER. THIS CONDITION CAUSED ME TO HAVE TO PANIC STOP USING ONLY THE ENGINE COMPRESSION AND REAR BRAKE. THIS IS ON A MOTORCYCLE THAT I PURCHASED FROM AN OEM DEALERSHIP LESS THAN 24 MONTHS AGO, THEREFORE THE RECOMMENDED TIME INTERVAL FOR BRAKE FLUID SERVICE HAD NOT BEEN REACHED YET, UNLESS THE DEALER FAILED TO PERFORM THIS SAFETY CRITICAL MAINTENANCE BEFORE SELLING THE MOTORCYCLE. I DISCONTINUED USE OF THE VEHICLE AND BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED.

NHTSA complaint #10993858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 46,670 miles Fincastle, VA

SERVICE BRAKES

HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE ABS MODULE GOING BAD. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHT, NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM AT ALL. WHEN GETTING OFF THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH COMING UP TO A STOP SIGN THERE WAS NO FRONT BRAKE AT ALL. THE LEVER WAS HARD AS A ROCK AND WOULD NOT PULL AT ALL. HARLEY SAYS IT'S FROM NOT FLUSHING THE FLUID, BUT I HAVE FLUSHED IT 3 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE AND I PURCHASED IT BRAND NEW. THE BIKE HAS 47K MILES ON IT AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY ME. I'M AN ASE CERTIFIED MASTER MECHANIC WITH 21 YRS EXPERIENCE ON AUTOMOBILES. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF AN ABS FAULT CAUSE A NO BRAKE SITUATION. THIS IS A DEATH WAITING TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA complaint #10939934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,600 miles Pensacola, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTK ELECTRA GLIDE. WHILE RIDING 70 MPH, THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON BOOTH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,600. ...UPDATED 10/12/16 *BF *CN THEN CONSUMER STATED THE MOTORCYCLE ABS AND MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10887680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Kernersville, NC Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY STEEP DRIVEWAY AND MY FRONT BRAKE SUDDENLY BECAME VERY HARD TO PULL, BORDERING ON IMPOSSIBLE, AND BASICALLY HAD NO STOPPING POWER. AS THIS IS THE ONLY BRAKE I COULD USE WHILE WALKING/BACKING MY BIKE DOWN MY SLOPED THE DRIVEWAY THE BIKE PICKED UP SPEED AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND THE BIKE FELL OVER. SINCE THEN I HAVE TRIED TO BLEED THE BRAKES 3 TIME WITH NO CHANGE. BRAKE LEVER IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL. I THEN REPLACED MY MASTER CYLINDER AND FLUID,BUT COULD STILL NOT BLEED THE FLUID TO GET PROPER LEVER PULL AN BRAKE ACTUATION. I HAVE NOW TROUBLESHOT THIS ISSUE AND NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE ABS MODULATOR, AS I AM GETTING FLUID FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER THROUGH THE LINE TO THE MODULATOR, BUT FLUID IS NOT PASSING THROUGH AND GETTING TO THE CALIPERS. FRONT BRAKES ONLY ARE AFFECTED, AS REAR SEEMS TO BE OK. VERY UNSAFE SITUATION TO HAVE AN ABS SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT HAVE A FAILSAFE BUILT IN TO POSSIBLY BYPASS THE SOLENOIDS IN THE MODULATOR IF THE MODULATOR FAILS. I HAVE READ ON INTERNET FORUMS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE, SO HOPEFULLY IT CAN BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA complaint #10883646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 82,200 miles Sarasota, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

DEPRESSED FRONT BRAKE LEVER AND IN COMPLETELY BOTTOMED OUT. HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES UP TO STOP. A FEW DAYS LATER TOOK BIKE TO A VERY GOOD & TRUSTWORTHY MECHANIC. WE CHANGED THE MASTER CYLINDER & BLED SYSTEM. BRAKE ISSUE PERSIST. HARLEY WANTS BIKE TO DIAGNOSE ISSUE ($120.00). MECHANIC THINKS IT COULD BE THE MAIN ABS MODULE.

