70 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 20,000–30,000 miles.
Most common 2008 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu problems
36 of the 81 complaints (44%) are about the brakes.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Service Brakes · brakes
30
2
0
3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes
5
1
0
1
Power Train · transmission
5
1
0
1
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system
5
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
4
0
0
0
Tires
3
1
0
2
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system
3
0
0
0
Engine
3
0
1
0
Wheels
2
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
2
0
0
0
2 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 Owners 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap08V357000
Filed Jul 30, 200847,579 vehiclesHarley-Davidson Motor Company
Defect. HARLEY DAVIDSON IS RECALLING 47,579 MY 2008 FLHP, FLHPE, FLHR, FLHRC, FLHRSE4, FLHT, FLHTC, FLHTCU, FLHTCUSE3, FLHTP, FLHX, AND FLTR MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES MAY EXPERIENCE A CRACKING OF THE FUEL FILTER SHELL LEADING TO LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE. THIS LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE CAN CAUSE DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE AND, IN SOME CASES, MAY CAUSE AN ENGINE STALL OR A NO-START CONDITION.
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER SHELL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service Brakes1 injured
Filed Mar 30, 2022FL
ABS System failure causing brakes to fail
Service BrakesCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 8, 2021SC
I was riding my motorcycle with a group of bikes and had to make an emergency stop. When the brakes were applied, as directed in the owners manual, the ABS failed and caused the rear tire to lock and skid. The resulting skid caused a loss of control of the motorcycle and ultimately laying the bike down on the asphalt highway. This resulted in the rider and passenger sustaining injuries. The passenger received a Tramatic Brain Injury which a month and a half later she is still in recovery. The motorcycle has not yet been repaired or looked at by any Police or Technical personnel. There were no warnings or lights prior to the accident.
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 25, 202051,080 milesMD
I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH AND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION NEAR MY HOME. I HAD TO STOP QUICKLY AS A CAR TURNED INTO MY LANE JUST A HEAD OF ME. I APPLIED THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES OF MY MOTORCYCLE BUT THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER DID NOT MOVE AT ALL. IT WAS AS IF IT WAS FROZEN IN PLACE. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE FRONT BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW USING THE REAR BRAKE AND AVOIDED A COLLISION BY STEERING OUT OF THE WAY. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND INVESTIGATING, I FOUND THE ABS MODULE HAD FAILED. I ALSO FOUND THIS IS AN ISSUE KNOWN BY HARLEY DAVIDSON OF THEIR 2008-2014 MOTORCYCLES WITH ABS. THEIR SOLUTION, IS TO BLEED THE BRAKE FLUID EVERY TWO YEARS NO MATTER WHAT. I DO THAT MYSELF EVERY TWO YEARS. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT IF I REPLACE THE ABS MODULE, AT SIGNIFICANT COST, THAT A FAILURE WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN.
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 11, 202060,000 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA FLHTCUI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 18V076000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREELEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND WILD WEST MOTORSPORTS, INC. LOCATED AT (3010 29TH ST, GREELEY, CO 80631 (970) 351-8150) TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS FLUSHED REFILLED WITH PLATINUM DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN SOUGHT PERMISSION FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO AUTHORIZE AN ADDITIONAL REPAIR HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO AUTHORIZE A SECOND REPAIR. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT PART AND REPAIRED THE MOTORCYCLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 17, 201921,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU. WHILE RIDING AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE REAR BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND WERE INOPERABLE. MOMENTS LATER, BOTH THE REAR AND FRONT BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND THE MOTORCYCLE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP, NEARLY CAUSING A CRASH. