2009 Harley-Davidson Flhrc

Routine

Owners filed 13 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes3
101
Electrical System3
101
Engine2
000
Vehicle Speed Control1
000
Suspension1
001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
000
Power Train1
000
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch1
010

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip18V076000
Filed Jan 29, 2018174,636 vehiclesHarley-Davidson Motor Company

Defect. 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 Owner’s Manual.

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.

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.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch11V506000
Filed Oct 19, 2011250,757 vehiclesHarley-Davidson Motor Company

Defect. 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.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting09V457000
Filed Dec 1, 2009111,569 vehiclesHarley-Davidson Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 21, 202126,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2009 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic FLHRC Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding 75 mph, the front lever became resistant and had to press forcefully to slow the motorcycle. The contact stated he continued riding to his destination. The contact took the motorcycle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the ABS Hydraulic Unit replaced. Additionally, the vehicle was subjected to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V076000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The motorcycle was not repaired however, the repair was pending. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 5, 201710,000 milesNY

STARTING ISSUE THAT LEAD TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPENSATOR REPLACEMENT. ON GOING ISSUE WITH MANY HD CYCLES (2006-2012) THAT OWNERS ARE LEFT TO RESOLVE WITH THEIR OWN MONEYS NOT AT THEIR OWN FAULT. HAVE A LITTLE OVER 10K MILES WHICH IS AN UNACCEPTABLE ISSUE. I WAS CAUGHT AWAY FROM HOME WHEN NON STARTING ISSUE OCCURRED. CURRENTLY AWAITING PARTS AND LABOR AT GOWANDA HARLEY DAVIDSON!

Engine
Filed May 1, 201720,575 milesMN

WHILE EXITING A TOWN I ACCELERATED TO HIGHWAY SPEED THEN MY ENGINE STALLED OUT AND WENT INTO LIMP-HOME MODE NOT ALLOWING ANY MORE THAN AN IDLE, VERY DANGEROUS. LUCKILY I WAS NOT PASSING ANYONE OR RIDING IN A GROUP WHEN THE ENGINE LOST ALL ACCELERATION, WORSE WOULD HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CROSS A BUSY INTERSECTION. CERTAIN DISASTER!!

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 15, 201621,000 milesKY

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP I WENT TO APPLY BRAKES, APPLIED REAR BRAKE AND ATTEMPTED TO APPLY FRONT BRAKE AND THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER WAS FROZEN SOLID AND THE FRONT BRAKES DID NOT ACTUATE. I WAS ABLE TO STOP COMPLETELY WITH REAR BRAKE ONLY

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2016NC

I WAS HAVING ISSUE WITH BATTERYS GOING BAD AND IT TURNS OUT TO BE THE COMPENSATOR IN WHICH IF I DIDN'T GET FIXED IT COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO CRASH MY BIKE. IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE WITH IN THESES YEARS FROM 08 TO 2011.

Electrical SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 5, 201612,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHRC ROAD KING CLASSIC. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE ABS FAILED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO HIS FOOT, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR FAILED. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. UPDATED 09/20/16*LJ

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 15, 201625,800 milesFL

ABS QUIT WORKING, HAD TO REPLACE. START BIKE AND THE BRAKE HANDLE WAS FROZEN IN PLACE. IF YOU FORCE IT USING BOTH HANDS IT WOULD BEGIN TO WORK. WOULD WORK UNTIL TURN OFF THE BIKE. WHEN STARTING BIKE AGAIN, SAME PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP SAID "ABS HCU FAILED, MUST REPLACE..

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 3, 201428,663 milesFL

WHILE MOVING THE BIKE IN THE GARAGE UNDER POWER, THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE. NO FRONT BRAKES!! LIFTED FOOT TO USE REAR BRAKE AND BIKE AND MY SELF FELL OVER AS BIKE HIT ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE IN GARAGE. THE BRAKE ARE FROZEN IN THE NON BRAKING POSITION. BIKE WAS LAST USED 4 DAYS AGO AND NO BRAKE PROBLEMS NOTED AT THAT TIME. HAVING BIKE TOWED TO SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 2, 201317,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THROTTLE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE ENGAGED INTO IDLE MODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL, BUT DID BECOME UNRESPONSIVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE THROTTLE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000. *TR UPDATED 8/5/13 *CN

Suspension1 injured
Filed Jan 25, 201318,000 milesKS

WHEN DECELERATING, AND BIKE IS BETWEEN 35-45 MPH, A HARSH FRONT END WOBBLE OCCURS. CAN BE LIMITED BY TIGHTLY GRIPPING THE BARS. DEALER INDICATED IT WAS THE TIRES, THOUGH THEY WERE NEW. HAVE REPLACED THE TIRES TWICE SINCE AND STILL NO FIX. DEALER'S SOLUTION NOW IS TO SUSTAIN A HARD GRIP ON THE BARS AT ALL TIMES, WHICH IS UNSAFE AND NOT A PRACTICAL SOLUTION. IN THE INCIDENT ON 6/16/11, IT CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL AND A SLOW-SPEED TUMBLE FROM THE BIKE, IN WHICH MY ELBOW WAS INJURED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 16, 20124,100 milesMI

AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES, MY MOTORCYCLE DID NOT RESPOND TO THROTTLE INPUT. THE ENGINE RAN, BUT WENT INTO "LIMP MODE", WHICH IS A LOW RPM ONLY MODE. I COULD NOT MAINTAIN THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT. I PULLED OVER, SHUT THE BIKE ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES AND THE ISSUE CEASED. THIS SITUATION OCCURRED ONE OTHER TIME LATER THAT SAME DAY BUT REQUIRED AT LEAST 5 ATTEMPTS AT TURNING THE POWER ON AND OFF BEFORE I COULD REGAIN THE FULL RANGE OF THROTTLE RESPONSE REQUIRED TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD. I TOOK THE BIKE INTO THE LOCAL HD DEALER. THEY RECOVERED AT LEAST TWO ERROR CODES FROM THE BIKE. THEY ASKED IF I HAD THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR OR THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED. THEY SAID THE "LIMP THROTTLE" ISSUE IS COMMON WITH "DRIVE BY WIRE" (NO MECHANICAL THROTTLE CABLE) HARLEYS. THEY SAID THEY WOULD FIX THE ISSUE. I CONVEYED MY CONCERN THAT THIS CONDITION IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IF IT OCCURS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED DOWN THE INTERSTATE OR IN A LANE OF TRAFFIC WHERE I COULDN'T EASILY PULL OVER AFTER LOSING THROTTLE RESPONSE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, BUT AGREES THAT ERROR CODES WERE DISPLAYED WHEN I BROUGHT THE BIKE IN FOR SERVICE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. I AM HESITANT TO RIDE MY MOTORCYCLE IN TRAFFIC FOR FEAR THAT I WILL BE REAR ENDED IF THE BIKE ENTERS LIMP MODE AT SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING. IT APPEARS THIS ISSUE IS SOMEWHAT PREVALENT ON LATE MODEL DRIVE BY WIRE HARLEYS. REFERENCE MESSAGE BOARD LINK:

Electrical System
Filed Oct 24, 201136,750 milesFL

I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS BIKE USED, I BOUGHT IT FROM A NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE COMPANY WHO DEALS IN RENTAL BIKES. I WAS UNAWARE THIS BIKE YEAR (2009) HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM, AS OF TODAY'S DATE I'VE HAVE HAD THREE INSTANCES WHERE THE BIKE HAS WENT INTO BREAK DOWN MODE BECAUSE OF THIS FAULTY SYSTEM. THE PRIOR TWO INCIDENTS WERE DIAGNOSED AND APPARENTLY FIXED BY MY LOCAL BIKE SHOP, BUT THE SAME PROBLEM KEEPS OCCURRING. DURING THE FIRST INCIDENT, MYSELF AND PASSENGER WERE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 95 IN SOUTH FLORIDA AT NIGHT, THE BIKE WENT INTO BREAK DOWN MODE AS I WAS SWITCHING GEARS AND I WAS ALMOST HIT TWICE BY TRAFFIC TRYING TO MAKE IT SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER WHERE I HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. THE SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE IN AN AREA THAT WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND HAD NO BREAKDOWN LANE/ SHOULDER, ONCE AGAIN, I NARROWLY ESCAPED BEING RUN OVER WHEN MY BIKE WENT INTO BREAKDOWN MODE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE SHOP. THE THIRD INCIDENT; WHICH HAPPENED LAST WEEK OCCURRED AS I WAS COMING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY ONTO A1A IN POMPANO BEACH, FL. I ENTERED THE ROADWAY AND BEGAN TO GEAR-UP WHEN THE BIKE WENT INTO BREAKDOWN MODE.THE DRIVER BEHIND ME, APPEARED TO BE IN A HURRY TO MAKE THE BRIDGE BEFORE IT OPENED FOR BOAT TRAFFIC FAILED TO NOTICE MY SPEED AND FORCED ME OFF THE ROAD BEFORE I COULD MAKE IT OVER SAFELY, GOOD THING THERE WAS A LAWN WITH LOTS OF SPACE FOR MY FORCED EXIT. HARLEY, PLEASE ENGINEER A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM A.S.A.P AND ISSUE A RECALL !!!!!!!

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › SwitchFire
Filed Sep 8, 20115,200 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MELTED DUE TO THE LIGHT BEING BUILT NEXT TO THE ENGINE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE REAR BRAKES TO STOP WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,200.

13 of 13 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20140100Routine
20131000Routine
20121100Routine
20114100Routine
20104300Routine
2009 — this page13310Routine
200812200Routine
200714020Routine

Compare every Flhrc year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 29, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.