Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCF problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

11 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

9,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2009 model year. Data updated: . 11 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 11 complaints (45.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior654.5%
Transmission and shifting19.1%
Fuel system concerns19.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Service Brakes
5
Fuel/Propulsion System
3
Unknown Or Other
2
Electrical System
1
Fuel System, Gasoline
1
Power Train
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Service Brakes5
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Unknown Or Other2
Electrical System1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Power Train1

Service Brakes: 5; Fuel/Propulsion System: 3; Unknown Or Other: 2; Electrical System: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline: 1; Power Train: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
10
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00010
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 10; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (10). 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2011
1
2012
1
2014
1
2015
1
2016
4
2017
1
2018
1
2021
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20111
20121
20141
20151
20164
20171
20181
20211

2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2014: 1; 2015: 1; 2016: 4; 2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2021: 1

Pattern summary

Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10884850 · 2016-07-14 (July 14, 2016)

WHILE DRIVING ON A SURFACE STREET APPROXIMATELY 40MPH I WAS CUT OFF. APPLIED BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. ABS ENGAGED NORMALLY. WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT AFTER THAT THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF. AND ONLY GOT STIFFER UNTIL IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET ANY STOPPING ACTION ON THE FRONT WHEEL. ..UPDATED 02/10/17 *BF THE ABS ACTUATOR WAS REPLACED, NORMAL BRAKING RETURNED. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR LATER AGAIN ON SURFACE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BEGAN TO PULL AWAY THEN PANIC STOPPED. I APPLIED BOTH BRAKES, THE A…

Owner-reported narrative. 68,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10884850 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10916224 · 2016-10-15 (October 15, 2016)

WHILE EXITING MY DRIVEWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO USE THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL, I FOUND THAT I COULD NOT PRESS IT AND HAD ONLY THE FRONT BRAKES. I FOUND THAT WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS STATIONARY IF I FORCED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN, IT WOULD WORK NORMALLY, BUT WOULD SEIZE UP AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE RIDING. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO A DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE, AND THEY RECOMMENDED CHANGING THE REAR BRAKE PADS, WHICH I DID. THEY THEN CALLED BACK LATER STATING THAT THE "ABS MODULE" NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH I COULD NOT AFFORD AT THE TIME. CURRENTLY TH…

Owner-reported narrative. 9,885 miles reported. Look up ODI 10916224 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10924475 · 2016-11-06 (November 6, 2016)

THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE SHIFTER AND LEFT FOOT PEDAL BREAKS, ALLOWING THE FOOT PEDAL TO ROTATE DOWN AND BECOME UNUSABLE AND ALSO ALLOWS IT TO COME OUT AND BECOME FOD ON THE ROADWAY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE RIDERS LEFT FOOT FALLS TO THE PAVEMENT. MINE HAS BROKEN TWICE, BOTH TIMES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, I REPAIRED USING THE SAME DESIGN EXCEPT WITH A STRONGER BOLT. THE SECOND TIME, I ALTERED THE DESIGN AS CAN BE SEEN ON THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO I MADE TO HELP OTHERS. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=O6SDDFQILG8. IF YOU WATCH THR…

Owner-reported narrative. 21,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10924475 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10435616 · 2011-11-14 (November 14, 2011)

FUEL GAUGE READS ANYWHERE FROM EMPTY TO FULL AT RANDOM TIMES - REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK IS. EXAMPLE: #1. I FILLED THE FUEL TANK, AS I DRIVE AWAY FROM THE GAS STATION, THE GAUGE SUDDENLY GOES TO "E", AND LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON; #2. THE GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM FULL TO EMPTY WITHIN 4 MILES OF FILLING UP. #3. AFTER FILLING THE TANK, I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE GAUGE READS "E" AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON, I STOP TO FILL, AND ONLY 1 GALLON GOES IN BEFORE IT IS AT THE TOP; AS I DRIVE AWAY THE GAUGE READS …