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO CENTENNIAL PARK HARLEY-DAVIDSON (12477 E. BROAD ST SW, PATASKALA, OH) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC UNIT AND MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE OWNER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V016000 (SERVICE BRAKES) WITHOUT REPLACING THE MASTER CYLINDER AND HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 14, 201911,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HANNUM'S HARLEY-DAVIDSON (1011 W BALTIMORE PIKE, MEDIA, PA 19063, (610) 566-5562) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 28, 201930,000 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU (ULTRA CLASSIC). WHEN REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF GREENVILLE (30 CHROME DR, GREENVILLE, SC 296615) DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 30, 201829,000 milesAZ
I,M LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS. OWNER OF A HARLEY DAVIDSON. MY STEEL REAR BRAKELINE WAS SANDED THROUGH.( RESULT NO BRAKE WHILE RIDING) I WENT TO MY DEALER IN BELGIUM, I REPORTED BY THE AFTERSALES MANAGER MR. ANDERSON HARLEY DAVIDSON BENELUX. I ASKED THEM TO TAKE ACTION. (SAFETY RESEARCH) I SENT A E-MAIL TO HARLEY DAVIDSON COMPANY. ( MILWAUKEE) NO REACTION. IN MY E-MAIL I ASK SEVERAL TO DO RESEARCH, I TOLD THEM THAT THEIR ARE RESPONSIBLE, TAKE CARE ABOUT SAFETY OF ALL ROAD USERS. ( NO REACTION. I WROTE THAT I TAKE RESPONSIBILTY AND I REPORT IT BY COMPETENT AUTHORITIES. I REPORT IT BY : N.H.T.S.A. ( COUNTRY OF MANUFACTERING), BELGIUM, OFFICE OF HOMOLOGATIE VAN VOERTUIGEN, NETHERLANDS, R.D.W. ( NATIONAL ROAD SECURITY) I HAVE THE BROKEN BRAKELINE IN MY POSSESSION. I OFFER THE BELGIUM OR DUTCH INSPECTION THIS BRAKELINE FOR A CHECK WHEN REQUIRED. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP. PLEASE INFORM ME.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 16, 201821,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V076000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO SANDY'S HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORT CENTER (11940 N MAPLE ISLAND RD, FREMONT, MI 49412, (231) 924-3020) FOR SERVICING. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS BLEEDING THE BRAKE FLUID PER THE RECALL, THE ABS MODULE BECAME DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 21,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 26, 201822,500 milesNH
KNOWN DEFECT IN THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WIRING IS NOT BEING CORRECTED BY LOCAL DEALERS WHEN PROBLEM VEHICLES ARE PRESENTED FOR SERVICE. I BELIEVE A RECALL IS WARRANTED TO ENSURE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ALREADY IDENTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER ARE IMPLEMENTED BEFORE MORE OPERATORS/RIDERS ARE PLACED IN DANGER. THIS DEFECT CAN BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS AS THE MOTORCYCLE INSTANTLY REDUCES THE ENGINE POWER AVAILABLE WITHOUT PREVIOUS NOTICE TO THE RIDER, WHICH CAN RESULT IN THE MOTORCYCLE FAILING TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE SPEED TO MAINTAIN STABILITY IN A TURN. THIS SO-CALLED "LIMP MODE" CONTINUES UNTIL THE MOTORCYCLE IS BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. THIS "LIMP MODE" BEHAVIOR MAY IN AND OF ITSELF ALSO CAUSE A HAZARD TO BOTH THE MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR AND NEARBY VEHICLES SHOULD THE FAILURE OCCUR WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS ON A ROADWAY WITH LIMITED OR NON-EXISTENT EMERGENCY OR BREAKDOWN AREAS. (A WEB SEARCH FOR "LIMP MODE HARLEY" RESULTS IN OVER 400,000 RESULTS, MOST OF WHICH WILL REFER TO THIS ISSUE.) TO HELP TECHNICIANS RESOLVE THE INTERMITTENT PROBLEM NATURE OF THIS DESIGN ISSUE (BY REPLACING TERMINALS IN THE WIRING HARNESS WITH A MORE RESILIENT TYPE) THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED MULTIPLE THEORY AND DIAGNOSTICS PAPERS (TT418 IN 2009 AND TT418A IN 2011) DESCRIBING ACTIONS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. OF NOTE IS THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) WHICH IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM ARE UNIQUE AND CAN ONLY BE REMOVED FROM THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) MANUALLY. MY MOT
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 15, 201856,000 milesCT
ABS UNIT FAILED I HAVE NO REAR BRAKE ON THE MOTORCYCLE.
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 19, 201840,000 milesGA
I RECEIVED A RECALL ON HD ULTRA CLASSIC 2008 ABS SYSTEM. HOWEVER ABOUT 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE FRONT BRAKE FROZE UP AND BECAME NON-FUNCTIONAL RESULTING IN A VERY UNSAFE EXPERIENCE. WILL THIS RECALL COVER THIS OR AM I ON MY OWN TO PAY FOR THIS FAILURE? I HAVE OWNED MANY VEHICLES IN MY LIFE AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN.
