U.S. public vehicle records

Harley-Davidson FLHR brakes problems

20 complaint narratives mention brakes terms.

Key facts

87 owner complaints analyzed

12 distinct recall campaigns

15,282 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1995 to 2022 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 63 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Braking behavior evidence

20 of 87 complaints match this topic (23.0%). The keyword filter can include complaints that mention a transmission without reporting its failure. View matching rules.

Owner report 10024880 · 2003-07-28 (July 28, 2003)

THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER INSPECTED AND DETERMINED THAT THE BULBS DIDN'T FAIL BUT DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS DEFECT IN THE BULB SOCKET. THE DEALER DIDN'T HAVE THE NEWLY DESIGNED BULB SOCKET. THE DEALER BENT THE CONTACT POINT IN THE OLD SOCKETS TO MAKE A CONNECTION. *AK *CB *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10024880 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10515728 · 2013-06-07 (June 7, 2013)

I DROVE IN TO CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WAS ALMOST AT FULL STOP I SMELL SOME THING BURNING AND THEN I SAW SMOG COMING FROM MY RIGHT SIDE BELOW THE PIPES THEN I SAW SMALL FIRE I GOT ON MY KNEES AND BLOW THE FLAME AWAY AND SEE THAT WHAT WAS ON FIRE WAS MY REAR BRAKE SWITCH ONE OF THE TWO PLUGS HAVE MELTED ,I CALLED HARLEY DAVIDSON AFTER CHECKING ON LINE AND FIND A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM BUT DIFFERENT YEAR 2009-2011 ONLY AND THEY REFUSED TO ACCEPT MINE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 21,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10515728 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10627377 · 2014-08-22 (August 22, 2014)

SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF REAR BRAKE; PEDAL GOES TO THE MAXIMUM LIMIT WITHOUT RESISTANCE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 38,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10627377 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11072402 · 2018-02-12 (February 12, 2018)

MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE RECALL ON THE ABS BRAKES ON 2008 HD FLHR ROAD KING I TOWED MY MOTORCYCLE TO TUCSON HARLEY BECAUSE THE BACK BRAKE WOULDN'T WORK THEY TOLD ME DUE TO MAINTENANCE THE ABS MODULE IS BAD $800.00 PARTS ALONE I JUST BOUGHT THIS BIKE IN DEC USED I HAVEN'T PUT 50 MILES NO WAY TO CHECK MAINTENANCE ON THE MOTORCYCLE WHEN YOU BUY IT PRIVATE PARTY.THE RECALL SHOULD BE ON THE ABS MODULE BECAUSE THEY USED THE WRONG BRAKE FLUID, TO BEGIN WITH, THE PART ABS MODULE # 4688-08 IS THE PROBLEM IT'S ALL OVER THE INTERNET BLOGS IT ALSO SAYS DE…

Owner-reported narrative. 21,038 miles reported. Look up ODI 11072402 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10701606 · 2015-03-25 (March 25, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE MOTORCYCLE AND FOUND THAT THE ABS MODULE INTERLOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE ABS FUSE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 5/12/15*CN UPDATED 10/2/2017*CN

Owner-reported narrative. 19,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10701606 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