Owner-reported narrative. 425 miles reported. Look up ODI 10435616 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

100.0%Usable mileage11 / 11 records
100.0%Valid incident date11 / 11 records
100.0%Valid filing date11 / 11 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates11 / 11 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component20092010201120122013201420152016
Service Brakes
545.5%
ODI 10884850 · 68,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON A SURFACE STREET APPROXIMATELY 40MPH I WAS CUT OFF. APPLIED BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. ABS ENGAGED NORMALLY. WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT AFTER THAT THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF. AND ONLY GOT STIFFER UNTIL IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET ANY STOPPING ACTION ON THE FRONT WHEEL. ..UPDATED 02/10/17 *BF THE ABS ACTUATOR WAS REPLACED, NORMAL BRAKING RETURNED. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR LATER AGAIN ON SURFACE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BEGAN TO PULL AWAY THEN PANIC STOPPED. I APPLIED BOTH BRAKES, THE A…

Look up ODI 10884850 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11081899 · 12,565 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HARLEY-DAVIDSON VRSCF MOTORCYCLE. WHILE RIDING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE REAR BRAKE REMAINED ENGAGED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND CAUSED THE REAR BRAKE TO HEAT UP AND SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALLOWED TO COOL DOWN FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE HARLEY-DAVIDSON INC (2595 OGDEN AVE, LISLE, IL 60532, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE REAR CALIPER WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER FIVE WEEKS. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE MASTE…

Look up ODI 11081899 at NHTSA ↗

240.0%
ODI 11080914 · 12,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON VRSCF. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO RAHWAY HARLEY-DAVIDSON (12 WEST MILTON AVE, RAHWAY, NJ) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V076000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE ABS WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE ABS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF THE ABS REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATED THAT THE ABS FLUSHING SHOULD BE PERFORMED BY THE CONSUMER EVERY TWO Y…

Look up ODI 11080914 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 11078556 · 4,100 mi

I WAS RIDING MY 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON VROD MUSCLE, COMING TO A STOP ON A RED LIGHT MY REAR BRAKE FROZE SOLID, I WAS NOT ABLE TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, I LOST MY BRAKE AND COULD NOT STOP THE BIKE PROPERLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL STAYED FROZEN, I AM UNABLE TO USE THE BRAKE I THINK THIS IS RELATED TO THE HARLEY DAVIDSON ABS FAILURE. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT RIDING AND NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE

Look up ODI 11078556 at NHTSA ↗

375.0%
ODI 10897852 · 18,000 mi

A BRAKE LINE FROM THE ABS MODULE IS INSTALLED SUCH THAT IT RUBS ON A RADIATOR HOSE CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE TO ABRADE AND CAUSE THE LOSS OF FLUID. THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN THE LOSS OF REAR BRAKING. IN MY INSTANCE THE LOSS OF BRAKING WAS NOTICED WHEN COMING TO A STOP. NO ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BUT I KNOW OF OTHERS THAT HAVE BEEN IN NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE LOSS OF THE REAR BRAKE. THE FRONT BRAKE IS STILL ACTIVE AND WAS USED TO BRING THE MOTORCYCLE TO A HALT. THE FAILED PART NUMBER IS 44725-08A AND DUE TO DISCUSSION WITH OTHER MOTORCYCLIST THIS…

Look up ODI 10897852 at NHTSA ↗

375.0%
ODI 10956811 · 4,300 mi

IN JUNE 2016, I WAS RIDING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, WHEN MY REAR MOTORCYCLE BRAKE SUDDENLY FAILED. WHEN THE CALIPER FAILED, THE PADS WERE LOCKED AGAINST THE ROTOR AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. I EXPERIENCE EXTREME LOSS OF POWER AND IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD, LUCKILY WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE ROTOR WAS ALREADY RED HOT AND THE BIKE WAS UNRIDEABLE AS THE REAR BRAKE WAS UNABLE TO BE DISENGAGED. I WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE REAR MASTER CYCLINDER, ROTOR AND ALL BRAKE LINES. FEB 2014: STARTED BIKE TO TAKE IT FOR ITS FIRS…