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 8, 20189,200 milesLA
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL THE REAR BRAKE LOCKED UP WITH NO WARNING. LUCKILY I WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND WAS ABLE TO RECOVER THE SKIDDING BIKE BEFORE I HIT THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. I BROUGHT MY BIKE THE LOCAL DEALER AND THE CLAIM THE ABS MODULE IS BAD.NO ONE MENTIONED TO ME ABOUT THE RECALL.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 16, 201720,000 milesVA
1. SUDDEN THROTTLE LOST CONTROL, GET TO SHOULDER, TURNED BIKE OFF AND STARTED. RANDOMLY HAPPENED. 2. LAST YEAR I REPLACE ECU - IT'S OK OVER A YEAR AND NOW IT HAPPENED AGAIN. 3. I SEARCH IN INTERNET - MANY OWNER HAVE SAME ISSUES AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX. THE DEALER SERVICE CHARGE ME A LOT OF MONEY AND THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT SINCE WHEN IT'S IN THE SHOP THE BIKE SEEM TO BE OK. NOW THE ISSUE SEEM TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN 4. CODE P1511 AND P2135
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 1, 201725,000 milesOH
WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION I TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE. IT WAS LOCKED IN PLACE. LUCKILY THE REAR BRAKE STILL WORKED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP. AFTER I STOPPED AND PULLED OVER I WAS ABLE TO GET THE BRAKE LEVER TO MOVE AGAIN. IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN ON THE NEXT ATTEMPT TO STOP SO I SLOWLY DROVE HOME USING ONLY THE REAR BRAKE. I HAVE BEEN RIDING BIKES FOR 40 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN. I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND I WOULD BE SURPRISED IF IT HAS NOT CAUSED SERIOUS ACCIDENTS LIKE IT ALMOST DID FOR ME AND MY WIFE. THE ABS MODULE HAS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN USED ON ANY BIKE! ON TOP OF THAT THE DEALERSHIP WANTS AROUND $1200 TO FIX THE ISSUE.
Wheels
Filed Jul 25, 2017117 milesVA
I AM CONTACTING YOU TO IMPLORE THAT YOU LOOK INTO THE POSSIBLE NEED TO HAVE A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY OF THE HARLEY DAVIDSON 2008 TOURING MODELS. I HAVE NOW REPLACED PORTIONS OF MY REAR WHEEL ON MY 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU THAT SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED OR REPLACED AS OFTEN AS THEY HAVE. UPON RESEARCH, THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THE RUBBER ISOLATORS INSIDE THE BOWL COMPENSATOR FAILING, THEREBY CAUSING THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE BOWL COMPENSATOR TO THE REAR WHEEL TO FAIL. THERE ARE 5 BOLTS AND ONCE THEY FAIL, THE MOTORCYCLE WILL BE LEFT WITHOUT POWER TO THE REAR WHEEL, POTENTIALLY CAUSING A CRASH. HARLEY DAVIDSON HAS REDESIGNED THE REAR WHEEL ASSEMBLY CONSIDERABLY FOR THE 2009 MODEL YEAR BY CREATING A ONE PIECE RUBBER ISOLATOR AND ELIMINATING THE BOWL COMPENSATOR COMPLETELY.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 6, 201736,000 milesMI
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE EXPRESS WAY A CAR CHANGED LANES IN FRONT OF ME TO CLOSE FOR COMFORT. I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE REAR BRAKE BUT COULD NOT PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN. I SWERVED AND USED THE FRONT BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN TO CREATE SPACE BETWEEN MYSELF AND OTHER TRAFFIC. I CONTINUED HOME KNOWING I ONLY HAD FRONT BRAKES. ONCE HOME I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT WOULD NOT MOVE. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ON THE COMPUTER I FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS SOMETIMES THE REAR BRAKE SOMETIMES THE FRONT BRAKE. I TOOK THE BIKE TO THE DEALERS FOR MAINTENANCE. WHAT FAILED WAS THE REAR ABS CONTROL MODULE. THIS IS THE SAME PART LISTED ONLINE BY MANY AS FAILING. ONE WEEK AFTER TAKING THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE DEALER I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HARLEY DAVIDSON INFORMING ME THAT MY MOTORCYCLE CONTAINED DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID AND THAT IT WAS REQUIRED TO BE CHANGED EVERY TWO YEARS TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FAILURE. I HAVE OWNED THIS BIKE SINCE NEW, 2008, AND NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM HARLEY BEFORE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS THE ABS MODULE THAT HAD FAILED AND ORDERED ONE. THE PART THAT WAS ON MY BIKE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. (I AM ASSUMING BECAUSE HARLEY KNOWS THEY ARE NO GOOD). THE NEW PART THAT IT HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH WILL NOT WORK ON MY MOTORCYCLE UNLESS I PURCHASE A NEW ELECTRONIC ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT ALSO WHICH IS IN EXCESS OF FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS. WHEN THE ABS BRAKES FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY, THEY FAILED IN A MANNER THAT I HAD NO BRAKES. NOT JUST NO ABS BUT NO BRAKES
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 23, 201750,000 milesFL
THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER SUDDENLY BECAME VERY HARD TO PULL. I KNEW FROM OTHER RIDERS EXPERIENCES WITH THIS THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM). MY HARLEY CERTIFIED MECHANIC VERIFIED THAT THE ABS MODULE HAD GONE BAD. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT ABS MODULE WAS OBSOLETE AND THERE WAS NO REPLACEMENT. AFTER SEVERAL CALLS TO HARLEY CUSTOMER SERVICE I WAS GIVEN TWO PART NUMBERS THAT SHOULD WORK ON MY MOTORCYCLE. MY MECHANIC HAS TO DETERMINE WHICH TYPE OF ABS IS ON MY MOTORCYCLE AND THEN I HAVE TO FIND A DEALER THAT CAN GET THE PERT. THE MOTORCYCLE IS STILL OPERABLE BUT IT IS QUESTIONABLE WHETHER OR NOR THE ABS IS WORKING. ALSO WITH THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER VERY HARD TO PULL IT CERTAINLY LEADS TO A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I FEEL THAT THIS CONDITION SHOULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION BY THE MANUFACTURER AND SINCE IT INVOLVES CONTROL AND BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE MERITED A SAFETY RECALL OR AT THE VERY LEAST A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. IF I AM ABLE TO LOCATE THE CORRECT ABS MODULE IT WILL COST ME $373.71 - $ 481.73 PLUS LABOR COSTS OF INSTALLATION. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT IS GARAGE KEPT AND SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS. I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE WARNED ME OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE REPLACED A CRITICAL PART THEY KNEW WAS GOING TO FAIL.
