2018 Harley-Davidson FLDE: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
5 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
2,400 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data updated: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Owner-reported patterns
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 5 complaints (40.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic
Matching reports
Share of complaints
Braking behavior
2
40.0%
Transmission and shifting
1
20.0%
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.
Power Train
2
Service Brakes
2
Exterior Lighting
1
Suspension
1
Unknown Or Other
1
Component breakdown data
Category
Count
Power Train
2
Service Brakes
2
Exterior Lighting
1
Suspension
1
Unknown Or Other
1
Power Train: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Exterior Lighting: 1; Suspension: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
Under 25,000
3
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
Category
Count
Under 25,000
3
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
0
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 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 (3). 2 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.
2019
3
2022
1
2025
1
Complaints over time data
Category
Count
2019
3
2022
1
2025
1
2019: 3; 2022: 1; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
2018 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE 2400 MILES. WAS RIDING AT LUNCH HEADING BACK TO WORK, ON A CITY STREET CAME TO A INTERSECTION THE LIGHTS WERE TURNING RED WENT TO APPLY MY FRONT BRAKES AND THEY WENT FROM WORKING WITH NO ISSUES OR SIGNS OF ISSUES TO COMPLETE FAIL OF THE FRONT BRAKES PULLED OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH WHILE APPLYING MY REAR BRAKES TO AVOID FROM GOING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. NOTE: BIKE WAS MANUFACTURED IN NOVEMBER OF 2018 FROM HARLEY THEY TRIED TO CLAIM THE ISSUE WAS MY FAULT THAT THE BRAKES FAILED DUE TO IMPROPER CARE OF THE UNIT. …
MY MOTORCYCLE WAS RECALLED FOR A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING CONDITION. FLUID COULD LEAK PAST THE CLUTCH RESERVOIR AND CAUSE THE DRIVE TRAIN TO STAY ENGAGED AND YOU CANT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR CAUSING YOU TO CRASH. THIS IS MARCH 21, 2019 AND I AM 123 CUSTOMERS AWAY FROM THE HARLEY DEALERSHIP FROM HAVING PARTS TO FIX MY BIKE.
Faulty front brake light switch causes the brake light to remain on all the time. Comon failure and the part is on back order for two months. Issue has been confirmed by dealer.
My 2018 Harley Softail was repaired .The rear shock adjuster bolt was broken 11/1/2018 at 1500 mile this was before the recalls.Then it was repaired again with the recall 2/6/24 it was broken again.My bike was then repaired again on 7/29/25 for the recall .It was broken at the time again. On 8/25/25 I was riding home I felt a large bang to the rear and thought I had been hit.I was going slow I was able to handle the bike.I pulled to the shoulder and realized it was the shock adjuster again.I took my bike to Harley 8/30 with all my paperwork.Whe…
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
23V591000 · Suspension:Rear:Shock Absorber
Reported: 2023-08-22 (August 22, 2023)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2019 FLDE, 2018-2021 FLHC, 2018-2023 FLHCS, 2018 and 2023 FLHCS ANV, 2020-2023 FXLRS, 2022-2023 FXLRST, and 2022 FXRST Softail motorcycles. A fastener securing the rear shock absorber may break and allow the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
Consequence: A loss of tire pressure can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the shock absorber fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0181.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Softail motorcycles. The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
Consequence: A sudden loss of tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0188. Some of the vehicles included in this recall were previously repaired under recall 23V591, and will need to have the new remedy completed.
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
5 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
60.0%Usable mileage3 / 5 records
100.0%Valid incident date5 / 5 records
100.0%Valid filing date5 / 5 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates5 / 5 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
Component
2017
2018
2019
2020
Engine
133.3%ODI 11099563 · 10,000 mi
MY ENGINE WOULD STALL OUT INTERMITTENTLY. TYPICALLY WOULD OCCUR WHEN STOPPING OR GOING. WOULD NOT RESTART WITH CLUTCH IN. HAD TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL TO RESTART. A FAULTY CLUTCH MODULE WAS THE CAUSE. THIS HAS BEEN REPLACED TWO TIMES BY MY DEALERSHIP.