Look up ODI 10956811 at NHTSA ↗

2100.0%
ODI 11387161 · 5,000 mi

HYDRAULIC CONTROLLER FOR REAR BRAKES CAUSED LOSS OF BRAKING FOR REAR BRAKES - FORTUNATELY NO ACCIDENT - HARLEY REPLACING FOR OVER $1300 - AS YOU ARE AWARE THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE ACROSS HARLEY DAVIDSON MODELS (2015 VROD)

Look up ODI 11387161 at NHTSA ↗

266.7%
ODI 11423079 · 13,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-ROD motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding approximately 10 mph, the braking system experienced a failure while attempting to stop. The contact stated that when pressing the front brake lever, the lever was hard to press and the motorcycle did not stop or slow down causing the rider to use his legs and feet to stop the motorcycle from crashing into an entrance gate. The motorcycle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The mo…

Look up ODI 11423079 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion System
327.3%
ODI 10470524 · 2,600 mi

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. IT WILL GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY TO HALF A TANK AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IF I AM GETTING CLOSE TO EMPTY IS TO WATCH MY ODOMETER. *TR

Look up ODI 10470524 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 10588938 · 3,000 mi

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT PROVIDE ACCURATE AMOUNT. *TR

Look up ODI 10588938 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 10808939 · 7,000 mi

I HAVE THE SAME FUEL GAUGE ISSUE AS ALL OTHER OWNERS OF V-RODS. THE GAUGE WILL NOT READ PROPERLY AND HAS LEFT ME IN TRAFFIC AND STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND HARLEY HAS STILL TO FIX IT.

Look up ODI 10808939 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11023905 · 22,700 mi

FUEL LEVEL SENDER FAILURE, THIS IS THE FOURTH UNIT THAT HAS FAILED AND REPLACED IN LESS THAN 24,000 MILES SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW. PREMIUM FUEL ALWAYS USED . NO AFTERMARKET FUEL SUPPLEMENTS ADDED. THE MOTORCYCLE RAN OUT OF FUEL WHILE TRAVELING 75MPH ON THE I-17 FREEWAY, ENGINE STALLED OUT IN FLIGHT IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF TRAFFIC FLOW. I HAD A VERY HARD TIME TRYING TO NEGOTIATE SAFE LANE CHANGE SINCE TRAFFIC WAS MOVING FASTER THAN I WAS. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO FINALLY STEER OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WHILE AVOIDING A NEAR COLLISI…

Look up ODI 11023905 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
19.1%
ODI 10470524 · 2,600 mi

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. IT WILL GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY TO HALF A TANK AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IF I AM GETTING CLOSE TO EMPTY IS TO WATCH MY ODOMETER. *TR

Look up ODI 10470524 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 10399848 · 1,230 mi

I WASHED THE 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON VRSCF MOTORCYCLE WITH WATER FROM A HOSE. THE NEXT DAY THE GAUGE CLUSTER HAD A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER VISIBLE. THE DIGITAL READOUT ON THE CLUSTER CYCLED ERRATICALLY UNTIL FINALLY STOPPING ON ONE SECTION AND WAS THEN UNRESPONSIVE UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT DOWN. BIKE IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY, BUT ISSUE SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. *TR

Look up ODI 10399848 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 10588938 · 3,000 mi

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT PROVIDE ACCURATE AMOUNT. *TR

Look up ODI 10588938 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 10808939 · 7,000 mi

I HAVE THE SAME FUEL GAUGE ISSUE AS ALL OTHER OWNERS OF V-RODS. THE GAUGE WILL NOT READ PROPERLY AND HAS LEFT ME IN TRAFFIC AND STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND HARLEY HAS STILL TO FIX IT.