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 19, 201720,900 milesIN
ON CITY STREET APPLIED FRONT BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN TO MAKE TURN AND LEVER WAS ROCK SOLID. NO FRONT BRAKE AT ALL. ABS LIGHT WAS NOT ON. REAR BRAKE WORKED. DEALER SAID THEY HAD TO ORDER ABS MODULE FROM HARLEY DAVIDSON BECAUSE HARLEY DAVIDSON NEEDED THE OLD ONE TO INSPECT. BIKE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER WAITING ON NEW PART.
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 6, 201715,000 milesFL
REAR BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP- NO REAR BRAKES- ABS MODULE FAILED-VALVE NOT LETTING BRAKE FLUID TO GET TO REAR BRAKE CALIPER-DANGEROUS SITUATION. WORKED FINE ON THE WAY TO RESTAURANT. CAME OUT TO LEAVE AND NO REAR BRAKES.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 11, 201672,716 milesDC
AT THE END OF AUGUST 2016, I WAS RIDING MY 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON AND WITHOUT WARNING, MY REAR BRAKE FAILED. THANK GOD, I WAS IN A PARKING LOT, NOT ON THE MAIN STREET. I TOOK IT DOWN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT TOOK OVER TWO HOURS OF LABOR TO FIGURE OUT THAT IT WAS THE ABS UNIT THAT FAILED. EVEN THE TECHNICIAN WAS SURPRISED THAT THE ABS LIGHT NEVER LIT TO INDICATE A FAILURE. I FOUND IT STRANGE THAT ABS FAILURE WILL DISABLE THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I HAD AN ABS FAILURE ON A CAR BEFORE AND BOTH SYSTEM ARE INDEPENDENT. I AM A CANADIAN, AND I DID REPORT TO TRANSPORT CANADA THE ABS UNIT ITSELF IS $1000, WITH LABOR AND MISC PARTS, THE BILL CAME OVER $1800. IT TOOK OVER A MONTH TO GET MY MOTORCYCLE BACK, THE ABS PART WAS ON BACK ORDERED. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
Engine
Filed Oct 1, 201626,064 milesKY
COMPENSATOR SPROCKET ASSEMBLY IS MAKING A LOUD BANGING NOISE ON START UP AND WORSE WHEN ENGINE IS HOT
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 27, 201612,000 milesFL
THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER FROZE UP LEAVING ME WITHOUT ANY FRONT BRAKES. IT WAS WORKING NORMALLY DURING A RIDE WITH MY WIFE AS A PASSENGER, THEN JUST FROZE UP. THANKFULLY IT WAS NOT AT A CRITICAL MOMENT AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY AND CALLED AAA FOR A TOW. I HAD JUST PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO HIGHWAY. THIS BIKE IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS. I STILL HAD REAR WHEEL BRAKES. I LOOKED ON INTERNET AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. INTERNET SEEMS TO THINK ITS THE ABS. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH BRUCE ROSSMEYER HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALER TOMORROW.
Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Sep 7, 201630,000 milesWV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU. WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AT 30 MPH, IT SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS, CONNECTING THE THROTTLE AND CARBURETOR, WAS FAULTY. THE PINS ON THE HARNESS WERE REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 11/07/16*LJ *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 5, 201680,000 milesNC
RIDING AT 60 MPH STARTED TO SLOW DOWN DO TO A PULSATING REAR CALIPER. TRIED TO STOP WITH THE FRONT ONE AND THERE WAS NO PRESSURE AND SQUEZZED ALL THE WAY TO THE END UNRESPONSIVE. REAR WORKED, STOPPED FOR A MINUTE TO CHECK...NO LICKAGE AND NO SIGN OF ANYTHING WRONG. STARTED RIDING AGAIN AND A MINUTE LATER WAS WORKING NORMAL AGAIN...HAPPENED TWICE IN FIVE DAYS, STOP RIDING IT AND THE DEALER PICK IT UP...THEY CAN'T FIND THE ISSUE....LOOKS LIKE ABS FAILURE.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Sep 4, 201665,000 milesCT
VEHICLE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. I APPLIED MY REAR BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I ATTEMPTED THE REAR BRAKES AGAIN, AND STILL, NOTHING. I THEN APPLIED MY FRONT BRAKES, THIS CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, AND WE CRASHED.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 2, 201642,000 milesKY
I HAD JUST GOT ON I65 HEADING SOUTH. I WENT MAYBE 2 MILES, AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN, MY MOTORCYCLE ACTED LIKE IT HAD JUST RAN OUT OF GAS. OR SOMEBODY HAD HIT THE KILL SWITCH. I KNOW IT HAD GAS. AS IT WAS WINDING DOWN IN REVOLUTIONS, I TRIED EVERYTHING WITH THROTTLE, KILL SWITCH, IGNITION SWITCH. WHEN I FINALLY STOPPED, I TRIED STARTING IT, NOTHING. IT ACTED LIKE I HAD NO GAS. I OPENED THE TANK AND ROCKED THE BIKE A LITTLE, AND I HAD AT LEAST A HALF A TANK LIKE MY GAUGE READ. AFTER GETTING IT HOME I PUNCHED MY VIN NUMBER IN TO HE'S RECALL PAGE, AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL FILTER ENCLOSURE. I PURCHASED ANOTHER ENCLOSURE AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER. STILL NOTHING. I CHECKED FIRE AND THE PLUGS LIT ON FIRE. SO I SPRAYED EITHER INTO THROAT OF CARBURETOR, AND IT STARTED FOR A SECOND AND DIED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY ONE OF THE GASKETS WAS NOT SEATING CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 29, 201644,000 milesWI
WHEN CITY DRIVING AT 25 MPH ON DRY PAVEMENT, AS YOU ARE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND APPLYING THE REAR BRAKES IF YOU HIT A SMALL BUMP, THE ABS SYSTEM RESTRICTS YOUR BRAKING ABILITY AND THE MOTORCYCLE WILL ROLL INTO THE INTERSECTION BEFORE STOPPING. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS BIKE.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 12, 201654,500 milesNH
ACCESSORY P/N 91573-06 (CENTER STAND) FAILED. IT WAS PURCHASED MARCH 2009 FROM A LOCAL H-D DEALER AND INSTALLED PER PRINTED INSTRUCTIONS. IN AUGUST 2016 IT WAS DISCOVERED DURING USE THAT THE RIGHT AND LEFT LEGS HAD SEPARATED AND CAN MOVE INDEPENDENT OF ONE ANOTHER. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PLACE A PARKED MOTORCYCLE ONTO THE CENTER STAND WITH THIS UNEXPECTED CONDITION, THE MOTORCYCLE WILL INITIALLY BEGIN TO MOVE UPRIGHT (FROM LEFT) AS EXPECTED, BUT WILL CONTINUE PAST CENTERLINE UNTIL IT FALLS OVER TO THE RIGHT. PROPERTY DAMAGE OR INJURY TO SELF OR OTHERS MAY RESULT. (IN MY CASE, TWO ADULTS WERE PRESENT AND WERE ABLE TO PREVENT THE FALL AND SAFELY PUT THE MOTORCYCLE BACK ONTO IT'S SIDE STAND.) THE MOTORCYCLE WEIGHT IS ~850 POUNDS. ONE USER ALONE (AS DESIGNED) MAY NOT REACT QUICKLY ENOUGH OR BE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO PREVENT THE UNEXPECTED FALL. DAMAGE TO THE MOTORCYCLE AND ANYTHING NEARBY IS LIKELY. THE USER TRYING TO PREVENT THE FALL MAY BE PULLED OFF HIS FEET AND ONTO THE FALLEN MOTORCYCLE (RISK OF INJURY AND BURNS FROM HOT COMPONENTS). ADDITIONAL INJURY TO ANYONE TO THE RIGHT SIDE IS LIKEWISE POSSIBLE, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN AND PERSONS OF SMALL STATURE.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 6, 201664,000 milesVA