87 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

72.4%Usable mileage63 / 87 records

96.6%Valid incident date84 / 87 records

100.0%Valid filing date87 / 87 records

96.6%Ordered incident and filing dates84 / 87 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Service Brakes	214.3% ODI 10627377 · 38,000 mi SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF REAR BRAKE; PEDAL GOES TO THE MAXIMUM LIMIT WITHOUT RESISTANCE. *TR Look up ODI 10627377 at NHTSA ↗	330.0% ODI 10701606 · 19,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT DROVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE MOTORCYCLE AND FOUND THAT THE ABS MODULE INTERLOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE ABS FUSE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. UPDATED 5/12/15CN UPDATED 10/2/2017CN Look up ODI 10701606 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10884205 · 30,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHR. WHILE DEPRESSING THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL AT 40 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE FRONT BRAKE WAS ENGAGED, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PAVEMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER, HEAD, AND GROIN. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED ROAD RASH THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAIL… Look up ODI 10884205 at NHTSA ↗	333.3% ODI 10723670 · 62,232 mi WHILE TRYING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGH THE FRONT BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL AFTER GETTING STOPPED AND PARKING THE BIKE, THE BREAK LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS PULLING ON THE BREAK IT LOOSENED UP SO I RODE BIKE TO REPAIR SHOP. EVERY TIME THE FRONT BREAK WOULD ENGAGE (WHICH WAS NOT EVERY TIME), IT WOULD CATCH AND LOCK UP THE FRONT TIRE CAUSING ME TO DROP THE BIKE ONCE. REPAIR SHOP SAID THE ENTIRE ABS SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING. HARLEY CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID I WOULD HAVE TO ALLOW THEM TO FIX IF BUT THAT IT WOULD BE AT THEIR NORMAL… Look up ODI 10723670 at NHTSA ↗	2100.0% ODI 11414809 · 21,887 mi ABS LOCK OUT OF FRONT BRAKES. LEVER SEIZED LEAVING RIDER WITHOUT FRONT BRAKES. CAME TO A STOP IN REST AREA WITH FUNCTIONAL BRAKES AND AFTER A SHORT BREAK HANDLE WAS SIZED AND FRONT BRAKE WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL. Look up ODI 11414809 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 11493622 The front brake on my bike got real hard when depressed and brake would engage. I bled the brakes but because of being ABS I could not do so. I called manufacter and they said no recall was issued. Called dealer and they said could be fixed for a price. There are 33,336 miles on bike. I understand that this a problem and a recall was issued prior to the year of my bike, it doesn't seem to have been resolved. It is winter and not using bike and waiting to see if there may be a recall Look up ODI 11493622 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	321.4% ODI 10354318 · 15,282 mi FLY BY WIRE THROTTLE FAILED, THROTTLE ONLY WORKS IN IDLE MODE. THIRD TIME THIS HAPPENED, LAST TIME WAS A 400 HUNDRED DOLLAR TOW PLUS SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS IN HAULING COST. REPLACED TGS (THROTTLE GRIP SENSOR), TEMPORARILY FIXED FOR TWO MILES. THROTTLE WIRE LOOM NOT AVAILABLE FROM HARLEY, BACK ORDERED UNTIL 09/14/2010. KNOW FOR A FACT OF TWO OTHER '08 HD TOURING BIKE THIS HAPPENED ON. *TR Look up ODI 10354318 at NHTSA ↗	330.0% ODI 10523838 · 13,758 mi PULLED UP TO A STOPLIGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, WENT TO PULL AWAY AFTER LIGHT CHANGED BIKE LOST POWER FELT LIKE IT WAS RUNNING ON ONE CYLINDER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. MANAGED TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT GETTING HIT SHUT BIKE OFF THEN RESTARTED THE BIKE AND ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. CHECKED FOR CODES AND HAD A P2135 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CLEARED CODES AND HAS NOT RETURNED AS OF YET BUT GETTING READY TO TAKE A TRIP AND DON'T TRUST THIS BIKE.... *TR Look up ODI 10523838 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 11001841 · 27,000 mi HEADLIGHTS AND PASSING LAMPS FLICKER ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AT NIGHT. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO WIRING FOR THE HEADLIGHT AND PASSING LAMPS. HAPPENS WHEN YOU TURN THE HANDLEBARS LEFT OR RIGHT. HAPPENS SITTING STILL AND WHILE MOTORCYCLE IS IN MOTION. Look up ODI 11001841 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10627264 · 709 mi AT AN INTERSECTION AFTER LIGHT CHANGED, ENGINE LOST ALL POWER AS I TRIED TO MAKE MY TURN. HAD TO IDLE AT ABOUT 5 MPH INTO A GAS STATION PARKING LOT WHILE TRAFFIC WENT AROUND ME. DIAGNOSIS WAS A BAD THROTTLE BODY MODULE. THIS IS MY PRIMARY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE DEALER IS STILL TRYING TO GET THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR A WEEK NOW. FROM WHAT I'VE READ THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH H-D TOURING MODELS GOING BACK TO 2008 AND MAY OCCUR AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. *TR Look up ODI 10627264 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11124101 · 14,000 mi CLUTCH SAFETY SWITCH FAILURE. Look up ODI 11124101 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	17.1% ODI 10511738 · 12,300 mi STOCK COMPENSATOR FAILED AT 12300 MILES. HD SUGGESTS REPLACING WITH UPGRADED SCREAMING EAGLE COMPENSATOR. HIGH SPEED FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY. *TR Look up ODI 10511738 at NHTSA ↗	550.0% ODI 10496114 · 33,000 mi ECM PLUG CAUSED BIKE TO BUCK AND RUN ERRATICALLY. BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES UNTIL THEY CHANGED THE PLUG. THEY BLAMED ON THE AFTERMARKET SEAT MADE BY MUSTANG SEAT FOR THE BIKE BUT IT HAPPENED WITH THE STOCK SEAT AS WELL. IT SEEMS OTHERS ARE SAYING THE SAME HAPPENED TO THEM WITH STOCK SEATS. *TR Look up ODI 10496114 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 10616320 · 7,500 mi RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE OVERHEATING TO THE POINT OF BURNING MY PANTS AND LEGS. COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE FOR A $20K BIKE. HARLEY STATES THAT IS IS NORMAL. THERE IS NOTHING NORMAL FOR A RIDER TO BURN HIS/HER LEGS. *TR Look up ODI 10616320 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	240.0% ODI 11097743 · 100 mi ENGINE GETS HOT AND STALLS OUT IN TRAFFIC DUE TO ENGINE CASE FILLING WITH OIL, HARLEY CALLS THIS WET SUMPING, HUNDREDS OF BIKE ENGINES ARE BLOWING UP ALL OVER THE WORLD, ITS ALL OVER THE INTERNET, WITH HARLEYS NEW M8 ENGINE, THE BIKE STALLS OUT WITH NO WARNING, IVE HAD CARS AND TRUCKS ALMOST RUN ME OVER. Look up ODI 11097743 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Suspension	17.1% ODI 10450322 · 10,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10450322 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10536886 · 28,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, HE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS MAKING AN ODD NOISE. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRIMARY CARRIER BARRING WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000. UPDATED 02/27/14*LJ Look up ODI 10536886 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11156690 · 3,000 mi VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO NHTSA RECALL NO.18V734. HAVE BEEN ON DEALERS LIST FOR RECALL COMPLETION FOR APPROXIMATELY A MONTH STILL WAITING. DEALERS NAME IS [XXX] IN [XXX]. DEALER ADVISES WAIT TIME MAY BE SEVERAL MORE MONTHS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR Look up ODI 11156690 at NHTSA ↗	360.0% ODI 11210265 · 800 mi SAME ISSUE WITH 2017-2017 RECALL ON HARLEY CLUTCHES PURCHASED A 2019 ROAD KING BY HARLEY AND THE CLUTCH WILL NOT RELEASE THE GEAR IN 1ST/ BIKE CREEPS FORWARD WHEN CLUTCH HANDLED IS PULLED IN. WONT GO INTO NEUTRAL WITH OUT DOUBLE CLUTCHING THE CLUTCH HANDLE.OUT OF TOWN DEALERSHIP INSPECTED AND FOUND MASTER CYLINDER COVER GASKET SUCKED DOWN AND NOT FLUID. THEY FLUSHED THE CLUTCH SYSTEM AND REFILLED. WORKED FOR TEST DRIVE BUT WHEN I HAD PUT 100 MORE MILES ON THE BIKE ISSUES CAME BACK. THIS BIKE HAD A LITTLE OVER 800 MILES ON IT. Look up ODI 11210265 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 11217047 · 2,200 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH FAILED TO PROPERLY STOP THE MOTORCYCLE. THE FRONT BRAKE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO PREVENT A CRASH. ALSO, THE MOTOR STALLED THREE TIMES WHILE AT A STOP THEN IT QUIT COMPLETELY. THE DEALER (M & S HARLEY-DAVIDSON, 60 FALLING SPRING RD, CHAMBERSBURG, PA 17202, [phone removed]) REPLACED THE PART AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V734000 (POWER TRAIN); ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS … Look up ODI 11217047 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	214.3% ODI 10537735 · 6,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING FLHR MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. Look up ODI 10537735 at NHTSA ↗	220.0% ODI 10520570 · 14,000 mi BIKE GOES INTO LIMP MODE, IDLE ONLY, NO THROTTLE RESPONSE,WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE FIRST TIME I WAS GOING 60 MPH IN TRAFFIC AND ALMOST GOT RAN OVER. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE, AND A FEW AT 70 PLUS MPH. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT A PROBLEM. BUT I WERE TO BE PASSING IN TRAFFIC OR HUNG IN THE CENTER LANE. IT COULD BE TRAGIC. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER , THE SERVICE MANAGER ACTED AS IF HE NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT IT IS EASY TO FIND INFO ON THE INTERNET, INCLUDING A HARLEY… Look up ODI 10520570 at NHTSA ↗	133.3% ODI 10884475 · 20,107 mi WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE AT 55 MPH MY MOTORCYCLE THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM WENT INTO THE LIMP MODE (THE THROTTLE IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING). I'M AM BESIDE THE VEHICLE I'M ATTEMPTING TO PASS AND HAD A DIFFICULT TIME TRYING TO GET BACK INTO THE DRIVING LANE. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO DO SO BEFORE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE SINCE 2008 WITH THE THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM. IT IS A MANUFACTURERS DESIGN DEFECT AND WHY HARLEY HAS NOT RECALLED IT IS BEYOND ME. IS NHTSA AND HARLEY WAITING FOR PEOPLE TO GET KILLED BEFORE INITIATING … Look up ODI 10884475 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 11033898 · 3,000 mi THE ENGINE WILL STALL AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, AND ACCELERATING FROM THE LIGHT IT WILL ALSO STALL, AND TO RESTART THE ENGINE YOU HAVE TO STEP ON THE BRAKES, THEN A CAR BEHIND WILL ALMOST RUN INTO YOU.CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION.. AND I'VE TALKED TO A FEW PEOPLE WITH THE SAME MODEL VEHICLE AND THERE HAVING THE SAME STALLING PROBLEM.. Look up ODI 11033898 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	111.1% ODI 11219095 · 6,000 mi THE SADDLE BAG FELL OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND COLLIDED WITH THE MOTORCYCLE BEHIND IT CAUSING THE RIDER TO COME OFF AT 100 KM/HOUR. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE SADDLE BAG HAS COME OFF. THE PREVIOUS TIME, IT WAS THE OTHER SIDE SO THE OWNER OF THIS MOTORCYCLE WAS EXTRA CAREFUL TO BE SURE THE BAGS WERE LATCHED PROPERLY PRIOR TO THE TRIP. IN OUR GROUP OF ABOUT 12 RIDERS, TWO OTHER MOTORCYCLISTS HAVE HAD HD SADDLEBAGS FALL OFF. WHEN I SPOKE TO OUR LOCAL DEALER, HE SAID HE'S HAD LOTS OF COMPLAINTS WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO HAVE THEIR SADDL… Look up ODI 11219095 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10598226 · 3,000 mi I GOT MY BIKE FROM WINTER STORAGE FROM THE HARLEY DEALERSHIP ON 5/8/14. THEY NEVER TOLD US THERE WAS ANY WORK DONE OVER THE WINTER. AFTER ASKING FOR A SERVICE MANAGER ON 6/2/14, TO SEE WHAT THEY HAD DONE TO THE BIKE DURING STORAGE WE RECEIVED THE PAPERWORK THAT SAID THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE STATOR ASSEMBLY AND PARTS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE ROTORS ON THIS BRAND NEW BIKE (2954 MILES) WERE REPLACED AS THEY WERE STATED AS WARPED. THIS BIKE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A REGULAR CHECK UP FOR OIL CHANGE ETC. 8/21/14, AND THEY ADJUSTED THE CLUTCH … Look up ODI 10598226 at NHTSA ↗	266.7% ODI 11143039 · 11,000 mi SADDLEBAGS COME LOOSE FROM MOTORCYCLE WHILE RIDING AND FALL OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS FOR RIDERS AND OTHER TRAFFIC THAT MIGHT BE FOLLOWING OR COMING OTHER DIRECTION. FIRST ONE FELL OFF SAME DAY AS PURCHASED FROM HARLEY SHOP AND WE THOUGHT THEY DIDN'T PUT IT ON TIGHT AFTER WASHING BEFORE PICKING IT UP. SECOND ONE FELL OFF AFTER MAKING SURE IT WAS TIGHT ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS SINCE SADDLEBAGS ARE PART OF THE PURCHASE. Look up ODI 11143039 at NHTSA ↗	150.0% ODI 11074728 · 22,561 mi WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A TURN TO THE LEFT, THE FRONT TIRE LOCKED AND SLID, RELEASED AND LOCKED AGAIN THROWING ME TO THE GROUND IN TURN I WOUND UP WITH 4 BROKEN RIBS, A BROKEN RIGHT HAND , INJURY TO MY RIGHT LEG AND ROAD RASH. 5000 DOLLARS PLUS TO MY BIKE AND HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM NOT TO MENTION A LONG RECOVERY. I WAS ON A PAVED CITY ROAD GOING LESS THAN 30 MPH. I DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHAT CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN Look up ODI 11074728 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Vehicle Speed Control	321.4% ODI 10443180 · 22,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH,THE MOTORCYCLE DECELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE LUBRICANT WAS APPLIED TO THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONNECTORS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 03/14/12 *BF Look up ODI 10443180 at NHTSA ↗	110.0% ODI 10611249 · 30,000 mi SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS I HAVE LOST ABILITY TO CONTROL MY THROTTLE. THROTTLE POSITION CLOSES AND DOES NOT ACCEPT INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE THROTTLE HAS SHUT AND THE MOTORCYCLE WENT INTO 'LIMP HOME' MODE. THIS WILL ONLY ALLOW A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 10-15MPH (DANGEROUS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED). THE CONCERN IS WELL KNOW BY THE HARLEY DAVIDSON COMPANY. THEY HAVE EVEN ISSUED A TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN (#TT418A) ON THE SUBJECT. HOWEVER, NO VOLUNTARY OR REQUIRED SAFETY … Look up ODI 10611249 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10627264 · 709 mi AT AN INTERSECTION AFTER LIGHT CHANGED, ENGINE LOST ALL POWER AS I TRIED TO MAKE MY TURN. HAD TO IDLE AT ABOUT 5 MPH INTO A GAS STATION PARKING LOT WHILE TRAFFIC WENT AROUND ME. DIAGNOSIS WAS A BAD THROTTLE BODY MODULE. THIS IS MY PRIMARY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE DEALER IS STILL TRYING TO GET THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR A WEEK NOW. FROM WHAT I'VE READ THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH H-D TOURING MODELS GOING BACK TO 2008 AND MAY OCCUR AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. *TR Look up ODI 10627264 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Service Brakes	21,054–56,174 mi	25,944 mi	10	ODI 10515728 · 21,100 mi I DROVE IN TO CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WAS ALMOST AT FULL STOP I SMELL SOME THING BURNING AND THEN I SAW SMOG COMING FROM MY RIGHT SIDE BELOW THE PIPES THEN I SAW SMALL FIRE I GOT ON MY KNEES AND BLOW THE FLAME AWAY AND SEE THAT WHAT WAS ON FIRE WAS MY REAR BRAKE SWITCH ONE OF THE TWO PLUGS HAVE MELTED ,I CALLED HARLEY DAVIDSON AFTER CHECKING ON LINE AND FIND A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM BUT DIFFERENT YEAR 2009-2011 ONLY AND THEY REFUSED TO ACCEPT MINE. TR Look up ODI 10515728 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10627377 · 38,000 mi SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF REAR BRAKE; PEDAL GOES TO THE MAXIMUM LIMIT WITHOUT RESISTANCE. TR Look up ODI 10627377 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11072402 · 21,038 mi MY COMPLAINT IS WITH THE RECALL ON THE ABS BRAKES ON 2008 HD FLHR ROAD KING I TOWED MY MOTORCYCLE TO TUCSON HARLEY BECAUSE THE BACK BRAKE WOULDN'T WORK THEY TOLD ME DUE TO MAINTENANCE THE ABS MODULE IS BAD $800.00 PARTS ALONE I JUST BOUGHT THIS BIKE IN DEC USED I HAVEN'T PUT 50 MILES NO WAY TO CHECK MAINTENANCE ON THE MOTORCYCLE WHEN YOU BUY IT PRIVATE PARTY.THE RECALL SHOULD BE ON THE ABS MODULE BECAUSE THEY USED THE WRONG BRAKE FLUID, TO BEGIN WITH, THE PART ABS MODULE # 4688-08 IS THE PROBLEM IT'S ALL OVER THE INTERNET BLOGS IT ALSO SAYS DE… Look up ODI 11072402 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	13,879–25,000 mi	15,282 mi	11	ODI 10066092 · 14,000 mi WHILE RIDING MY 2001 HARLEY ROAD KING (FLHR) ON TWO SEPARATE TIMES AS WE WERE RIDING DOWN THE MOTOR DIED. PRIOR TO THAT ON THE FIRST TIME BEFORE WE STARTED OFF THE BIKE WOULD NOT START, I ONLY HEARD THE SOUND OF A RELAY CLICKING SO I PUT IN A NEW BATTERY AND IT STARTED, THEN WE TOOK OFF AND IT QUIT IN TRAFFIC. IT DID START AND WE RODE HOME. THEN A WEEK LATER WE WENT FOR A RIDE AND IT DIED ON THE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. IT WOULD ONLY CLICK A RELAY. THEY FOUND A BURNED OUT STATOR WHICH I PERSONALLY BELIEVE IS CAUSED BY SOMETHING ELS… Look up ODI 10066092 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10515728 · 21,100 mi I DROVE IN TO CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WAS ALMOST AT FULL STOP I SMELL SOME THING BURNING AND THEN I SAW SMOG COMING FROM MY RIGHT SIDE BELOW THE PIPES THEN I SAW SMALL FIRE I GOT ON MY KNEES AND BLOW THE FLAME AWAY AND SEE THAT WHAT WAS ON FIRE WAS MY REAR BRAKE SWITCH ONE OF THE TWO PLUGS HAVE MELTED ,I CALLED HARLEY DAVIDSON AFTER CHECKING ON LINE AND FIND A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM BUT DIFFERENT YEAR 2009-2011 ONLY AND THEY REFUSED TO ACCEPT MINE. TR Look up ODI 10515728 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10354318 · 15,282 mi FLY BY WIRE THROTTLE FAILED, THROTTLE ONLY WORKS IN IDLE MODE. THIRD TIME THIS HAPPENED, LAST TIME WAS A 400 HUNDRED DOLLAR TOW PLUS SEVEN HUNDRED DOLLARS IN HAULING COST. REPLACED TGS (THROTTLE GRIP SENSOR), TEMPORARILY FIXED FOR TWO MILES. THROTTLE WIRE LOOM NOT AVAILABLE FROM HARLEY, BACK ORDERED UNTIL 09/14/2010. KNOW FOR A FACT OF TWO OTHER '08 HD TOURING BIKE THIS HAPPENED ON. TR Look up ODI 10354318 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	5,650–28,905 mi	13,029 mi	8	ODI 10511738 · 12,300 mi STOCK COMPENSATOR FAILED AT 12300 MILES. HD SUGGESTS REPLACING WITH UPGRADED SCREAMING EAGLE COMPENSATOR. HIGH SPEED FAILURE COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY. TR Look up ODI 10511738 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10496114 · 33,000 mi ECM PLUG CAUSED BIKE TO BUCK AND RUN ERRATICALLY. BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES UNTIL THEY CHANGED THE PLUG. THEY BLAMED ON THE AFTERMARKET SEAT MADE BY MUSTANG SEAT FOR THE BIKE BUT IT HAPPENED WITH THE STOCK SEAT AS WELL. IT SEEMS OTHERS ARE SAYING THE SAME HAPPENED TO THEM WITH STOCK SEATS. TR Look up ODI 10496114 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10523838 · 13,758 mi PULLED UP TO A STOPLIGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, WENT TO PULL AWAY AFTER LIGHT CHANGED BIKE LOST POWER FELT LIKE IT WAS RUNNING ON ONE CYLINDER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. MANAGED TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT GETTING HIT SHUT BIKE OFF THEN RESTARTED THE BIKE AND ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. CHECKED FOR CODES AND HAD A P2135 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CLEARED CODES AND HAS NOT RETURNED AS OF YET BUT GETTING READY TO TAKE A TRIP AND DON'T TRUST THIS BIKE.... *TR Look up ODI 10523838 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	Too few reports for a range	78,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10621117 · 78,654 mi I TOOK MY BIKE HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING IN TO THE SHOP FOR A FLAT TIRE. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME MY SWING HAD ARM BROKEN LITERALLY INTO TWO PIECES. HE INFORMED THAT HARLEY QUIT MAKING THIS PARTICULAR SWING DUE THE HIGH RATE OF FAILURE! THIS IS HIGHLY CONCERNING, AS THIS IS THE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE REAR WHEEL TO THE MOTORCYCLE STRAIGHT WHEN THE TORQUE OF THE MOTOR IS TRANSFERRED TO THE REAR WHEEL. I COULD ISSUE A LOT OF HIGH TECH PHYSICS HERE, BUT SIMPLY PUT IF THE REAR WHEEL OF MOTORCYCLE IS ALLOWED TO TURN, OR WORSE TWIST, THIS WOULD BE A LIFE… Look up ODI 10621117 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10820466 · 78,000 mi I AM WRITING TO REPORT A PROBLEM WITH THE SWINGARM ON HARLEY DAVIDSON TOURING BIKES. THIS AFFECTS NOT ONLY MY 2003 BUT, NEWER BIKES AS WELL. THE BIKES HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING WHAT IS TERMED AS THE DEATH WOBBLE AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH AND SOMETIMES LESS ESPECIALLY IN CURVES. THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN TO HD BUT, THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS THAT THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. THE PROBLEM LIES IN THE ANTIQUATED DESIGN OF THEIR SWINGARMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN CHANGED FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. THE BIKES EXPERIENCE WEAVE OR WOBBLE DUE TO THE SWINGAR… Look up ODI 10820466 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10450322 · 10,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. Look up ODI 10450322 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	2,600–22,500 mi	6,100 mi	7	ODI 10621117 · 78,654 mi I TOOK MY BIKE HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING IN TO THE SHOP FOR A FLAT TIRE. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME MY SWING HAD ARM BROKEN LITERALLY INTO TWO PIECES. HE INFORMED THAT HARLEY QUIT MAKING THIS PARTICULAR SWING DUE THE HIGH RATE OF FAILURE! THIS IS HIGHLY CONCERNING, AS THIS IS THE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE REAR WHEEL TO THE MOTORCYCLE STRAIGHT WHEN THE TORQUE OF THE MOTOR IS TRANSFERRED TO THE REAR WHEEL. I COULD ISSUE A LOT OF HIGH TECH PHYSICS HERE, BUT SIMPLY PUT IF THE REAR WHEEL OF MOTORCYCLE IS ALLOWED TO TURN, OR WORSE TWIST, THIS WOULD BE A LIFE… Look up ODI 10621117 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10536886 · 28,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, HE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS MAKING AN ODD NOISE. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRIMARY CARRIER BARRING WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000. UPDATED 02/27/14LJ Look up ODI 10536886 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11156690 · 3,000 mi VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO NHTSA RECALL NO.18V734. HAVE BEEN ON DEALERS LIST FOR RECALL COMPLETION FOR APPROXIMATELY A MONTH STILL WAITING. DEALERS NAME IS [XXX] IN [XXX]. DEALER ADVISES WAIT TIME MAY BE SEVERAL MORE MONTHS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). TR Look up ODI 11156690 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	7,075–18,580 mi	12,150 mi	6	ODI 10537735 · 6,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING FLHR MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. Look up ODI 10537735 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10555753 · 10,300 mi I WAS TRAVELING ON A SURFACE ROAD AT APPROX. 50MPH. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION OF EUCLID AND LAMBERT THE LIGHT STARTED TO CHANGE. I ROLLED ONTO THE THROTTLE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION SAFELY. AS I CLEARED THE INTERSECTION I ROLLED OFF THE THROTTLE AT WHICH POINT THE THROTTLE WENT TO THE WIDE OPEN POSITION BY ITSELF. THE SUDDEN SURGE FORWARD CAUSED ME TO LOSE MY GRIP ON THE HANDLE BARS, THROWING ME ONTO MY BACK FROM THE BIKE. THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED APPROX. 