Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 4,189 complaints for HARLEY-DAVIDSON
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2007) — SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 28, 2014
Incident date: Sep 27, 2014
THE REAR BRAKE LINE (PN 40971-00A) RUBBED THE FRAME AND CLUTCH CABLE, CAUSING A HOLE TO BE CREATED. THIS IS IN THE AREA BELOW THE CAM CHEST, BEHIND THE MASTER CYLINDER, INSIDE THE FRAME ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE BRAKE LINE BLEW OUT WHEN THE REAR BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THERE WAS NO WARNING. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
ULTRA CLASSIC
(2001) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 26, 2014
Incident date: Sep 26, 2003
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN TWO MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INJECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUH
(2009) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 23, 2014
Incident date: Sep 17, 2014
THROTTLE GOES INTO 'LIMP MODE'. IN AUGUST OF 2013 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN THE 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' CAME ON. I COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE. IN AUGUST OF 2014 I LOST THE THROTTLE WHEN I WAS DOING 30 MPH. BOTH TIMES I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE BIKE OFF FOR A FEW MINUTE, THEN I WOULD HAVE THROTTLE USAGE. ON 9/17/14 THE SAME THING HAPPENED . I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CHECK ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUH
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 23, 2014
Incident date: Sep 17, 2014
THROTTLE GOES INTO 'LIMP MODE'. IN AUGUST OF 2013 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN THE 'CHECK ENGINE LIGHT' CAME ON. I COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE. IN AUGUST OF 2014 I LOST THE THROTTLE WHEN I WAS DOING 30 MPH. BOTH TIMES I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE BIKE OFF FOR A FEW MINUTE, THEN I WOULD HAVE THROTTLE USAGE. ON 9/17/14 THE SAME THING HAPPENED . I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CHECK ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2010) — SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 21, 2014
Incident date: Sep 21, 2014
THE REAR BRAKE ON THIS MOTORCYCLE HAS SHUDDERED AND HAS HAD ANDTO STILL HAS INADEQUATE AND UNDER-ENGINEERED BRAKING POWER FOR THE WEIGHT AND SPEEDS IT WAS DESIGNED FOR, SINCE THE DAY I TOOK DELIVERY OF IT AS A BRAND NEW BIKE. HARLEY DAVIDSON WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS POORLY DESIGNED AND INADEQUATE BRAKING SYSTEM. THEY LEFT THEIR DEALERS AND CUSTOMERS WITH THIS UNSAFE PRODUCT. MOTORCYCLES REQ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2010) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 21, 2014
Incident date: Sep 21, 2014
I TURNED ONTO NORTHBOUND US HIGHWAY 281 FROM EASTBOUND SOUTH DAKOTA HIGHWAY 26 AND ACCELERATED NORMALLY TO 65 MPH AND ACTIVATED THE ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL IN 6TH GEAR. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS I HEARD A NUMBER OF SQUEALS FROM THE FRONT END AND THE HANDLEBARS BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO RAPIDLY SLOW THE MOTORCYCLE DOWN. AT 50 MPH THE SHAKING STOPPED. I DISENGAGED THE CLUTCH... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2010) — STEERING
Sep 21, 2014
Incident date: Sep 21, 2014
I TURNED ONTO NORTHBOUND US HIGHWAY 281 FROM EASTBOUND SOUTH DAKOTA HIGHWAY 26 AND ACCELERATED NORMALLY TO 65 MPH AND ACTIVATED THE ELECTRONIC CRUISE CONTROL IN 6TH GEAR. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS I HEARD A NUMBER OF SQUEALS FROM THE FRONT END AND THE HANDLEBARS BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO RAPIDLY SLOW THE MOTORCYCLE DOWN. AT 50 MPH THE SHAKING STOPPED. I DISENGAGED THE CLUTCH... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2009) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 18, 2014
Incident date: Sep 1, 2014
WHEN STARTING HOT THE COMPENSATOR MAKES A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FROM READING THE HARLEY FORUMS. CHECK THE HARLEY SITE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUSE5