REAR BRAKE LINE WAS WORN THRU AND LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND USE OF REAR BRAKE. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE CLUTCH CABLE IN CONTACT WITH THE REAR BRAKE LINE. THE VEHICLE HAD 64,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE WAS WHEN APPROACHING A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT AND I WAS TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE STOP WAS MADE USING THE FRONT BRAKE.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 12, 201635,102 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FOOT BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE FRONT BRAKE WAS ENGAGED IN ORDER TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE AIR BUBBLES IN THE BRAKE LINES. THE MECHANIC BLED THE FOOT BRAKE LINES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,102.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 10, 201635,000 milesMO
THE REAR BRAKE WILL LOCK UP FOR AN INSTANT IF YOU ARE APPLYING THE BRAKE AND YOU HIT A BUMP OR OVER A HOLE.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 20, 201636,584 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND UTILIZING A HAND BRAKE AND FOOT BRAKE TO STOP, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE MOTORCYCLE RODE INTO AN INTERSECTION. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE COMPLETELY NON-FUNCTIONAL. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,584. UPDATED 08/02/16*LJ ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE BRAKE PEDAL AND LEVER WERE HARD AND THE BIKE WOULD NOT STOP. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER AND HYDRAULIC CLUTCH UNIT. ALSO, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING. UPDATED 08/15/16.*JB
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 21, 201623,000 milesFL
MY FRONT BRAKE LEVER LOCKED UP! NO FRONT BRAKES!! ABSOLUTELY NO MOVEMENT AT ALL WHEN APPLYING FRONT BRAKE, WITH OR WITHOUT BIKE BEING STARTED! NO ABS LIGHT ON. THE WAY I UNDERSTAND IT (AFTER REVIEWS OF MANY OF THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE DOING SAME AS MINE, ON MANY DIFFERENT FORUMS), IT'S DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ABS VALVE MODULE, THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. AGAIN, THE WAY I UNDERSTAND IT, THE ABS VALVE MODULE IS SUPPOSED TO GO INTO MANUAL MODE AND I WOULD STILL HAVE AT LEAST SOME FRONT BRAKES! I HAVE NOTHING, NONE! NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON, AND ABS LIGHT OPERATED NORMALLY! BEING A MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURER, I'VE GOT TO BELIEVE SOMEONE THERE REALIZES THAT THE FRONT BRAKE IS 70% OF A BIKE'S STOPPING POWER.. ARE THEY WAITING FOR A DEATH TOLL SIMILAR TO FIRESTONE/EXPLORER ROLLOVERS, TO BE FORCED TO DO SOMETHING TO PREVENT THE CERTAIN ACCIDENTS THAT WILL CERTAINLY BE CAUSED DO TO THIS?!? THIS OCCURRED YESTERDAY, WHEN I WAS ABOUT TO TAKE THE BIKE OUT OF THE GARAGE. THANK GOD, FROM DRIVING TRACTOR TRAILERS FOR 25 YRS, I'M ANAL ABOUT MY "PRE-TRIP" INSPECTION, AND I DISCOVERED IT THEN, RATHER THAN ON THE ROAD WHEN IT WAS NEEDED!!
Steering
Filed Nov 13, 201526,000 milesMA
THERE IS A SPEED WOBBLE STARTING IN THE 60'S AND CONTINUING THROUGH THE 70'S+ ON STRAIGHT ROADS AND CURVES. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR YEARS AND I STILL CONTINUE TO SPEND MONEY ADJUSTING ETC. THE BIKE I'VE SPENT THOUSANDS IN LABOR AND PARTS TO FIX AND OR ADJUST THE BIKE WITHOUT SUCCESS. I'VE CALLED HARLEY DAVIDSON MORE THAN ONCE TO BE TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF AN ISSUE AND I'M ON MY OWN BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I'VE RESEARCHED THE INTERNET TO FIND DOZENS OF NEWS AND PRIVATE COMPLAINTS TO THE PROBLEM. EVEN A CLASS ACTION SUIT WEBSITE.