The contact owns a 2019 Harley Davidson FLDE. The contact stated that while riding on a main road at 80 MPH, the motorcycle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over and upon inspection, the contact noticed that the oil tank was empty; however, shortly afterwards, oil drained back into the oil tank, and the motorcycle displayed erratic oil level reading. The motorcycle was taken to the residence and was then picked up by the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was advised that the o…
The contact owns a 2020 Harley Davidson Tri-Glide. The contact stated while entering an intersection at 10 mph, the vehicle lost motive power. The motorcycle was restarted and driven to the residence. The contact was concerned that if the motorcycle stalled, it could cause a crash. The contact took the motorcycle to a local dealer who inspected the motorcycle but could not duplicate the failure. The motorcycle was not repaired. The dealer stated that the motorcycle was functioning as designed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The…
IF I CAN WRITE THIS MAIL, IT'S BECAUSE I'M STILL ALIVE. I'M GIUSEPPE AND I'M LIVING IN BRUSSELS BELGIUM. I HAVE A HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET ROD 750 SINCE SEPTEMBER 2017 BUT I RIDE SINCE MARCH 2018. I BOUGHT MY STREET ROD AT HARLEY-DAVIDSON BRUSSELS. IN APRIL 2018, MY DEALER MADE THE FIRST SERVICE AT 5000KM. THIS SATURDAY THE FIFTH OF THIS MONTH JANUARY AT 05:45 AM, I WAS RIDING HOME AFTER WORK. I WAS ALONE ON THE ROAD AND FORTUNATLY, I WAS RIDDING ONLY AT 50 KM/H ( 31 MILES. SUDANLY, THE PISTON OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM OF THE FRONT WHEEL WAS AC…
2018 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE 2400 MILES. WAS RIDING AT LUNCH HEADING BACK TO WORK, ON A CITY STREET CAME TO A INTERSECTION THE LIGHTS WERE TURNING RED WENT TO APPLY MY FRONT BRAKES AND THEY WENT FROM WORKING WITH NO ISSUES OR SIGNS OF ISSUES TO COMPLETE FAIL OF THE FRONT BRAKES PULLED OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH WHILE APPLYING MY REAR BRAKES TO AVOID FROM GOING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. NOTE: BIKE WAS MANUFACTURED IN NOVEMBER OF 2018 FROM HARLEY THEY TRIED TO CLAIM THE ISSUE WAS MY FAULT THAT THE BRAKES FAILED DUE TO IMPROPER CARE OF THE UNIT. …
VEHICLE HAS BEEN UNDER A RECALL SINCE NOVEMBER 4, 2018. TODAY IS NOVEMBER 28, 2018 AND IT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED, THE DEALER SAID THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL GET TO IT. THEY HAVE A PARTS ISSUE. I THINK THIS IS AN UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME WAITING, AND NOT KNOWING WHEN IT WILL BE FIXED. THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER IS 18V734. PLEASE HELP.
My 2018 Harley Softail was repaired .The rear shock adjuster bolt was broken 11/1/2018 at 1500 mile this was before the recalls.Then it was repaired again with the recall 2/6/24 it was broken again.My bike was then repaired again on 7/29/25 for the recall .It was broken at the time again. On 8/25/25 I was riding home I felt a large bang to the rear and thought I had been hit.I was going slow I was able to handle the bike.I pulled to the shoulder and realized it was the shock adjuster again.I took my bike to Harley 8/30 with all my paperwork.Whe…
Faulty front brake light switch causes the brake light to remain on all the time. Comon failure and the part is on back order for two months. Issue has been confirmed by dealer.
My 2018 Harley Softail was repaired .The rear shock adjuster bolt was broken 11/1/2018 at 1500 mile this was before the recalls.Then it was repaired again with the recall 2/6/24 it was broken again.My bike was then repaired again on 7/29/25 for the recall .It was broken at the time again. On 8/25/25 I was riding home I felt a large bang to the rear and thought I had been hit.I was going slow I was able to handle the bike.I pulled to the shoulder and realized it was the shock adjuster again.I took my bike to Harley 8/30 with all my paperwork.Whe…
MY MOTORCYCLE WAS RECALLED FOR A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING CONDITION. FLUID COULD LEAK PAST THE CLUTCH RESERVOIR AND CAUSE THE DRIVE TRAIN TO STAY ENGAGED AND YOU CANT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR CAUSING YOU TO CRASH. THIS IS MARCH 21, 2019 AND I AM 123 CUSTOMERS AWAY FROM THE HARLEY DEALERSHIP FROM HAVING PARTS TO FIX MY BIKE.