Look up ODI 10808939 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 11560379

The taillight continues to fail without warning (no warning lamps came on) causing unsafe conditions on the road which can result in a serious accident. The taillight fails and the brake light and turn signal lights would not work. I have replaced it several times and now Harley Davidson says this part is no longer manufactured. Please note that this is an ongoing problem, and that the said taillight is an integral part and unique part of this motorcycle and there are no other manufacturers making an aftermarket replacement for this part. I wou…

Look up ODI 11560379 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
218.2%
ODI 10435616 · 425 mi

FUEL GAUGE READS ANYWHERE FROM EMPTY TO FULL AT RANDOM TIMES - REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK IS. EXAMPLE: #1. I FILLED THE FUEL TANK, AS I DRIVE AWAY FROM THE GAS STATION, THE GAUGE SUDDENLY GOES TO "E", AND LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON; #2. THE GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM FULL TO EMPTY WITHIN 4 MILES OF FILLING UP. #3. AFTER FILLING THE TANK, I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE GAUGE READS "E" AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON, I STOP TO FILL, AND ONLY 1 GALLON GOES IN BEFORE IT IS AT THE TOP; AS I DRIVE AWAY THE GAUGE READS …

Look up ODI 10435616 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

240.0%
ODI 10369961 · 400 mi

I AM FROM AUSTRALIA BUT I OWN AN AMERICAN MADE HARLEY-DAVIDSON VRSCF MUSCLE MOTORCYCLE. THE MOTORCYCLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS WHICH DOES NOT WORK. I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE FROM THE HARLY-DAVIDSON DEALER (FRASER MOTORCYCLES) IN PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA ON 5 NOVEMBER 2010. !0DAYS AFTER INITIAL PURCHASE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RUNNING/ I HAVE REFERRED THIS TO THE DEALER BUT SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ASCERTAIN WHY THE ABS SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. *TR

Look up ODI 10369961 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline
19.1%
ODI 10435616 · 425 mi

FUEL GAUGE READS ANYWHERE FROM EMPTY TO FULL AT RANDOM TIMES - REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK IS. EXAMPLE: #1. I FILLED THE FUEL TANK, AS I DRIVE AWAY FROM THE GAS STATION, THE GAUGE SUDDENLY GOES TO "E", AND LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON; #2. THE GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM FULL TO EMPTY WITHIN 4 MILES OF FILLING UP. #3. AFTER FILLING THE TANK, I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE GAUGE READS "E" AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON, I STOP TO FILL, AND ONLY 1 GALLON GOES IN BEFORE IT IS AT THE TOP; AS I DRIVE AWAY THE GAUGE READS …

Look up ODI 10435616 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 10417181 · 3,762 mi

THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON V-ROD MUSCLE FREQUENTLY FAILS. EVEN AFTER COMPLETELY FILLING THE TANK, THE GAUGE FLUCTUATES IN ITS READING, SOMETIMES SAYING I ONLY HAVE 3/4 TANK, AND SOMETIMES 1/4 OR LESS. WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF STEADY RIDING, THE GAUGE SHOWS THE TANK AS BEING COMPLETELY EMPTY. I HAVE TAKEN THE BIKE TO TUCSON HD, WHERE THEY RECENTLY REPLACED THE ENTIRE GAUGE CLUSTER, BUT THAT HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE GAUGE CONTINUES TO FAIL DESPITE THE REPAIR, INDICATING A CONSTANT LOW/NO FUEL CONDITION. *TT

Look up ODI 10417181 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.

Exterior Lighting
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.