Power Train
Filed Oct 14, 201549,312 milesIN
MY COMPENSATOR WENT BAD ABOUT A YEAR AGO WHILE MY BIKE WAS STILL UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS JUST NORMAL NOISE. NOW COME TO FIND OUT HARLEY DAVIDSON KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEIR COMPENSATOR. THEY DON'T EVEN LAST 20,00 MILES AND I THINK THEY SHOULD RECALL THEM. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GO ON THE HARLEY DAVIDSON FORUMS AND THERE YOU WILL FIND ALL KINDS OF MAD OWNERS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. THEY KNOW ABOUT IT AND WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I THOUGHT THE WHOLE POINT OF A RECALL IS WHEN THE PART IS AT DEFAULT THEY SHOULD GET FIXED.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 2, 201544,000 milesTN
08 ULTRA CLASSIC ANNIVERSARY ISSUE. SAME ABS LOCKUP ON FRONT BRAKES, AS IT WAS MOVED TO OTHER SIDE OF BASEMENT, WHEN I NOTICED THAT I ONLY HAD ABOUT HALF INCH OF MOVEMENT. 3 WEEKS LATER, I GET READY TO RIDE AND THE FRONT BRAKE HAD NO MOVEMENT. TRACED BACK TO ABS MOD. THESE VALVES IN THE MODULE SHOULD NOT LOCK OUT ON A MECHANICAL FAIL, THE SPRINGS SHOULD FORCE THE VALVE SPOOLS INTO OPEN POSITION, PISS POOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING THAT WILL GET SOMEONE KILLED IF NOT ALREADY HAPPENED. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO LEVER TESTS IN THAT 3 WEEKS, I RAN THE MOTOR FOR 10MINS FOR BATTERY CHARGE AFTER I MOVED IT. I DID START IT UP AFTER, THE LOCKED BRAKE, BUT NO CHANGE. I'M LUCKY I CHECKED BEFORE LEAVING HOME BECAUSE MY HOUSE IS ON A HILL. NOW AFTER SEEING HOW DANGEROUS THIS SITUATION COULD BE, I'M THINKING ABOUT HAVING THE ABS SYSTEM BYPASSED, UNTIL THEY MECHANICALLY RE-ENGINEERED THAT DANGEROUS VALVE MODULE. BESIDES, AFTER RIDING FOR 44YRS BEFORE THIS BEAUTY OF A BEAST, I'VE HATED THE ABS SYSTEM FROM THE BEGINNING. THIS IS FROM THE HARLEY FORUM - "THESE "LOCKED PEDAL OR LEVER" ABS MALFUNCTIONS RESULTING IN NO BRAKE ARE GETTING FAR TOO COMMON. PLEASE FILE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE NTSB. THESE ABS MODULES NEED TO BE REDESIGNED AND RETROFITTED AT NO COST BEFORE PEOPLE START GETTING KILLED."
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 12, 201552,000 milesND
2008 ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE HARLEY DAVIDSON. GAS TANK LINING PEALED OFF INSIDE THE TANK RESULTING IN SHEDDING FUEL FILTERS, LINE, PUMP, INJECTORS. ALL PARTS INSIDE THE TANK HAND TO BE REPLACED. $1800 WORTH OF PARTS PLUS THE TANK HAD TO BE BLASTED AND RECOATED $600. POWER WOULD CUT OUT WHEN RIDING MOTOR WOULD QUIT. *TR
Power Train
Filed Feb 6, 201529,985 milesOH
IN APRIL 2012 I WAS EXPERIENCING LOUD NOISES FROM THE PRIMARY SIDE OF MY 96 V TWIN ENGINE AND IT WOULD NOT START. UPON INSPECTION BY A CERTIFIED HARLEY TECH. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY AND COMPENSATOR SPROCKET WERE DAMAGED DUE TO THE DISINTEGRATION OF THE SPLINES AND GEARS. AS ADVISED BY HARLEY DAVIDSON, "THEIR SUPPLIER SHIPPED THESE PARTS WITHOUT HEAT TREATING THEM". I WAS NEVER ADVISED THIS WAS A PROBLEM BY HARLEY. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED WITH HARLEYS HEAVY DUTY SCREAMIN EAGLE COMPENSATOR AND THE BIKE RAN FINE UP UNTIL THE WINTER OF 2014. MY BIKE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR AN OIL LEAK IN THE PRIMARY AREA AND THE TECH HAD TO TAKE THE PRIMARY APART TO GET TO IT. HE DISCOVERED THE COMPENSATOR HAD SEVERE WEAR AND PRESENTED A DANGER OF FAILURE IF RIDDEN. THEREFORE, WE ARE GOING THROUGH THIS SAME PROCESS OF REPLACING THE SAME PARTS FOR A THIRD TIME. *JS
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 25, 20146,500 milesCA
WHILE RIDING IN RESIDENTIAL AREA BIKE BEGAN LURCHING AND UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONSTANT SPEED OR RPM. TOOK TO SHOP AND THEY STATED BIKE DID NOT HAVE ANY CODES DISPLAYING. THEY LUBRICATED ALL CONNECTIONS ON THROTTLE ASSEMBLY AND IT TEMPORARY RESOLVED ISSUE. NOW WHEN I START THE BIKE THE THROTTLE IS UNRESPONSIVE AND BIKE IS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. SOMETIMES SHUTTING DOWN AND RESTARTING WILL TEMPORARILY RESOLVE ISSUE, HOWEVER, BIKE IS NOT SAFE TO RIDE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WARRANTS A RECALL, HOWEVER NOT RECALLS TO DATE. *TR
Engine
Filed May 30, 201435,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE O-RING AND THE FUEL FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RECTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V357000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 45,000.