2018 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE 2400 MILES. WAS RIDING AT LUNCH HEADING BACK TO WORK, ON A CITY STREET CAME TO A INTERSECTION THE LIGHTS WERE TURNING RED WENT TO APPLY MY FRONT BRAKES AND THEY WENT FROM WORKING WITH NO ISSUES OR SIGNS OF ISSUES TO COMPLETE FAIL OF THE FRONT BRAKES PULLED OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH WHILE APPLYING MY REAR BRAKES TO AVOID FROM GOING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. NOTE: BIKE WAS MANUFACTURED IN NOVEMBER OF 2018 FROM HARLEY THEY TRIED TO CLAIM THE ISSUE WAS MY FAULT THAT THE BRAKES FAILED DUE TO IMPROPER CARE OF THE UNIT. …
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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
My 2018 Harley Softail was repaired .The rear shock adjuster bolt was broken 11/1/2018 at 1500 mile this was before the recalls.Then it was repaired again with the recall 2/6/24 it was broken again.My bike was then repaired again on 7/29/25 for the recall .It was broken at the time again. On 8/25/25 I was riding home I felt a large bang to the rear and thought I had been hit.I was going slow I was able to handle the bike.I pulled to the shoulder and realized it was the shock adjuster again.I took my bike to Harley 8/30 with all my paperwork.Whe…
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.
2019: 0 complaints · 2020: 1 complaints
Equal observation windows
Model year
Through age 0
Through age 1
Through age 2
2019
0
0
0
2020
0
1
1
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year
Incident dates used
Filing date fallbacks
Excluded dates
2019
1
0
0
2020
1
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
Power Train
Service Brakes
Exterior Lighting
Suspension
Unknown Or Other
Power Train
—
0
0
0
0
Service Brakes
0
—
1ODI 11491743
Faulty front brake light switch causes the brake light to remain on all the time. Comon failure and the part is on back order for two months. Issue has been confirmed by dealer.
Faulty front brake light switch causes the brake light to remain on all the time. Comon failure and the part is on back order for two months. Issue has been confirmed by dealer.
My 2018 Harley Softail was repaired .The rear shock adjuster bolt was broken 11/1/2018 at 1500 mile this was before the recalls.Then it was repaired again with the recall 2/6/24 it was broken again.My bike was then repaired again on 7/29/25 for the recall .It was broken at the time again. On 8/25/25 I was riding home I felt a large bang to the rear and thought I had been hit.I was going slow I was able to handle the bike.I pulled to the shoulder and realized it was the shock adjuster again.I took my bike to Harley 8/30 with all my paperwork.Whe…
My 2018 Harley Softail was repaired .The rear shock adjuster bolt was broken 11/1/2018 at 1500 mile this was before the recalls.Then it was repaired again with the recall 2/6/24 it was broken again.My bike was then repaired again on 7/29/25 for the recall .It was broken at the time again. On 8/25/25 I was riding home I felt a large bang to the rear and thought I had been hit.I was going slow I was able to handle the bike.I pulled to the shoulder and realized it was the shock adjuster again.I took my bike to Harley 8/30 with all my paperwork.Whe…
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.
1 patterns with matching reports.
Brake response concerns
1 mentions · 20.0% of complaints
Median mileage: 2,400 mi (1 usable records).
ODI 11182098 · 2,400 mi
2018 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE 2400 MILES. WAS RIDING AT LUNCH HEADING BACK TO WORK, ON A CITY STREET CAME TO A INTERSECTION THE LIGHTS WERE TURNING RED WENT TO APPLY MY FRONT BRAKES AND THEY WENT FROM WORKING WITH NO ISSUES OR SIGNS OF ISSUES TO COMPLETE FAIL OF THE FRONT BRAKES PULLED OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH WHILE APPLYING MY REAR BRAKES TO AVOID FROM GOING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. NOTE: BIKE WAS MANUFACTURED IN NOVEMBER OF 2018 FROM HARLEY THEY TRIED TO CLAIM THE ISSUE WAS MY FAULT THAT THE BRAKES FAILED DUE TO IMPROPER CARE OF THE UNIT. …