NHTSA complaint #10748487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 21,919 miles Sylvania, OH

WHEELS

I WAS DRIVING MY MOTORCYCLE ON US 18/20 NEAR SHERIDAN, WY. I NOTICED FOR SEVERAL MILES THAT THERE WAS A VIBRATION/SHUTTER IN THE FRONT END OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THAT A WHEEL WEIGHT FRONT FROM THE FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF CAUSING A TIRE IMBALANCE. AFTER ABOUT 5 MILES THE SHUTTER BECAME MORE VIOLENT AND I PULLED MY MOTORCYCLE OF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THE RIGHT SIDE, FRONT WHEEL BEARING RETAINER BECAME SEPERATED FROM THE WHEEL BEARING AND SEVERAL OF THE BALL BEARINGS CAME OUT AND THAT THE FRONT WHEE BEARING HAD FAILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO BLACK HILLS HARLEY DAVIDSON IN RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA FOR REPAIRS ON 8/5/2015. BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF $170.60. TOWING OF $880.00 WAS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE THROUGH THE HARELY OWNERS GROUP/ROAD AMERICA. WHILE BEARING FAILURES ARE SOMEWHAT COMMON IN AN AUTOMOBILE, THEY CAN BE CATASTROPHIC ON A MOTORYCYCLE SHOULD THE FRONT WHEEL LOCK UP AND SIEZE. HARLEY SHOULD TAKE THE TIME TO DETERMINE IF THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER FAILURES OF SIMILAR PARTS WITHIN A SIMILAR VIN/LOT/VINTAGE OF MY MOTORCYCLE TO DETERMINE IF THERE HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS IN THEIR MOTORCYCLES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED.

NHTSA complaint #10747341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,000 miles Point Roberts, WA

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA GLIDE LIMITED (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE MOTORCYCLE AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE COMPENSATOR SPROCKET ATTACHED TO THE CRANKSHAFT RATTLED AND VIBRATED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A LOOSE BOLT FROM THE SPROCKET. THE COMPENSATOR SPROCKET WAS REPLACED BUT, APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED A THIRD TIME APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES LATER, WHICH DAMAGED THE CRANKSHAFT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE INITIAL FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #10691157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 31,000 miles Sykesville, MD Crash

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

I WAS ON A COUNTRY ROAD GOING INTO A CORNER. I HIT THE REAR BRAKE TO FIND I DID NOT HAVE ANY REAR BRAKES. AFTER THE ACCIDENT WHEN I GOT THE BIKE HOME AND HAD TIME TO INSPECT IT I FOUND THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD BLOW OUT CAUSING THE BACK BRAKES TO FAIL. I CALLED HARLEY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DID NOT GET ANY ANSWERS OR EVEN A PHONE BACK AFTER I TOLD THEM THAT THEY MAY HAVE A PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL. I THEN CALLED MY DEALER. THEY ARE TRYING TO HELP BUT ARE NOT SURE WHAT THEY CAN DO EITHER. THE END RESULT IS THIS, I HAVE THE SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND GARAGE KEPT. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THIS FAILURE. IT JUST HAD A MAJOR SERVICE DONE AT 30000 MILES. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS BIKE. THE BIKE WAS PURCHASED AROUND SEPTEMBER 2011 AND WENT TO THE DEALER IT WAS PURCHASED FROM FOR A 1000 MILES SERVICE WITH IN 2 MONTHS AFTER IT WAS BOUGHT. I AM NOT LOOKING CAUSE A LOT OF GRIEF BUT IF HARLEY HAS PROBLEM I WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD WANT FIGURE WHAT HAPPENED AND TRY TO MAKE THIS CUSTOMER HAPPY.

NHTSA complaint #10585844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 31,000 miles Sykesville, MD Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS ON A COUNTRY ROAD GOING INTO A CORNER. I HIT THE REAR BRAKE TO FIND I DID NOT HAVE ANY REAR BRAKES. AFTER THE ACCIDENT WHEN I GOT THE BIKE HOME AND HAD TIME TO INSPECT IT I FOUND THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD BLOW OUT CAUSING THE BACK BRAKES TO FAIL. I CALLED HARLEY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DID NOT GET ANY ANSWERS OR EVEN A PHONE BACK AFTER I TOLD THEM THAT THEY MAY HAVE A PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL. I THEN CALLED MY DEALER. THEY ARE TRYING TO HELP BUT ARE NOT SURE WHAT THEY CAN DO EITHER. THE END RESULT IS THIS, I HAVE THE SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND GARAGE KEPT. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THIS FAILURE. IT JUST HAD A MAJOR SERVICE DONE AT 30000 MILES. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS BIKE. THE BIKE WAS PURCHASED AROUND SEPTEMBER 2011 AND WENT TO THE DEALER IT WAS PURCHASED FROM FOR A 1000 MILES SERVICE WITH IN 2 MONTHS AFTER IT WAS BOUGHT. I AM NOT LOOKING CAUSE A LOT OF GRIEF BUT IF HARLEY HAS PROBLEM I WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD WANT FIGURE WHAT HAPPENED AND TRY TO MAKE THIS CUSTOMER HAPPY.