Service Brakes
Filed May 30, 201445,546 milesMD
WHILE COMING TO A SLOW STOP USING BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES THE FOOT PEDAL FOR THE REAR BRAKES FELT SOFT AND WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR BOARD. UPON STOPPING THE MOTORCYCLE I NOTICED BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING FROM UNDER THE MOTOR. DURING EXAMINATION I SAW THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING AT THE POINT WHERE THE CLUTCH CABLE CROSSES BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND THE LINE. THE VIBRATION OF THE MOTOR APPARENTLY CAUSED THE CLUTCH CABLE TO WEAR A HOLE IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE DUE TO THE ROUTING OF THE TWO PARTS. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 201421,000 milesTX
WHILE RIDING MY 2008 FLHTCU AT LOW SPEEDS MY FRONT BREAK LEVER BECAME FROZEN IN PLACE, THE LEVER WOULD NOT ENGAGE THE BRAKES AT ALL. THE BIKE DID NOT DISPLAY ANY FAULT CODES. I TOOK THE BIKE TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY VERIFIED MY ABS MODULE HAD FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACED. MY COMPLAINT IS, THE BIKE WAS IN GOOD MECHANICAL CONDITION AND WITH OUT WARNING I HAD A CATASTROPHIC BREAK FAILURE. I BELIEVE THIS WARRANTS AN INVESTIGATION BECAUSE OF THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE BREAKS ARE TO RIDING A MOTORCYCLE AND HOW MANY DEATHS ARE DUE TO OR FUTURE ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. I HAVE SEEN ONLINE OTHER OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 6, 201353,912 milesFL
WHILE TRAVELING ON AN INTERSTATE AND EXITING ON THE OFF RAMP, I EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FRONT BRAKE FAILURE CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTIONING ABS MODULE. THE FRONT BRAKE COULD NOT BE APPLIED. THE BRAKE LEVER WAS FROZEN AS IF IT WERE WELDED IN PLACE.. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS WARNING PRIOR TO THIS TIME. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE BIKE USING THE BACK BRAKE ONLY AND NOT BY A LARGE MARGIN! AFTER THE INCIDENT THE BRAKE LEVER REMAINED FROZEN AND I HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE PROBLEM YET. AFTER A LOT OF HEAD SCRATCHING I WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THAT THE ABS MODULE IS NOT ALLOWING ANY BRAKE FLUID TO PASS THROUGH. THIS CAUSES THE BRAKE LEVER TO FREEZE. *TR
Tires
Filed Oct 1, 2013IL
THE INSIDE OF TIRE CAME APART. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 8, 201314,500 milesWV
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WIRING IN THE THROTTLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REPAIR WOULD NOT GUARANTEE A REMEDY TO THE FAILURE AND IF THE FAILURE RECURRED, THE THROTTLE WOULD THEN HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,500. *TR
Suspension
Filed May 6, 201327,000 milesNH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU. THE COTNACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FRONT END WOBBLED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Suspension
Filed Apr 26, 201338,000 milesIL
I HAVE A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC THAT HAS DEVELOPED A REAR WHEEL WOBBLE WHILE CORNERING OR GOING THROUGH CURVES. THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE THE REAR WHEEL SLIDES OR SHIFTS TO THE SIDE WHILE CORNERING UPSETTING THE BALANCE OF THE BIKE AND MAKING IT UNCOMFORTABLE/DANGEROUS TO RIDE. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE AND I WILL NO LONGER RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE. I'VE HAD THE MOTORCYCLE INTO THE DEALER AT LEAST 3 TIMES FOR THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST TWO TIMES THEY ADVISED ME THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. I CURRENTLY HAVE THE VEHICLE AT A H-D DEALER SERVICE SHOP. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL CUSTOMERS WITH THIS COMPLAINT AND THEY WERE ABLE TO FIX IT BY THE USE OF AFTERMARKET PARTS HOWEVER I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL COSTS INVOLVED WITH FIXING THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE. I'VE ALSO LEARNED THAT H-D MAY HAVE SENT OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN TO THEIR DEALERS TELLING THEM NOT TO DISCUSS THIS PROBLEM WITH BIKE OWNERS DUE TO POSSIBLE LEGAL ACTION. I HAVE CONTACTED H-D CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THEY WOULD ONLY GIVE ME A FILE NUMBER ON MY CASE AND TOLD ME TO GIVE IT TO MY DEALER AND HAVE THEM CALL H-D ABOUT IT. PRIOR TO TAKING THE MOTORCYCLE IN TO THE DEALER TODAY I HAD A POLICE MOTORCYCLE PATROL OFFICER/INSTRUCTOR WITH THE IL. STATE POLICE RIDE THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF HE FELT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AS I DID. HE ADVISED ME HE COULD FEEL WHAT FELT LIKE THE REAR WHEEL SLIDE AS HE WENT THROUGH CURVES AND IT W
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 3, 201338,400 milesID
COMPLETE FAILURE OF REAR BRAKE. LINE FAILURE DUE TO CHAFING FROM CLUTCH CABLE AND LOSS OF FLUID. *TR
EngineFire
Filed Dec 12, 201270,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE CARBURETOR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT ADDRESS THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WOULD REPLACE THE COMPENSATOR ASSEMBLY AT HIS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 81, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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.