133.3%
ODI 11692455

I custom ordered a rear fender with LED lights included to GR Customs tel. [phone removed]. However, the turning lights are barely visible. Contacted the Company and sales person Aaron rebutted that they has sold hundreds of those without a problem. I send pictures and videos. He says “they are clearly visible”. When motorcycle is running, rear tail lights are On (running lights). Even when the running lights are on (low luminosity), the turn light are not noticeable. He insisted that the running lights are not always ON and that’s why the turn…

Look up ODI 11692455 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
19.1%
ODI 10787163 · 3,600 mi

I NOTICED THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT FLICKERING AFTER THE ENGINE IS WARMED UP. I DECIDED TO TALK TO MY LOCL HARLEY DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND COULD CAUSE ME TO WRECK IF THE ENGINE SEIZED. AS A QUALITY ENGINEER BY TRADE, I INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE AND FOUND SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS ON VARIOUS HARLEY FORUMS. THE ISSUE IS THE TRIPLE SPROCKET BOLT BACKS OUT DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND CAUSES LOW OIL PRESSURE CONDITION AND OVERHEATING. IF THE ENGINE SEIZED ON ONE OF THESE BIKES WHILE RIDING, THIS COULD CAUSE THE REAR TIR…

Look up ODI 10787163 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10369961 · 400 mi

I AM FROM AUSTRALIA BUT I OWN AN AMERICAN MADE HARLEY-DAVIDSON VRSCF MUSCLE MOTORCYCLE. THE MOTORCYCLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS WHICH DOES NOT WORK. I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE FROM THE HARLY-DAVIDSON DEALER (FRASER MOTORCYCLES) IN PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA ON 5 NOVEMBER 2010. !0DAYS AFTER INITIAL PURCHASE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RUNNING/ I HAVE REFERRED THIS TO THE DEALER BUT SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ASCERTAIN WHY THE ABS SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING. *TR

Look up ODI 10369961 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.

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Service Brakes9,885–20,603 mi19,000 mi5
ODI 10884850 · 68,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON A SURFACE STREET APPROXIMATELY 40MPH I WAS CUT OFF. APPLIED BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. ABS ENGAGED NORMALLY. WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT AFTER THAT THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF. AND ONLY GOT STIFFER UNTIL IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET ANY STOPPING ACTION ON THE FRONT WHEEL. ..UPDATED 02/10/17 *BF THE ABS ACTUATOR WAS REPLACED, NORMAL BRAKING RETURNED. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR LATER AGAIN ON SURFACE STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME BEGAN TO PULL AWAY THEN PANIC STOPPED. I APPLIED BOTH BRAKES, THE A…

Look up ODI 10884850 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10916224 · 9,885 mi

WHILE EXITING MY DRIVEWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO USE THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL, I FOUND THAT I COULD NOT PRESS IT AND HAD ONLY THE FRONT BRAKES. I FOUND THAT WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS STATIONARY IF I FORCED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN, IT WOULD WORK NORMALLY, BUT WOULD SEIZE UP AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE RIDING. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO A DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE, AND THEY RECOMMENDED CHANGING THE REAR BRAKE PADS, WHICH I DID. THEY THEN CALLED BACK LATER STATING THAT THE "ABS MODULE" NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH I COULD NOT AFFORD AT THE TIME. CURRENTLY TH…

Look up ODI 10916224 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10994988 · 9,000 mi

WHILE ON A RIDE MY REAR BRAKES PEDAL JUST LOCKED UP THEREFORE I WAS UNABLE TO USE THE STOPPING POWER OF MY REAR BRAKE. AFTER SOME RESEARCH IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON HARLEY AND THAT ABS MODULE FREQUENTLY FAILS. THIS WAS VERY SCARY MOMENT FOR ME ON A MOTORCYCLE.