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION ,GOING THROUGH ANOTHER IN… Look up ODI 10555753 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10520570 · 14,000 mi BIKE GOES INTO LIMP MODE, IDLE ONLY, NO THROTTLE RESPONSE,WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE FIRST TIME I WAS GOING 60 MPH IN TRAFFIC AND ALMOST GOT RAN OVER. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE, AND A FEW AT 70 PLUS MPH. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT A PROBLEM. BUT I WERE TO BE PASSING IN TRAFFIC OR HUNG IN THE CENTER LANE. IT COULD BE TRAGIC. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER , THE SERVICE MANAGER ACTED AS IF HE NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT IT IS EASY TO FIND INFO ON THE INTERNET, INCLUDING A HARLEY… Look up ODI 10520570 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	Too few reports for a range	8,500 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 11219095 · 6,000 mi THE SADDLE BAG FELL OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND COLLIDED WITH THE MOTORCYCLE BEHIND IT CAUSING THE RIDER TO COME OFF AT 100 KM/HOUR. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE SADDLE BAG HAS COME OFF. THE PREVIOUS TIME, IT WAS THE OTHER SIDE SO THE OWNER OF THIS MOTORCYCLE WAS EXTRA CAREFUL TO BE SURE THE BAGS WERE LATCHED PROPERLY PRIOR TO THE TRIP. IN OUR GROUP OF ABOUT 12 RIDERS, TWO OTHER MOTORCYCLISTS HAVE HAD HD SADDLEBAGS FALL OFF. WHEN I SPOKE TO OUR LOCAL DEALER, HE SAID HE'S HAD LOTS OF COMPLAINTS WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO HAVE THEIR SADDL… Look up ODI 11219095 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10598226 · 3,000 mi I GOT MY BIKE FROM WINTER STORAGE FROM THE HARLEY DEALERSHIP ON 5/8/14. THEY NEVER TOLD US THERE WAS ANY WORK DONE OVER THE WINTER. AFTER ASKING FOR A SERVICE MANAGER ON 6/2/14, TO SEE WHAT THEY HAD DONE TO THE BIKE DURING STORAGE WE RECEIVED THE PAPERWORK THAT SAID THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE STATOR ASSEMBLY AND PARTS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE ROTORS ON THIS BRAND NEW BIKE (2954 MILES) WERE REPLACED AS THEY WERE STATED AS WARPED. THIS BIKE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A REGULAR CHECK UP FOR OIL CHANGE ETC. 8/21/14, AND THEY ADJUSTED THE CLUTCH … Look up ODI 10598226 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11143039 · 11,000 mi SADDLEBAGS COME LOOSE FROM MOTORCYCLE WHILE RIDING AND FALL OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS FOR RIDERS AND OTHER TRAFFIC THAT MIGHT BE FOLLOWING OR COMING OTHER DIRECTION. FIRST ONE FELL OFF SAME DAY AS PURCHASED FROM HARLEY SHOP AND WE THOUGHT THEY DIDN'T PUT IT ON TIGHT AFTER WASHING BEFORE PICKING IT UP. SECOND ONE FELL OFF AFTER MAKING SURE IT WAS TIGHT ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS SINCE SADDLEBAGS ARE PART OF THE PURCHASE. Look up ODI 11143039 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	10,300–23,000 mi	22,000 mi	5	ODI 10443180 · 22,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH,THE MOTORCYCLE DECELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE LUBRICANT WAS APPLIED TO THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONNECTORS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 03/14/12 BF Look up ODI 10443180 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10454567 · 23,000 mi BIKE WOULD JUST SHUT DOWN. ONCE RESTARTED IT WOULD IDLE AT APPROX 1500 RPM (LIMP MODE). THIS HAPPEN TWICE. THERE NO THROTTLE RESPONSE, IDLE WAS STILL AROUND 1500 RPM. TALK TO THE DEALER ABOUT MY ISSUES. BEFORE I COULD FINISH MY LITTLE SPEECH, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ECM OR THE ATC PIN CONNECTORS. HE DESCRIBES MY PROBLEM TO ME. THEY HAVE FIXED THIS PROBLEM IN THAT PAST. TR Look up ODI 10454567 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10555753 · 10,300 mi I WAS TRAVELING ON A SURFACE ROAD AT APPROX. 50MPH. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION OF EUCLID AND LAMBERT THE LIGHT STARTED TO CHANGE. I ROLLED ONTO THE THROTTLE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION SAFELY. AS I CLEARED THE INTERSECTION I ROLLED OFF THE THROTTLE AT WHICH POINT THE THROTTLE WENT TO THE WIDE OPEN POSITION BY ITSELF. THE SUDDEN SURGE FORWARD CAUSED ME TO LOSE MY GRIP ON THE HANDLE BARS, THROWING ME ONTO MY BACK FROM THE BIKE. THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED APPROX. 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION ,GOING THROUGH ANOTHER IN… Look up ODI 10555753 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	1	None	ODI 11679641 I purchased this vehicle 07/18/2025 I had no idea their was a recall on the saddle bag hardware. I was driving on highway hard saddle bag fell off the bike into the roadway and is damaged beyond repair, I looked a little deeper into the situation and found out about the recall , with that I reached out to Harley Davidson and asked if they would make good on the damage seeing I was not notified about the recall, there answer was the previous owner should have told me about the recall, I thought that when u register a vehicle with this kind of pr… Look up ODI 11679641 at NHTSA ↗
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	1	None	ODI 11749847 I have oil in my breather which is a result from engine sumping problems, I have had Harley Davidson to check recalls and there were none., the bike has 22853 miles on it. Also Harley Davidson checked maintenance records to see if my oil pump had been replaced, they said it had not. The sumping problems could cause a catastrophic failure and an accident Look up ODI 11749847 at NHTSA ↗
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2021: 0 complaints · 2022: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2021	0	0	0
2022	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2021	0	0	0
2022	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Service Brakes	Electrical System	Engine	Suspension	Power Train	Fuel/Propulsion System	Unknown Or Other	Vehicle Speed Control
Service Brakes	—	1 ODI 10515728 · 21,100 mi I DROVE IN TO CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WAS ALMOST AT FULL STOP I SMELL SOME THING BURNING AND THEN I SAW SMOG COMING FROM MY RIGHT SIDE BELOW THE PIPES THEN I SAW SMALL FIRE I GOT ON MY KNEES AND BLOW THE FLAME AWAY AND SEE THAT WHAT WAS ON FIRE WAS MY REAR BRAKE SWITCH ONE OF THE TWO PLUGS HAVE MELTED ,I CALLED HARLEY DAVIDSON AFTER CHECKING ON LINE AND FIND A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM BUT DIFFERENT YEAR 2009-2011 ONLY AND THEY REFUSED TO ACCEPT MINE. *TR Look up ODI 10515728 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 10515728 · 21,100 mi I DROVE IN TO CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WAS ALMOST AT FULL STOP I SMELL SOME THING BURNING AND THEN I SAW SMOG COMING FROM MY RIGHT SIDE BELOW THE PIPES THEN I SAW SMALL FIRE I GOT ON MY KNEES AND BLOW THE FLAME AWAY AND SEE THAT WHAT WAS ON FIRE WAS MY REAR BRAKE SWITCH ONE OF THE TWO PLUGS HAVE MELTED ,I CALLED HARLEY DAVIDSON AFTER CHECKING ON LINE AND FIND A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM BUT DIFFERENT YEAR 2009-2011 ONLY AND THEY REFUSED TO ACCEPT MINE. *TR Look up ODI 10515728 at NHTSA ↗	—	3 ODI 10523838 · 13,758 mi PULLED UP TO A STOPLIGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, WENT TO PULL AWAY AFTER LIGHT CHANGED BIKE LOST POWER FELT LIKE IT WAS RUNNING ON ONE CYLINDER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. MANAGED TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT GETTING HIT SHUT BIKE OFF THEN RESTARTED THE BIKE AND ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. CHECKED FOR CODES AND HAD A P2135 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CLEARED CODES AND HAS NOT RETURNED AS OF YET BUT GETTING READY TO TAKE A TRIP AND DON'T TRUST THIS BIKE.... TR Look up ODI 10523838 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10611249 · 30,000 mi SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS I HAVE LOST ABILITY TO CONTROL MY THROTTLE. THROTTLE POSITION CLOSES AND DOES NOT ACCEPT INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE THROTTLE HAS SHUT AND THE MOTORCYCLE WENT INTO 'LIMP HOME' MODE. THIS WILL ONLY ALLOW A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 10-15MPH (DANGEROUS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED). THE CONCERN IS WELL KNOW BY THE HARLEY DAVIDSON COMPANY. THEY HAVE EVEN ISSUED A TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN (#TT418A) ON THE SUBJECT. HOWEVER, NO VOLUNTARY OR REQUIRED SAFETY … Look up ODI 10611249 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10643722 · 28,540 mi I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AT 55MPH WHEN I SLIGHTLY BANKED RIGHT, THE ENGINE DIED. I COASTED TO THE SIDE, TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF, THEN BACK ON AND IT STARTED AND RAN PERFECTLY. THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY AT A LATER TIME. AGAIN, I WAS BANKING TO THE RIGHT ON A SWEEPING TURN. THE BIKE STARTED AS BEFORE AFTER COASTING TO SIDE OF THE ONRAMP. I RODE WITHOUT A PROBLEM UNTIL I ENTERED THE FREEWAY AT THE SAME ON RAMP A FEW HOURS LATER. THE ENGINE DIED IN THE SAME EXACT PLACE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION! TR Look up ODI 10643722 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	2 ODI 10555753 · 10,300 mi I WAS TRAVELING ON A SURFACE ROAD AT APPROX. 50MPH. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION OF EUCLID AND LAMBERT THE LIGHT STARTED TO CHANGE. I ROLLED ONTO THE THROTTLE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION SAFELY. AS I CLEARED THE INTERSECTION I ROLLED OFF THE THROTTLE AT WHICH POINT THE THROTTLE WENT TO THE WIDE OPEN POSITION BY ITSELF. THE SUDDEN SURGE FORWARD CAUSED ME TO LOSE MY GRIP ON THE HANDLE BARS, THROWING ME ONTO MY BACK FROM THE BIKE. THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED APPROX. 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION ,GOING THROUGH ANOTHER IN… Look up ODI 10555753 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10643722 · 28,540 mi I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AT 55MPH WHEN I SLIGHTLY BANKED RIGHT, THE ENGINE DIED. I COASTED TO THE SIDE, TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF, THEN BACK ON AND IT STARTED AND RAN PERFECTLY. THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY AT A LATER TIME. AGAIN, I WAS BANKING TO THE RIGHT ON A SWEEPING TURN. THE BIKE STARTED AS BEFORE AFTER COASTING TO SIDE OF THE ONRAMP. I RODE WITHOUT A PROBLEM UNTIL I ENTERED THE FREEWAY AT THE SAME ON RAMP A FEW HOURS LATER. THE ENGINE DIED IN THE SAME EXACT PLACE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION! *TR Look up ODI 10643722 at NHTSA ↗	0	4 ODI 10454567 · 23,000 mi BIKE WOULD JUST SHUT DOWN. ONCE RESTARTED IT WOULD IDLE AT APPROX 1500 RPM (LIMP MODE). THIS HAPPEN TWICE. THERE NO THROTTLE RESPONSE, IDLE WAS STILL AROUND 1500 RPM. TALK TO THE DEALER ABOUT MY ISSUES. BEFORE I COULD FINISH MY LITTLE SPEECH, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ECM OR THE ATC PIN CONNECTORS. HE DESCRIBES MY PROBLEM TO ME. THEY HAVE FIXED THIS PROBLEM IN THAT PAST. *TR Look up ODI 10454567 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10555753 · 10,300 mi I WAS TRAVELING ON A SURFACE ROAD AT APPROX. 50MPH. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION OF EUCLID AND LAMBERT THE LIGHT STARTED TO CHANGE. I ROLLED ONTO THE THROTTLE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION SAFELY. AS I CLEARED THE INTERSECTION I ROLLED OFF THE THROTTLE AT WHICH POINT THE THROTTLE WENT TO THE WIDE OPEN POSITION BY ITSELF. THE SUDDEN SURGE FORWARD CAUSED ME TO LOSE MY GRIP ON THE HANDLE BARS, THROWING ME ONTO MY BACK FROM THE BIKE. THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED APPROX. 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION ,GOING THROUGH ANOTHER IN… Look up ODI 10555753 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10611249 · 30,000 mi SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS I HAVE LOST ABILITY TO CONTROL MY THROTTLE. THROTTLE POSITION CLOSES AND DOES NOT ACCEPT INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE THROTTLE HAS SHUT AND THE MOTORCYCLE WENT INTO 'LIMP HOME' MODE. THIS WILL ONLY ALLOW A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 10-15MPH (DANGEROUS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED). THE CONCERN IS WELL KNOW BY THE HARLEY DAVIDSON COMPANY. THEY HAVE EVEN ISSUED A TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN (#TT418A) ON THE SUBJECT. HOWEVER, NO VOLUNTARY OR REQUIRED SAFETY … Look up ODI 10611249 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	0	3 ODI 10523838 · 13,758 mi PULLED UP TO A STOPLIGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, WENT TO PULL AWAY AFTER LIGHT CHANGED BIKE LOST POWER FELT LIKE IT WAS RUNNING ON ONE CYLINDER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. MANAGED TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT GETTING HIT SHUT BIKE OFF THEN RESTARTED THE BIKE AND ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. CHECKED FOR CODES AND HAD A P2135 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CLEARED CODES AND HAS NOT RETURNED AS OF YET BUT GETTING READY TO TAKE A TRIP AND DON'T TRUST THIS BIKE.... TR Look up ODI 10523838 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10611249 · 30,000 mi SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS I HAVE LOST ABILITY TO CONTROL MY THROTTLE. THROTTLE POSITION CLOSES AND DOES NOT ACCEPT INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE THROTTLE HAS SHUT AND THE MOTORCYCLE WENT INTO 'LIMP HOME' MODE. THIS WILL ONLY ALLOW A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 10-15MPH (DANGEROUS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED). THE CONCERN IS WELL KNOW BY THE HARLEY DAVIDSON COMPANY. THEY HAVE EVEN ISSUED A TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN (#TT418A) ON THE SUBJECT. HOWEVER, NO VOLUNTARY OR REQUIRED SAFETY … Look up ODI 10611249 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10643722 · 28,540 mi I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AT 55MPH WHEN I SLIGHTLY BANKED RIGHT, THE ENGINE DIED. I COASTED TO THE SIDE, TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF, THEN BACK ON AND IT STARTED AND RAN PERFECTLY. THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY AT A LATER TIME. AGAIN, I WAS BANKING TO THE RIGHT ON A SWEEPING TURN. THE BIKE STARTED AS BEFORE AFTER COASTING TO SIDE OF THE ONRAMP. I RODE WITHOUT A PROBLEM UNTIL I ENTERED THE FREEWAY AT THE SAME ON RAMP A FEW HOURS LATER. THE ENGINE DIED IN THE SAME EXACT PLACE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION! TR Look up ODI 10643722 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	1 ODI 10643722 · 28,540 mi I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AT 55MPH WHEN I SLIGHTLY BANKED RIGHT, THE ENGINE DIED. I COASTED TO THE SIDE, TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF, THEN BACK ON AND IT STARTED AND RAN PERFECTLY. THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY AT A LATER TIME. AGAIN, I WAS BANKING TO THE RIGHT ON A SWEEPING TURN. THE BIKE STARTED AS BEFORE AFTER COASTING TO SIDE OF THE ONRAMP. I RODE WITHOUT A PROBLEM UNTIL I ENTERED THE FREEWAY AT THE SAME ON RAMP A FEW HOURS LATER. THE ENGINE DIED IN THE SAME EXACT PLACE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION! *TR Look up ODI 10643722 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10611249 · 30,000 mi SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS I HAVE LOST ABILITY TO CONTROL MY THROTTLE. THROTTLE POSITION CLOSES AND DOES NOT ACCEPT INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE THROTTLE HAS SHUT AND THE MOTORCYCLE WENT INTO 'LIMP HOME' MODE. THIS WILL ONLY ALLOW A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 10-15MPH (DANGEROUS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED). THE CONCERN IS WELL KNOW BY THE HARLEY DAVIDSON COMPANY. THEY HAVE EVEN ISSUED A TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN (#TT418A) ON THE SUBJECT. HOWEVER, NO VOLUNTARY OR REQUIRED SAFETY … Look up ODI 10611249 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10621117 · 78,654 mi I TOOK MY BIKE HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING IN TO THE SHOP FOR A FLAT TIRE. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME MY SWING HAD ARM BROKEN LITERALLY INTO TWO PIECES. HE INFORMED THAT HARLEY QUIT MAKING THIS PARTICULAR SWING DUE THE HIGH RATE OF FAILURE! THIS IS HIGHLY CONCERNING, AS THIS IS THE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE REAR WHEEL TO THE MOTORCYCLE STRAIGHT WHEN THE TORQUE OF THE MOTOR IS TRANSFERRED TO THE REAR WHEEL. I COULD ISSUE A LOT OF HIGH TECH PHYSICS HERE, BUT SIMPLY PUT IF THE REAR WHEEL OF MOTORCYCLE IS ALLOWED TO TURN, OR WORSE TWIST, THIS WOULD BE A LIFE… Look up ODI 10621117 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Power Train	0	0	0	1 ODI 10621117 · 78,654 mi I TOOK MY BIKE HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING IN TO THE SHOP FOR A FLAT TIRE. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME MY SWING HAD ARM BROKEN LITERALLY INTO TWO PIECES. HE INFORMED THAT HARLEY QUIT MAKING THIS PARTICULAR SWING DUE THE HIGH RATE OF FAILURE! THIS IS HIGHLY CONCERNING, AS THIS IS THE PIECE THAT HOLDS THE REAR WHEEL TO THE MOTORCYCLE STRAIGHT WHEN THE TORQUE OF THE MOTOR IS TRANSFERRED TO THE REAR WHEEL. I COULD ISSUE A LOT OF HIGH TECH PHYSICS HERE, BUT SIMPLY PUT IF THE REAR WHEEL OF MOTORCYCLE IS ALLOWED TO TURN, OR WORSE TWIST, THIS WOULD BE A LIFE… Look up ODI 10621117 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	2 ODI 10555753 · 10,300 mi I WAS TRAVELING ON A SURFACE ROAD AT APPROX. 50MPH. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION OF EUCLID AND LAMBERT THE LIGHT STARTED TO CHANGE. I ROLLED ONTO THE THROTTLE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION SAFELY. AS I CLEARED THE INTERSECTION I ROLLED OFF THE THROTTLE AT WHICH POINT THE THROTTLE WENT TO THE WIDE OPEN POSITION BY ITSELF. THE SUDDEN SURGE FORWARD CAUSED ME TO LOSE MY GRIP ON THE HANDLE BARS, THROWING ME ONTO MY BACK FROM THE BIKE. THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED APPROX. 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION ,GOING THROUGH ANOTHER IN… Look up ODI 10555753 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10643722 · 28,540 mi I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AT 55MPH WHEN I SLIGHTLY BANKED RIGHT, THE ENGINE DIED. I COASTED TO THE SIDE, TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF, THEN BACK ON AND IT STARTED AND RAN PERFECTLY. THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY AT A LATER TIME. AGAIN, I WAS BANKING TO THE RIGHT ON A SWEEPING TURN. THE BIKE STARTED AS BEFORE AFTER COASTING TO SIDE OF THE ONRAMP. I RODE WITHOUT A PROBLEM UNTIL I ENTERED THE FREEWAY AT THE SAME ON RAMP A FEW HOURS LATER. THE ENGINE DIED IN THE SAME EXACT PLACE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION! *TR Look up ODI 10643722 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10643722 · 28,540 mi I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AT 55MPH WHEN I SLIGHTLY BANKED RIGHT, THE ENGINE DIED. I COASTED TO THE SIDE, TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF, THEN BACK ON AND IT STARTED AND RAN PERFECTLY. THE ENGINE DIED AGAIN WHILE ENTERING THE FREEWAY AT A LATER TIME. AGAIN, I WAS BANKING TO THE RIGHT ON A SWEEPING TURN. THE BIKE STARTED AS BEFORE AFTER COASTING TO SIDE OF THE ONRAMP. I RODE WITHOUT A PROBLEM UNTIL I ENTERED THE FREEWAY AT THE SAME ON RAMP A FEW HOURS LATER. THE ENGINE DIED IN THE SAME EXACT PLACE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION! *TR Look up ODI 10643722 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	1 ODI 10555753 · 10,300 mi I WAS TRAVELING ON A SURFACE ROAD AT APPROX. 50MPH. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION OF EUCLID AND LAMBERT THE LIGHT STARTED TO CHANGE. I ROLLED ONTO THE THROTTLE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION SAFELY. AS I CLEARED THE INTERSECTION I ROLLED OFF THE THROTTLE AT WHICH POINT THE THROTTLE WENT TO THE WIDE OPEN POSITION BY ITSELF. THE SUDDEN SURGE FORWARD CAUSED ME TO LOSE MY GRIP ON THE HANDLE BARS, THROWING ME ONTO MY BACK FROM THE BIKE. THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED APPROX. 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION ,GOING THROUGH ANOTHER IN… Look up ODI 10555753 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Vehicle Speed Control	0	4 ODI 10454567 · 23,000 mi BIKE WOULD JUST SHUT DOWN. ONCE RESTARTED IT WOULD IDLE AT APPROX 1500 RPM (LIMP MODE). THIS HAPPEN TWICE. THERE NO THROTTLE RESPONSE, IDLE WAS STILL AROUND 1500 RPM. TALK TO THE DEALER ABOUT MY ISSUES. BEFORE I COULD FINISH MY LITTLE SPEECH, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ECM OR THE ATC PIN CONNECTORS. HE DESCRIBES MY PROBLEM TO ME. THEY HAVE FIXED THIS PROBLEM IN THAT PAST. *TR Look up ODI 10454567 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10555753 · 10,300 mi I WAS TRAVELING ON A SURFACE ROAD AT APPROX. 50MPH. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION OF EUCLID AND LAMBERT THE LIGHT STARTED TO CHANGE. I ROLLED ONTO THE THROTTLE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION SAFELY. AS I CLEARED THE INTERSECTION I ROLLED OFF THE THROTTLE AT WHICH POINT THE THROTTLE WENT TO THE WIDE OPEN POSITION BY ITSELF. THE SUDDEN SURGE FORWARD CAUSED ME TO LOSE MY GRIP ON THE HANDLE BARS, THROWING ME ONTO MY BACK FROM THE BIKE. THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED APPROX. 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION ,GOING THROUGH ANOTHER IN… Look up ODI 10555753 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10611249 · 30,000 mi SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS I HAVE LOST ABILITY TO CONTROL MY THROTTLE. THROTTLE POSITION CLOSES AND DOES NOT ACCEPT INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE THROTTLE HAS SHUT AND THE MOTORCYCLE WENT INTO 'LIMP HOME' MODE. THIS WILL ONLY ALLOW A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 10-15MPH (DANGEROUS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED). THE CONCERN IS WELL KNOW BY THE HARLEY DAVIDSON COMPANY. THEY HAVE EVEN ISSUED A TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN (#TT418A) ON THE SUBJECT. HOWEVER, NO VOLUNTARY OR REQUIRED SAFETY … Look up ODI 10611249 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10611249 · 30,000 mi SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS I HAVE LOST ABILITY TO CONTROL MY THROTTLE. THROTTLE POSITION CLOSES AND DOES NOT ACCEPT INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE THROTTLE HAS SHUT AND THE MOTORCYCLE WENT INTO 'LIMP HOME' MODE. THIS WILL ONLY ALLOW A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 10-15MPH (DANGEROUS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED). THE CONCERN IS WELL KNOW BY THE HARLEY DAVIDSON COMPANY. THEY HAVE EVEN ISSUED A TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN (#TT418A) ON THE SUBJECT. HOWEVER, NO VOLUNTARY OR REQUIRED SAFETY … Look up ODI 10611249 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10555753 · 10,300 mi I WAS TRAVELING ON A SURFACE ROAD AT APPROX. 50MPH. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION OF EUCLID AND LAMBERT THE LIGHT STARTED TO CHANGE. I ROLLED ONTO THE THROTTLE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION SAFELY. AS I CLEARED THE INTERSECTION I ROLLED OFF THE THROTTLE AT WHICH POINT THE THROTTLE WENT TO THE WIDE OPEN POSITION BY ITSELF. THE SUDDEN SURGE FORWARD CAUSED ME TO LOSE MY GRIP ON THE HANDLE BARS, THROWING ME ONTO MY BACK FROM THE BIKE. THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED APPROX. 1/4 MILE DOWN THE ROAD AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION ,GOING THROUGH ANOTHER IN… Look up ODI 10555753 at NHTSA ↗	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