(2010) — SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 17, 2014
Incident date: Sep 7, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE FLHTCUSE5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. ## VIN PASSED ## HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHT CUSE5 ##
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSTSSE3
(2009) — SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 17, 2014
Incident date: Sep 17, 2014
FRONT FENDER BRACKET RUSTING WHICH HOLDS BRAKE CALIBER POTENTIAL DEADLY HAZARD DUE TO IMPROPER ENGINEERING THIS WAS PAINTED FROM FACTORY AS ONE UNIT WITH BRACKET ATTACHED TO FENDER AND NOT SEALED TO PREVENT RUST FORMING ON BRAKE BRACKET OR EACH PIECE NOT PROPERLY SEALED FROM WATER.THE FIRST RECALL ON THIS MODEL WAS A BOLT NOT PROPERLY ATTACHED WAS REPAIRED. *TR
Crash
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XG750
(2015) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 16, 2014
Incident date: Jul 15, 2014
ALMOST AT EXACTLY 90 MILES, WHEN THERE IS STILL 1.5 GAL OF GAS IN THE CYCLE IT WILL STALL OUT LIKE SOMEONE HIT THE KILL SWITCH SO IT THROWS YOU FORWARD ON THE BIKE. THEN IT COMES BACK ON AND PRACTICALLY THROWS YOU OFF BACKWARDS. IT GETS WORSE AT THE 100 MILE MARK AS THE "STALL" WILL HAPPEN EVEN IN HIGHER GEARS AND AT HIGHER SPEEDS. WHEN I THEN PUT GAS IN IT, THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY FOR THE NEXT... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 14, 2014
Incident date: Sep 14, 2014
WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PROCEEDED TO APPLY THROTTLE WITH NO RESPONSE. LET OUT CLUTCH AND ROLLED NO FASTER THEN 20 MPH WHILE CARS WERE BACKING UP BEHIND ME. AFTER ROLLING AT 20 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY HUNDRED YARDS, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION WITH OUT BEING RUN OVER. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2009) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 14, 2014
Incident date: Sep 14, 2014
WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PROCEEDED TO APPLY THROTTLE WITH NO RESPONSE. LET OUT CLUTCH AND ROLLED NO FASTER THEN 20 MPH WHILE CARS WERE BACKING UP BEHIND ME. AFTER ROLLING AT 20 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY HUNDRED YARDS, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION WITH OUT BEING RUN OVER. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2009) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 14, 2014
Incident date: Sep 14, 2014
WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT, AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PROCEEDED TO APPLY THROTTLE WITH NO RESPONSE. LET OUT CLUTCH AND ROLLED NO FASTER THEN 20 MPH WHILE CARS WERE BACKING UP BEHIND ME. AFTER ROLLING AT 20 MPH FOR APPROXIMATELY HUNDRED YARDS, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER IN A SAFE LOCATION WITH OUT BEING RUN OVER. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2012) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
Sep 12, 2014
Incident date: Apr 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU MOTORCYCLE. WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT END VIBRATED AND THE MOTORCYCLE WOBBLED. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHXSE
(2010) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 11, 2014
Incident date: Sep 2, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY THROTTLE CONTROL QUIT. MOTOR ON BIKE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT WHEN I WENT TO ADVANCE THE THROTTLE NO RESPONSE. THEREFORE I HAD TO INDICATE A HAZARD BY PUTTING ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND THEN PULL OVER TO THE MEDIAN. I HIT THE KILL SWITCH AND THEN TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF WAITED APPROXIMATELY 2 MIN THEN RESTARTED THE BIKE. JUST IMAGINE IF I WAS GOING TO MAKE A L... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHXSE
(2010) — ENGINE
Sep 11, 2014