Look up ODI 10994988 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range5,850 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10470524 · 2,600 mi

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. IT WILL GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY TO HALF A TANK AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IF I AM GETTING CLOSE TO EMPTY IS TO WATCH MY ODOMETER. *TR

Look up ODI 10470524 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10593685 · 5,850 mi

THE FUEL GAUGE PROVIDED ON MY MOTORCYCLE DOES NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. IT IS INTERMITTENT AND CAN DROP FROM 3/4 TANK TO E WITHOUT ANY WARNING.THIS SEEMS TO BE A ON GOING PROBLEM ON ALMOST ALL THE VROD FROM HARLEY DAVIDSON. *TR

Look up ODI 10593685 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10924479 · 7,500 mi

THE FUEL SENSOR HAS FAILED TWICE, THE FIRST TIME CAUSING ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS WHILE ON A DESERT HIGHWAY (OVER 100F OUTSIDE). FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO-ONE BEHIND ME THAT MIGHT HAVE HIT ME FROM SUDDEN DECELERATION. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, I REPLACED THE SENSOR WITH THE SAME PART NUMBER FROM HARLEY DAVIDSON. ODDLY, THE SAME PART NUMBER IS A DIFFERENT CONFIGURATION THAT THE ORIGINAL (INDICATIVE OF A DESIGN ISSUE BEING CORRECTED ON-THE-SLY). THE SECOND FUEL SENSOR WORKED WELL FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR, THEN IT TOO FAILED. BECAUSE I WAS AWARE OF THE PRO…

Look up ODI 10924479 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range10,713 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10435616 · 425 mi

FUEL GAUGE READS ANYWHERE FROM EMPTY TO FULL AT RANDOM TIMES - REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK IS. EXAMPLE: #1. I FILLED THE FUEL TANK, AS I DRIVE AWAY FROM THE GAS STATION, THE GAUGE SUDDENLY GOES TO "E", AND LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON; #2. THE GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM FULL TO EMPTY WITHIN 4 MILES OF FILLING UP. #3. AFTER FILLING THE TANK, I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE GAUGE READS "E" AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON, I STOP TO FILL, AND ONLY 1 GALLON GOES IN BEFORE IT IS AT THE TOP; AS I DRIVE AWAY THE GAUGE READS …

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ODI 10924475 · 21,000 mi

THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE SHIFTER AND LEFT FOOT PEDAL BREAKS, ALLOWING THE FOOT PEDAL TO ROTATE DOWN AND BECOME UNUSABLE AND ALSO ALLOWS IT TO COME OUT AND BECOME FOD ON THE ROADWAY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE RIDERS LEFT FOOT FALLS TO THE PAVEMENT. MINE HAS BROKEN TWICE, BOTH TIMES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, I REPAIRED USING THE SAME DESIGN EXCEPT WITH A STRONGER BOLT. THE SECOND TIME, I ALTERED THE DESIGN AS CAN BE SEEN ON THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO I MADE TO HELP OTHERS. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=O6SDDFQILG8. IF YOU WATCH THR…

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Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range2,600 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10470524 · 2,600 mi

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. IT WILL GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY TO HALF A TANK AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IF I AM GETTING CLOSE TO EMPTY IS TO WATCH MY ODOMETER. *TR

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Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range425 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10435616 · 425 mi

FUEL GAUGE READS ANYWHERE FROM EMPTY TO FULL AT RANDOM TIMES - REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK IS. EXAMPLE: #1. I FILLED THE FUEL TANK, AS I DRIVE AWAY FROM THE GAS STATION, THE GAUGE SUDDENLY GOES TO "E", AND LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON; #2. THE GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM FULL TO EMPTY WITHIN 4 MILES OF FILLING UP. #3. AFTER FILLING THE TANK, I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE GAUGE READS "E" AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON, I STOP TO FILL, AND ONLY 1 GALLON GOES IN BEFORE IT IS AT THE TOP; AS I DRIVE AWAY THE GAUGE READS …

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Power TrainToo few reports for a range3,600 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10787163 · 3,600 mi

