Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 4,224 complaints for HARLEY-DAVIDSON
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(2003) - ENGINE
Nov 12, 2014
Incident date: Nov 11, 2014
ENGINE FAILURE AT 30000 AND 48700 MILES. THE FIRST ENGINE FAILURE WAS PAID BY ME $5479.10. THE SECOND ENGINE FAILURE WAS PAID BY HARLEY DAVIDSON CUSTOMER RELATIONS, THANK YOU HARLEY DAVIDSON. THE CAM SHAFT TENSIONER IS A KNOWN HAZARD AND SHOULD BE CHANGED AT ABOUT 25000 MILES ON ALL TC 88 ENGINES. PLASTIC PIECES CAN BREAK OFF AND GET IN THE OIL PUMP BREAKING THE OIL PUMP. HARLEY DAVIDSON SHOULD AD... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2011) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 9, 2014
Incident date: Aug 22, 2011
THE EXHAUST BURNS MY LEG WHEN I STOP FOR A LIGHT OR ANYTHING ELSE. $35,000.00 AND CANT USE IT WHEN AMBIENT TEMP IS ABOVE 80 UNLESS I WANT TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL WITH 2ND DEGREE BURNS. *TR
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
HARLEY DAVIDSON
(9999) - WHEELS
Nov 7, 2014
Incident date: Oct 25, 2014
FRONT WHEEL BEARING ON RIGHT SIDE FAILED WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLE ON HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH. RIDER AND PASSENGER ON AT TIME OF INCIDENT.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XG750
(2015) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 5, 2014
Incident date: Oct 3, 2014
WITH ROUGHLY .9 GALLONS OF FUEL IN TANK, WHEN LEAVING A FULL STOP, VEHICLE PAUSES HARD ON ACCELERATION. PROBABLE CAUSE IS FUEL STARVATION CAUSED BY FUEL FLOWING BACK IN THE TANK, AWAY FROM THE FRONT-LOCATED FUEL PUMP, STARVING EFI SYSTEM OF GASOLINE. AS FUEL MOVES FORWARD AFTER A BRIEF PAUSE IN FORWARD MOMENTUM, THE PUMP HAS ACCESS TO THE FUEL AND THE BIKE SUDDENLY LURCHES FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS MU... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XG750
(2015) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 30, 2014
Incident date: Sep 9, 2014
WITH ROUGHLY .9 GALLONS OF FUEL IN TANK, WHEN LEAVING A FULL STOP, VEHICLE PAUSES HARD ON ACCELERATION. PROBABLE CAUSE IS FUEL STARVATION CAUSED BY FUEL FLOWING BACK IN THE TANK, AWAY FROM THE FRONT-LOCATED FUEL PUMP, STARVING EFI SYSTEM OF GASOLINE. AS FUEL MOVES FORWARD AFTER A BRIEF PAUSE IN FORWARD MOMENTUM, THE PUMP HAS ACCESS TO THE FUEL AND THE BIKE SUDDENLY LURCHES FORWARD. THIS HAPPENS... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Oct 29, 2014
Incident date: Jan 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 H-D FLHTK MOTORCYCLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE RADIATOR EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR HOSE WAS WARPED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE CAP ON THE COOLANT SYSTEM DETACHED TWICE AND THE FLUID SPILLED WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XG500
(2015) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 29, 2014
Incident date: Oct 28, 2014
VEHICLE BOGS DOWN WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THEN LURCHES VIOLENTLY. THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN FUEL IS ABOUT 1/3 FULL. THE LOW FUEL LIGHT IS NOT ON AND THE VEHICLE OTHERWISE RUNS NORMAL. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(1997) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 28, 2014
Incident date: Oct 20, 2014
THE MOTORCYCLE REVED UP TO 4500 RPM WILE AT AN IDLE AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO PROPER IDLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(1997) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 28, 2014
Incident date: Oct 20, 2014
THE MOTORCYCLE REVED UP TO 4500 RPM WILE AT AN IDLE AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO PROPER IDLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(1997) - ENGINE
Oct 28, 2014
Incident date: Oct 20, 2014
THE MOTORCYCLE REVED UP TO 4500 RPM WILE AT AN IDLE AND WOULD NOT RETURN TO PROPER IDLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFTAIL
(2012) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Oct 27, 2014
Incident date: Oct 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CLUTCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE CLUTCH PLATES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE CLUTCH PLATES, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFTAIL
(2012) - POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Oct 27, 2014