Incident date: Sep 2, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY THROTTLE CONTROL QUIT. MOTOR ON BIKE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT WHEN I WENT TO ADVANCE THE THROTTLE NO RESPONSE. THEREFORE I HAD TO INDICATE A HAZARD BY PUTTING ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND THEN PULL OVER TO THE MEDIAN. I HIT THE KILL SWITCH AND THEN TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF WAITED APPROXIMATELY 2 MIN THEN RESTARTED THE BIKE. JUST IMAGINE IF I WAS GOING TO MAKE A L... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHXSE
(2010) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 11, 2014
Incident date: Sep 2, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY THROTTLE CONTROL QUIT. MOTOR ON BIKE WAS STILL RUNNING BUT WHEN I WENT TO ADVANCE THE THROTTLE NO RESPONSE. THEREFORE I HAD TO INDICATE A HAZARD BY PUTTING ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND THEN PULL OVER TO THE MEDIAN. I HIT THE KILL SWITCH AND THEN TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF WAITED APPROXIMATELY 2 MIN THEN RESTARTED THE BIKE. JUST IMAGINE IF I WAS GOING TO MAKE A L... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2014) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Sep 8, 2014
Incident date: Aug 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CLUTCH FAILED TO DISENGAGE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V515000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2014) — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Sep 8, 2014
Incident date: Sep 7, 2014
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX STREET GLIDE: SADDLE BAG FELL OFF. SMALL "CLIPS" THAT HOLD THE HARD SADDLE BAGS ON STREET GLIDE PULL OUT EASILY. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO 2 OTHER BIKERS JUST WITHIN THE LAST YEAR THAT WE KNOW PERSONALLY/RIDE WITH. BECAUSE OF THEIR EXPERIENCE, WE CHECKED THEM CONSTANTLY. SEVERAL TIMES, FINDING ONE OF THE TWO HAD FALL OFF JUST FROM VIBRATION OF A RIDE. WE ARE DEVASTATED - FIRS... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2010) — ENGINE
Sep 8, 2014
Incident date: Sep 6, 2014
WHILE RIDING ON HIGHWAY, ENGINE WENT TO IDLE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD TO PULL OFF ON SHOULDER AND SHUT THE BIKE OFF. AFTER RESTARTING, BIKE WOULD RUN FINE FOR APPROX. 20 MILES AND IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. HAPPENED FOUR TIMES ON 9/6/14. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, HARLEY DAVIDSON IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX IT IF NOT UNDER WARRANTY. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE PASSING, IN A... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2010) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 8, 2014
Incident date: Sep 6, 2014
WHILE RIDING ON HIGHWAY, ENGINE WENT TO IDLE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD TO PULL OFF ON SHOULDER AND SHUT THE BIKE OFF. AFTER RESTARTING, BIKE WOULD RUN FINE FOR APPROX. 20 MILES AND IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. HAPPENED FOUR TIMES ON 9/6/14. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, HARLEY DAVIDSON IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX IT IF NOT UNDER WARRANTY. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE PASSING, IN A... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2010) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 7, 2014
Incident date: Sep 7, 2014
THERE ARE TWO BOLTS THREADED INTO TRANSMISSION CASE THAT HOLDS MUFFLER BRACKET, ,BOLT BACKS OUT CAUSING TRANSMISSION OIL TO LEAK ONTO MUFFLER BRACKET WHICH IS EXTREMELY HOT CAUSING A POSSIBLE FIRE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2014) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 7, 2014
Incident date: Sep 5, 2014
WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT, MY CLUTCH DISENGAGED CAUSING MY MOTORCYCLE TO LUNGE FORWARD. I HAD TO APPLY BRAKE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CHANGE GEAR TO NEUTRAL AS CLUTCH WOULD NOT ENGAGE. LUCKILY I WAS FIRST IN LINE AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT INTO CROSSWALK IN FRONT OF MEDIAN. I AM NOT SURE IF IT WAS BECAUSE BIKE WAS HOT AS AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES IT RAN NORMAL INCLUDING CLUTCH. HOWEVER, RESEARCHING PR... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTFB
(2014) — STEERING
Sep 7, 2014
Incident date: Aug 31, 2014
WOBBLES AT 40/45MPH. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFT TAIL