I NOTICED THE ENGINE OIL LIGHT FLICKERING AFTER THE ENGINE IS WARMED UP. I DECIDED TO TALK TO MY LOCL HARLEY DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND COULD CAUSE ME TO WRECK IF THE ENGINE SEIZED. AS A QUALITY ENGINEER BY TRADE, I INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE AND FOUND SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS ON VARIOUS HARLEY FORUMS. THE ISSUE IS THE TRIPLE SPROCKET BOLT BACKS OUT DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND CAUSES LOW OIL PRESSURE CONDITION AND OVERHEATING. IF THE ENGINE SEIZED ON ONE OF THESE BIKES WHILE RIDING, THIS COULD CAUSE THE REAR TIR…

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Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2015: 0 complaints · 2016: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2015000
2016000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2015200
2016300

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
ComponentService BrakesFuel/Propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherElectrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train
Service Brakes—00000
Fuel/Propulsion System0—0
1
ODI 10470524 · 2,600 mi

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. IT WILL GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY TO HALF A TANK AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IF I AM GETTING CLOSE TO EMPTY IS TO WATCH MY ODOMETER. *TR

Look up ODI 10470524 at NHTSA ↗

00
Unknown Or Other00—0
1
ODI 10435616 · 425 mi

FUEL GAUGE READS ANYWHERE FROM EMPTY TO FULL AT RANDOM TIMES - REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK IS. EXAMPLE: #1. I FILLED THE FUEL TANK, AS I DRIVE AWAY FROM THE GAS STATION, THE GAUGE SUDDENLY GOES TO "E", AND LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON; #2. THE GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM FULL TO EMPTY WITHIN 4 MILES OF FILLING UP. #3. AFTER FILLING THE TANK, I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE GAUGE READS "E" AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON, I STOP TO FILL, AND ONLY 1 GALLON GOES IN BEFORE IT IS AT THE TOP; AS I DRIVE AWAY THE GAUGE READS …

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0
Electrical System0
1
ODI 10470524 · 2,600 mi

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. IT WILL GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY TO HALF A TANK AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IF I AM GETTING CLOSE TO EMPTY IS TO WATCH MY ODOMETER. *TR

Look up ODI 10470524 at NHTSA ↗

0—00
Fuel System, Gasoline00
1
ODI 10435616 · 425 mi

FUEL GAUGE READS ANYWHERE FROM EMPTY TO FULL AT RANDOM TIMES - REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK IS. EXAMPLE: #1. I FILLED THE FUEL TANK, AS I DRIVE AWAY FROM THE GAS STATION, THE GAUGE SUDDENLY GOES TO "E", AND LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON; #2. THE GAUGE FLUCTUATED FROM FULL TO EMPTY WITHIN 4 MILES OF FILLING UP. #3. AFTER FILLING THE TANK, I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE GAUGE READS "E" AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR COMES ON, I STOP TO FILL, AND ONLY 1 GALLON GOES IN BEFORE IT IS AT THE TOP; AS I DRIVE AWAY THE GAUGE READS …

Look up ODI 10435616 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
Power Train00000—

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.

2 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 18.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 14,443 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10916224 · 9,885 mi

WHILE EXITING MY DRIVEWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO USE THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL, I FOUND THAT I COULD NOT PRESS IT AND HAD ONLY THE FRONT BRAKES. I FOUND THAT WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS STATIONARY IF I FORCED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN, IT WOULD WORK NORMALLY, BUT WOULD SEIZE UP AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE RIDING. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO A DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE, AND THEY RECOMMENDED CHANGING THE REAR BRAKE PADS, WHICH I DID. THEY THEN CALLED BACK LATER STATING THAT THE "ABS MODULE" NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH I COULD NOT AFFORD AT THE TIME. CURRENTLY TH…

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ODI 11429734 · 19,000 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCF. The contact stated while riding approximately 20 MPH and attempting to stop the motorcycle, the contact stated that the front brakes were functional however, the rear brakes failed to operate as designed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 19,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11429734 · 19,000 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCF. The contact stated while riding approximately 20 MPH and attempting to stop the motorcycle, the contact stated that the front brakes were functional however, the rear brakes failed to operate as designed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

Look up ODI 11429734 at NHTSA ↗

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