6 mentions · 6.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 3,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 735913

1999 HARLEY DAVIDSON 88 CUBIC INCH TWIN CAM ENGINES HAVE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH CAM BEARINGS. MANY OF THE BEARINGS ARE FAILING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE, DIE OR STALL CAUSING A HAZARD TO THE RIDER AND PASSENGER. HARLEY DAVIDSON IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS AN UPDATE KIT OF PARTS AVAILABLE TO DEALERS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY ARE REFUSING TO TAKE ANY ACTION UNTIL THE ENGINE ACTUALLY FAILS. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO REPAIR THE KNOWN DEFECTS WITHIN THIS ENGINE. I CONTACTED HARLEY DAVIDSON CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON 11/7/00 …

Look up ODI 735913 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10523838 · 13,758 mi

PULLED UP TO A STOPLIGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, WENT TO PULL AWAY AFTER LIGHT CHANGED BIKE LOST POWER FELT LIKE IT WAS RUNNING ON ONE CYLINDER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. MANAGED TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT GETTING HIT SHUT BIKE OFF THEN RESTARTED THE BIKE AND ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. CHECKED FOR CODES AND HAD A P2135 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CLEARED CODES AND HAS NOT RETURNED AS OF YET BUT GETTING READY TO TAKE A TRIP AND DON'T TRUST THIS BIKE.... *TR

Look up ODI 10523838 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10598226 · 3,000 mi

I GOT MY BIKE FROM WINTER STORAGE FROM THE HARLEY DEALERSHIP ON 5/8/14. THEY NEVER TOLD US THERE WAS ANY WORK DONE OVER THE WINTER. AFTER ASKING FOR A SERVICE MANAGER ON 6/2/14, TO SEE WHAT THEY HAD DONE TO THE BIKE DURING STORAGE WE RECEIVED THE PAPERWORK THAT SAID THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE STATOR ASSEMBLY AND PARTS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE ROTORS ON THIS BRAND NEW BIKE (2954 MILES) WERE REPLACED AS THEY WERE STATED AS WARPED. THIS BIKE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR A REGULAR CHECK UP FOR OIL CHANGE ETC. 8/21/14, AND THEY ADJUSTED THE CLUTCH …

Look up ODI 10598226 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 2.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 24,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10701606 · 19,000 mi

Look up ODI 10701606 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10884205 · 30,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHR. WHILE DEPRESSING THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL AT 40 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE FRONT BRAKE WAS ENGAGED, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PAVEMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT SHOULDER, HEAD, AND GROIN. THE CONTACT ALSO SUSTAINED ROAD RASH THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAIL…

Look up ODI 10884205 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 14,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10066092 · 14,000 mi

WHILE RIDING MY 2001 HARLEY ROAD KING (FLHR) ON TWO SEPARATE TIMES AS WE WERE RIDING DOWN THE MOTOR DIED. PRIOR TO THAT ON THE FIRST TIME BEFORE WE STARTED OFF THE BIKE WOULD NOT START, I ONLY HEARD THE SOUND OF A RELAY CLICKING SO I PUT IN A NEW BATTERY AND IT STARTED, THEN WE TOOK OFF AND IT QUIT IN TRAFFIC. IT DID START AND WE RODE HOME. THEN A WEEK LATER WE WENT FOR A RIDE AND IT DIED ON THE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. IT WOULD ONLY CLICK A RELAY. THEY FOUND A BURNED OUT STATOR WHICH I PERSONALLY BELIEVE IS CAUSED BY SOMETHING ELS…

Look up ODI 10066092 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 6,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10537735 · 6,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING FLHR MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

Look up ODI 10537735 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 3,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10598226 · 3,000 mi

Look up ODI 10598226 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10434594

2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYLCE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RAPID ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE RIDING THE BIKE, IT STARTED TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE OVER THE SPEED SET ON THE ELECTRICAL SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL WAS SET AT 50 MPH. HOWEVER, THE BIKE RACED UP TO 70 MPH ON ITS OWN. THE CRUISE CONTROL DID SHUT OF WHEN THE CONSUMER MANUALLY PRESSED THE SET SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITION. ONCE THE CRUISE CONTROL SETTING WAS TURNED OFF, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE SPEEDOMETER. UPON RETURNING HOME, THE CONSUMER ATTACHE…

Look up ODI 10434594 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b