(2009) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 7, 2014
Incident date: Jun 7, 2014
WHILE GETTING OFF OF THE BIKE PASSENGER NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LINE AT THE GAS TANK CONNECTION. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE QUICK CONNECT FITTING AT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING.UPON CLOSER INSPECTION OF THE QUICK CONNECT IT APPEARS TO HAVE TWO INTERNAL "O" RINGS. PRIOR TO THIS ISSUE I HAVE NEVER DISCONNECTED THE FUEL LINE, BIKE HAS NEVER BEEN DROPPED AND THERE HAS BEEN NO OTHER... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRXSE
(2013) — STEERING
Sep 6, 2014
Incident date: Feb 17, 2014
IF I REMOVE MY HANDS FROM THE HANDLE BARS THE BIKE STEERING WOBBLE VIOLENTLY THIS ALSO HAPPENED AT LOWER SPEEDS 45 MHR. LOST OF CONTROL COMES QUICKLY,YOU KNOW WHAT THE RESULTS COULD BE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCI
(2001) — SUSPENSION
Sep 5, 2014
Incident date: Aug 22, 2014
THE REAR SWING ARM HAS FAILED ABOVE THE WHEEL AXLE. TRYING TO ORDER A NEW ONE FROM HARLEY AND THEY DO NOT HAVE A REPLACEMENT ONE. I WAS TOLD IT'S OBSOLETE. I LOOKED THIS UP ON GOOGLE AND FOUND OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MY BIKE SHOP WANTS TO GET A USED ONE AND REINFORCE IT BY WELDING A PLATE ABOVE THE AXLE SHAFT. I WOULD FEEL BETTER WITH A FIX FROM HARLEY. THIS MAY BE MY LAST HARLEY. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2009) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 5, 2014
Incident date: Aug 17, 2014
THIS MOTORCYCLE, WITH NO WARNING WILL GO INTO "LIMP MODE". LIMP MODE IS WHEN THE ECM SHUTS THE ENGINE DOWN TO 1000 RPM AND WILL NOT LET IT EXCEED THIS RPM. TWICE THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD WAS I NOT RUN OVER FROM BEHIND. THE BIKE REGISTER THREE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODES, P1511, P2135 AND U1097. ALL CODES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM LO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2009) — ENGINE
Sep 5, 2014
Incident date: Aug 17, 2014
THIS MOTORCYCLE, WITH NO WARNING WILL GO INTO "LIMP MODE". LIMP MODE IS WHEN THE ECM SHUTS THE ENGINE DOWN TO 1000 RPM AND WILL NOT LET IT EXCEED THIS RPM. TWICE THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD WAS I NOT RUN OVER FROM BEHIND. THE BIKE REGISTER THREE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODES, P1511, P2135 AND U1097. ALL CODES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM LO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 5, 2014
Incident date: Aug 17, 2014
THIS MOTORCYCLE, WITH NO WARNING WILL GO INTO "LIMP MODE". LIMP MODE IS WHEN THE ECM SHUTS THE ENGINE DOWN TO 1000 RPM AND WILL NOT LET IT EXCEED THIS RPM. TWICE THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD WAS I NOT RUN OVER FROM BEHIND. THE BIKE REGISTER THREE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODES, P1511, P2135 AND U1097. ALL CODES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM LO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2007) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Sep 5, 2014
Incident date: Aug 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 9 MPH, THE BRAKE LAMP FAILED TO ACTIVATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WAS MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2014) — SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 4, 2014
Incident date: Jun 2, 2014
THE FRONT BRAKES MAKE A TERRIBLE NOISE WHEN APPLIED. NOT ALL THE TIME, BUT VERY OFTEN. WHILE BRAKE STOPPING IS CURRENTLY NORMAL, I HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS KIND OF NOISE ON ANY OF THE DOZENS OF MOTORCYCLES I HAVE OWNED OVER THE LAST 40+ YEARS. I HAVE HAD THE BIKE AT THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY SAY THEY ARE UNABLE TO RECREATE THE NOISE. YET IT HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME I RIDE IT. I EVEN PROVIDE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2014) — SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 4, 2014
Incident date: May 1, 2014
THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER HYDRAULIC PRESSURE SWITCH, WHICH ACTIVATES THE BRAKE LIGHT AND DISABLES THE CRUISE CONTROL, FAILS TO ACTIVATE BEFORE SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE IS APPLIED. THE BRAKES BEGIN TO FUNCTION LONG BEFORE THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON OR THE CRUISE DISCONNECTS. THIS CAUSES A PROBLEM WHEN STOPPED, AS THE BRAKE LIGHT DOESN'T COME ON WHEN USING THE FRONT BRAKE ALONE, UNLESS SERIOUS PRESSURE IS APP... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XG500
(2015) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 3, 2014
Incident date: Aug 15, 2014
UPON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP, THE 2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 500 AND 750 (XG500 AND XG750) MODELS LOSE FUEL PRESSURE WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS UNDER APPROXIMATELY 1/2 CAPACITY. THE PROBLEM IS EXACERBATED WHEN ACCELERATING UP HILLS. UPON LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE, THE MOTORCYCLE VIOLENTLY THRUSTS THE RIDER FORWARD, AND WHEN THE FUEL PRESSURE RECOVERS, THE RIDER IS UNEXPECTEDLY THRUST BACKWARDS, RES... Read more
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2010) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 2, 2014
Incident date: Aug 27, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOING ABOUT 50 MPH AND MY THROTTLE SHUT OFF AND THE ENGINE WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" (SHUT OFF ONE CYLINDER). I HAD TO CROSS ONE LANE TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SO I COULD RESTART MY BIKE. LUCKILY THERE WASN'T HEAVY TRAFFIC OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY BAD. I SEE THAT THIS IS A TREND IN THESE BIKES AND HARLEY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2010) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 2, 2014
Incident date: Aug 27, 2014
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOING ABOUT 50 MPH AND MY THROTTLE SHUT OFF AND THE ENGINE WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" (SHUT OFF ONE CYLINDER). I HAD TO CROSS ONE LANE TO PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SO I COULD RESTART MY BIKE. LUCKILY THERE WASN'T HEAVY TRAFFIC OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY BAD. I SEE THAT THIS IS A TREND IN THESE BIKES AND HARLEY NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDWGI
(2006) — ENGINE
Sep 1, 2014
Incident date: Jul 10, 2014
SCREWS HOLDING 2 PIECE ROTOR ASSEMBLY CAME LOOSE ON FWY ON WAY TO WORK.HEARD A FAINT METALLIC KNOCK ON LEFT SIDE BY PRIMARY COVER. AFTER WORK FIRED IT UP AND HEADED TO MECHANIC SHOP (NON HD). CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON SO TO AVOID MORE DAMAGE AND POSS ACCIDENT I HAD AAA TOW IT TO BIKE SHOP. THEY HAD TO REPLACE ROTOR,STATOR, VOLT REG AND BATTERY WHEN STATOR WINDINGS SHORTED OUT. H... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDWGI
(2006) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 1, 2014
Incident date: Jul 10, 2014
SCREWS HOLDING 2 PIECE ROTOR ASSEMBLY CAME LOOSE ON FWY ON WAY TO WORK.HEARD A FAINT METALLIC KNOCK ON LEFT SIDE BY PRIMARY COVER. AFTER WORK FIRED IT UP AND HEADED TO MECHANIC SHOP (NON HD). CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON SO TO AVOID MORE DAMAGE AND POSS ACCIDENT I HAD AAA TOW IT TO BIKE SHOP. THEY HAD TO REPLACE ROTOR,STATOR, VOLT REG AND BATTERY WHEN STATOR WINDINGS SHORTED OUT. H... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDWGI
(2006) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 1, 2014
Incident date: Aug 4, 2012
NOISE ON PRIMARY SIDE THAT CHANGES WHEN CLUTCH PULLED IN. DEALER REPLACED INNER PRIMARY AND CLUTCH HUB BEARINGS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY IN COMPLIANCE WITH HARLEY D'S TSB REGARDING THIS KNOWN DEFECT. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDWGI
(2006) — SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 1, 2014
Incident date: Jul 10, 2014
SCREWS HOLDING 2 PIECE ROTOR ASSEMBLY CAME LOOSE ON FWY ON WAY TO WORK.HEARD A FAINT METALLIC KNOCK ON LEFT SIDE BY PRIMARY COVER. AFTER WORK FIRED IT UP AND HEADED TO MECHANIC SHOP (NON HD). CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON SO TO AVOID MORE DAMAGE AND POSS ACCIDENT I HAD AAA TOW IT TO BIKE SHOP. THEY HAD TO REPLACE ROTOR,STATOR, VOLT REG AND BATTERY WHEN STATOR WINDINGS SHORTED OUT. H... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDWGI
(2006) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 31, 2014
Incident date: Aug 30, 2014
WHILE RIDDING REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THAN RELEASED FOLLOWED BY A GRINDING NOISE THAT SEEM TO COME FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE. I REMOVED THE SIDE COVER AND FOUND BROKEN WIRES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE COVER. THESE LOOK TO BE STATOR WIRES. I REMOVED THE ALTERNATOR ROTOR AND FOUND LOOSE BOLTS AND A TORN UP STATOR. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 30, 2014
Incident date: Aug 27, 2014
ENGINE WENT INTO IDLE MODE AND HAD NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE BY WIRE TBW. CAN HAPPEN AT ANY OPERATING SPEEDS. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 30, 2014
Incident date: Aug 27, 2014
ENGINE WENT INTO IDLE MODE AND HAD NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE BY WIRE TBW. CAN HAPPEN AT ANY OPERATING SPEEDS. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — ENGINE
Aug 30, 2014
Incident date: Aug 27, 2014
ENGINE WENT INTO IDLE MODE AND HAD NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE BY WIRE TBW. CAN HAPPEN AT ANY OPERATING SPEEDS. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTF
(2006) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 29, 2014
Incident date: Aug 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLSTF MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BOLTS DETACHED FROM THE REAR BRACKET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
IRON 883
(2012) — ENGINE
Aug 27, 2014
Incident date: Aug 22, 2014
I PURCHASED A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON IRON 883 WITH 565 MILES AROUND APRIL 2014 WITH NO DAMAGES OR PROBLEMS. RECENTLY WITHIN THE LAST TWO WEEKS, THE ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHT HAS BEEN POPPING UP ON THE DASHBOARD. IT WASN'T UNTIL AUGUST 22ND, THAT I TOOK IT TO WORK, NOTICE THE LIGHTS AGAIN AND DECIDE TO DO A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS OF COMPLAINTS WITH 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON'... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
IRON 883
(2012) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 27, 2014
Incident date: Aug 22, 2014
I PURCHASED A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON IRON 883 WITH 565 MILES AROUND APRIL 2014 WITH NO DAMAGES OR PROBLEMS. RECENTLY WITHIN THE LAST TWO WEEKS, THE ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHT HAS BEEN POPPING UP ON THE DASHBOARD. IT WASN'T UNTIL AUGUST 22ND, THAT I TOOK IT TO WORK, NOTICE THE LIGHTS AGAIN AND DECIDE TO DO A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS OF COMPLAINTS WITH 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON'... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLD
(2013) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 26, 2014
Incident date: Oct 11, 2013
WHILE RIDING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT NIGHT WITH A GROUP OF OTHER RIDERS, VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER TO MOTOR. THROTTLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY RIDER INPUT. HAD TO PULL BIKE OVER ONTO SHOULDER. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WERE INITIALLY UNSUCCESSFUL, AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS ENGINE STARTED FINE. SAME BEHAVIOR OCCURRED AGAIN IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN A FREEWAY IN THE GREATER SAN FRANCISCO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLD
(2013) — ENGINE
Aug 26, 2014
Incident date: Oct 11, 2013
WHILE RIDING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT NIGHT WITH A GROUP OF OTHER RIDERS, VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER TO MOTOR. THROTTLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY RIDER INPUT. HAD TO PULL BIKE OVER ONTO SHOULDER. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WERE INITIALLY UNSUCCESSFUL, AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS ENGINE STARTED FINE. SAME BEHAVIOR OCCURRED AGAIN IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN A FREEWAY IN THE GREATER SAN FRANCISCO... Read more