NHTSA complaint #10585844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 11,896 miles Broadlands, VA

WHEELS

THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS STARTED MAKING METAL TO METAL NOISES OFF AND ON WHILE THE HANDLE BARS WOULD VIBRATE. IT IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET THAT HARLEY DAVIDSON CHANGED TO A SMALLER WHEEL BEARING AND THEY COME FROM SOUTH KOREA AND DELHI, INDIA. THERE IS NO SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ON THIS EVER AND THEY SHOULD NOT GO BAD AT 11,000 MILES. THE BEARINGS RUINED THE WHEEL AND WILL COST $550 TO REPLACE IT AND A TOTAL OF $909 TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT THE FRONT WHEEL COULD HAVE LOCKED UP AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES AND OR DEATH TO THE RIDER. IN THE PROCESS OF HARLEY DAVIDSON MAKING AN "OUT OF WARRANTY CONSIDERATION" ABOUT WHOSE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS. I'M EXPECTING THERE WILL BE A RECALL DOWN THE ROAD BEFORE IT BECOMES A CLASS ACTION SUIT AFTER SOMEONE GETS KILLED OR INJURED. IT APPEARS FROM THE INTERNET THAT THE REAL WHEEL BEARINGS ARE ALSO BECOMING A ISSUE. SINCE THERE IS NO MAINTENANCE ON WHEEL BEARINGS ONE WOULD EXPECT TO NOT HAVE TO HAVE THEM GO OUT EVERY 10K MILES AT A POSSIBLE COST OF UP TO $900 PER WHEEL.

NHTSA complaint #10542296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eatontown, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

I RECEIVED A LETTER ON NOV 9 MY DEALER ONLY GETS 8 OF 10 RECALL PARTS A WEEK IF THERE LUCKY. I CALL MAIN OFFICE OF HARLEY. THERE EXCUSE IS THEY CANT MAKE THEM FAST ENOUGH. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES ON MY BIKE YOU THINK THEY BE GETTING OUT MORE PARTS THEN WHAT THERE GIVING. THERE EXCUSES IS THERE GLOBAL. SO MAKE MORE PARTS .IF YOU DON'T CAMP OUT AT YOUR DEALER TO GET IT FIXED YOU'LL NEVER GET IT FIXED. THIS LETTER CAME OUT NOV 9 BUT IT WAS IN THE PAPERS A MONTH BEFORE AND STILL HASN'T BEEN RESOLVED .CANE YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED BECAUSE THEY CANT MEET THERE RESPONSIBILITY .. I HAVE A CASE [XXX] WITH MAIN OFFICE OF HARLEY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10438195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eatontown, NJ

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I RECEIVED A LETTER ON NOV 9 MY DEALER ONLY GETS 8 OF 10 RECALL PARTS A WEEK IF THERE LUCKY. I CALL MAIN OFFICE OF HARLEY. THERE EXCUSE IS THEY CANT MAKE THEM FAST ENOUGH. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES ON MY BIKE YOU THINK THEY BE GETTING OUT MORE PARTS THEN WHAT THERE GIVING. THERE EXCUSES IS THERE GLOBAL. SO MAKE MORE PARTS .IF YOU DON'T CAMP OUT AT YOUR DEALER TO GET IT FIXED YOU'LL NEVER GET IT FIXED. THIS LETTER CAME OUT NOV 9 BUT IT WAS IN THE PAPERS A MONTH BEFORE AND STILL HASN'T BEEN RESOLVED .CANE YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED BECAUSE THEY CANT MEET THERE RESPONSIBILITY .. I HAVE A CASE [XXX] WITH MAIN OFFICE OF HARLEY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10438195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Benton, AR

STEERING

2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON ELECTRA-GLIDE ULTRA-LIMITED (103CU), BOUGHT NEW JUNE 2011. REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP THAT, THE FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY WITH HANDS REMOVED FROM HANDLEBARS AT AROUND 30 TO 35 MPH. THE VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT END CAUSES THE HANDLEBARS TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND WITHOUT IMMEDIATE HANDS BACK ON THE BARS THE VIBRATION INCREASES TO THE POINT OF POSSIBLE ?LOSS OF CONTROL? OF THE MOTORCYCLE; THIS ISSUE WILL CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO RIDER AND PASSENGER. DEALERSHIP CHECKED ALL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FRONT END AND REPORTED NO ISSUES OUT OF TOLERANCE, BUT DID SAY THAT THE FRONT TIRE WAS SLIGHTLY LOW IN AIR PRESSURE, OTHER THAN THE AIR PRESSURE DIFFERENCE THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO ISSUES FOUND. THE FRONT TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED OR REPORTED AS FAULTY AND THE VIBRATION CONTINUES TO THIS DATE, THE MOTORCYCLE ONLY HAS 3500 MILES SINCE NEW JUNE 2011. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE INTERNET AND HAVE SEEN THAT MANY WITH THE SAME VIBRATION ISSUE HAVE REPLACED THEIR FRONT TIRES AND THE ISSUE SUBSIDED. HOW CAN US THE PUBLIC FORCE HARLEY DAVIDSON TO RELEASE A EMERGENCY SERVICE LETTER/RECALL NOTICE TO ALL 2011 TOURING MODEL HARLEY MOTORCYCLE OWNERS, FOR A REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT TIRE WITH A KNOWN GOOD TIRE TO SOLVE THE ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10426422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Benton, AR

SUSPENSION

2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON ELECTRA-GLIDE ULTRA-LIMITED (103CU), BOUGHT NEW JUNE 2011. REPORTED TO DEALERSHIP THAT, THE FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY WITH HANDS REMOVED FROM HANDLEBARS AT AROUND 30 TO 35 MPH. THE VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT END CAUSES THE HANDLEBARS TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND WITHOUT IMMEDIATE HANDS BACK ON THE BARS THE VIBRATION INCREASES TO THE POINT OF POSSIBLE ?LOSS OF CONTROL? OF THE MOTORCYCLE; THIS ISSUE WILL CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO RIDER AND PASSENGER. DEALERSHIP CHECKED ALL SPECIFICATIONS FOR FRONT END AND REPORTED NO ISSUES OUT OF TOLERANCE, BUT DID SAY THAT THE FRONT TIRE WAS SLIGHTLY LOW IN AIR PRESSURE, OTHER THAN THE AIR PRESSURE DIFFERENCE THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO ISSUES FOUND. THE FRONT TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED OR REPORTED AS FAULTY AND THE VIBRATION CONTINUES TO THIS DATE, THE MOTORCYCLE ONLY HAS 3500 MILES SINCE NEW JUNE 2011. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE INTERNET AND HAVE SEEN THAT MANY WITH THE SAME VIBRATION ISSUE HAVE REPLACED THEIR FRONT TIRES AND THE ISSUE SUBSIDED. HOW CAN US THE PUBLIC FORCE HARLEY DAVIDSON TO RELEASE A EMERGENCY SERVICE LETTER/RECALL NOTICE TO ALL 2011 TOURING MODEL HARLEY MOTORCYCLE OWNERS, FOR A REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT TIRE WITH A KNOWN GOOD TIRE TO SOLVE THE ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10426422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100 miles Golden, CO

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

AT ALTITUDE - APPROXIMATELY 3700FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL - ONCE THE 2011 ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC LIMITED HEATS UP, THE MOTOR KNOCKS AND PINGS SO BAD IT SOUNDS LIKE THE MOTOR IS GOING TO FALL APART. IF I TAKE BIKE TO SEA LEVEL, THE DETONATION ISSUE CLEARS UP. THE MOTORCYCLE IS UN-RIDEABLE IN THIS CONDITION. THE HARLEY DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM/TIMING MAPPING AND THAT HARLEY MOTOR COMPANY WAS 'LOOKING INTO IT', BUT NO FIX IS FORTHCOMING.

NHTSA complaint #10424796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.