Incident date: Oct 1, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CLUTCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE CLUTCH PLATES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE CLUTCH PLATES, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2008) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 25, 2014
Incident date: Oct 1, 2012
WHILE RIDING IN RESIDENTIAL AREA BIKE BEGAN LURCHING AND UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONSTANT SPEED OR RPM. TOOK TO SHOP AND THEY STATED BIKE DID NOT HAVE ANY CODES DISPLAYING. THEY LUBRICATED ALL CONNECTIONS ON THROTTLE ASSEMBLY AND IT TEMPORARY RESOLVED ISSUE. NOW WHEN I START THE BIKE THE THROTTLE IS UNRESPONSIVE AND BIKE IS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. SOMETIMES SHUTTING DOWN AND RESTARTING WILL TEMPORARIL... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2008) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 25, 2014
Incident date: Oct 1, 2012
WHILE RIDING IN RESIDENTIAL AREA BIKE BEGAN LURCHING AND UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONSTANT SPEED OR RPM. TOOK TO SHOP AND THEY STATED BIKE DID NOT HAVE ANY CODES DISPLAYING. THEY LUBRICATED ALL CONNECTIONS ON THROTTLE ASSEMBLY AND IT TEMPORARY RESOLVED ISSUE. NOW WHEN I START THE BIKE THE THROTTLE IS UNRESPONSIVE AND BIKE IS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. SOMETIMES SHUTTING DOWN AND RESTARTING WILL TEMPORARIL... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(2003) - ENGINE
Oct 22, 2014
Incident date: Sep 20, 2009
MY 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUI ULTRA CLASSIC HAD A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A CAM SHAFT TENSIONER AT 29,705 MILES.THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT FOR $5479.10 DOLLARS. MANY MOTORCYCLES HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AT ABOUT THE SAME MILEAGE. THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING. WHICH CAN LEAVE THE RIDER STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED AGAIN AT 48,700 MILES TOTAL ENGIN... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDL
(2014) - SUSPENSION
Oct 20, 2014
Incident date: Oct 10, 2014
I KNOW MY BIKE IS IN A RECALL, I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT GETTING READY FOR IT TO TURN GREEN TO MAKE MY LEFT HAND TURN ONTO A THREE LANE ROAD AND ONCE MY LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PROCEEDED TO MAKE MY LEFT HAND TURN ON TO THE THREE LANE ROAD AND I WAS GOING FINE AND THE NEXT THING I KNEW, I WAS ON THE GROUND AND THE BIKE WAS LYING BEHIND ME ON ITS SIDE. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF M... Read more
Crash
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDL
(2014) - STEERING
Oct 20, 2014
Incident date: Oct 10, 2014
I KNOW MY BIKE IS IN A RECALL, I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT GETTING READY FOR IT TO TURN GREEN TO MAKE MY LEFT HAND TURN ONTO A THREE LANE ROAD AND ONCE MY LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PROCEEDED TO MAKE MY LEFT HAND TURN ON TO THE THREE LANE ROAD AND I WAS GOING FINE AND THE NEXT THING I KNEW, I WAS ON THE GROUND AND THE BIKE WAS LYING BEHIND ME ON ITS SIDE. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF M... Read more
Crash
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDL
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 20, 2014
Incident date: Oct 10, 2014
I KNOW MY BIKE IS IN A RECALL, I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT GETTING READY FOR IT TO TURN GREEN TO MAKE MY LEFT HAND TURN ONTO A THREE LANE ROAD AND ONCE MY LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PROCEEDED TO MAKE MY LEFT HAND TURN ON TO THE THREE LANE ROAD AND I WAS GOING FINE AND THE NEXT THING I KNEW, I WAS ON THE GROUND AND THE BIKE WAS LYING BEHIND ME ON ITS SIDE. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF M... Read more
Crash
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRCI
(2006) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 16, 2014
Incident date: Jul 17, 2014
FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP AT LOW SPEEDS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. I THOUGHT IT WAS A TIRE ISSUE AND REPLACED THEM. BIKE CONTINUED TO HAVE BRAKE(S) LOCK UP AT LOW TO MEDIUM SPEEDS (35 OR LESS) JUST BROUGHT VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO RESET THE BRAKE PISTONS AND STATED THAT IT WAS NOT UNCOMMON FOR THE BRAKE CALIPERS TO "LOOSE THEIR MEMORY" AND REMAIN IN A HALF CLOSED POSITION FACILITATING THE CALIPER LOCK-UP... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRX
(2013) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 16, 2014
Incident date: Oct 5, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING AT AN ESTIMATED THIRTY MILES PER HOUR, THE FRONT (ANTI-LOCK) BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND LOCKED, CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE'S FRONT WHEEL TO SKID AND CAUSE A LOW SIDE FALL. *TR
Crash
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
ROAD KING
(2001) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 15, 2014
Incident date: Jul 7, 2014
BIKE CUTS OUT AND DIES WHILE DRIVING CAUSING POTENTIAL SERIOUS INJURY TO RIDER OR EVEN DEATH: THIS HAS BEEN AND IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HARLEYS FROM 199 TO 2001 CRUISER MODELS AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED BY HARLEY DAVIDSON AS A RECALL ON ALL BIKE WITH THAT SYSTEM. SEE DISCUSSION BELOW: MINE CUT OUT AND I WAS ALMOST THROWN FROM THE BIKE INTO TRAFFIC AS IT SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP THE TIRES CLASSI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
ROAD KING
(2001) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 15, 2014
Incident date: Jul 7, 2014
BIKE CUTS OUT AND DIES WHILE DRIVING CAUSING POTENTIAL SERIOUS INJURY TO RIDER OR EVEN DEATH: THIS HAS BEEN AND IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH HARLEYS FROM 199 TO 2001 CRUISER MODELS AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED BY HARLEY DAVIDSON AS A RECALL ON ALL BIKE WITH THAT SYSTEM. SEE DISCUSSION BELOW: MINE CUT OUT AND I WAS ALMOST THROWN FROM THE BIKE INTO TRAFFIC AS IT SHUT DOWN AND LOCKED UP THE TIRES CLASSI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2010) - WHEELS
Oct 15, 2014
Incident date: Jul 15, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL AND I LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE BIKE BEGAN TO MOVE SIDE TO SIDE UNDER ME. WHEN I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE IT SMOOTHED OUT. I TOOK THE BIKE TO MY LOCAL HARLEY MECHANIC. HE LIFTED IT UP TO FIND THE REAR SPOKES COMPLETELY LOOSE. HE TIGHTENED THEM UP AND IT WAS FINE FOR A WHILE BUT I CONTINUED TO PERIODICALLY CHECK AND TIGHTEN THE SPOKES. A FRIEND HAD A 2005 FLSTC WITH 45000 ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2009) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 9, 2014
Incident date: Oct 7, 2014
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 ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2009) - ENGINE
Oct 9, 2014
Incident date: Oct 7, 2014
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 ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 9, 2014
Incident date: Oct 7, 2014
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 ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTN
(2007) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 8, 2014
Incident date: Sep 3, 2014
AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN, MY WIFE WENT TO ADJUST THE SIDE MIRROR AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. INITIAL ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE BIKE HAD NO RESPONSE, BUT AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS THE BIKE STARTED. THE RIDE COMPLETED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART THE BIKE THE FOLLOWING DAY THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE BIKE WAS TRAILERED TO A LOCAL HD DEALER, AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROB... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
DYNA LOW RIDER
(2001) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 3, 2014
Incident date: Dec 14, 2012
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE - IDENTICAL TO THE GM IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. THIS MOTORCYCLE HAD (AND MAY HAVE) AN IGNITION SWITCH THAT "JUST SHUTS OFF" BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. MY MOTORCYCLE SHUT OFF SEVERAL TIMES WHILE RIDING WHICH PUT ME IN EXTREME DANGER. SOMETIMES IT WOULD SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS AT A RED LIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I WAS SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE CARS WENT... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 2, 2014
Incident date: Oct 1, 2014
FRONT SPARK PLUG WIRE IS WEARING THROUGH RUBBING ON THE FUEL TANK. GONE UNCHECKED COULD POSSIBLY ARC DIRECTLY TO FUEL TANK OR ARC AFTER FUELING (COULD CAUSE A FIRE) I HAVE LOOKED AT SEVERAL OTHER BIKES SAME MODEL AND CONDITION EXISTS. WIRE NEEDS TO BE INSULATED OR REROUTED. IT IS NOT EASILY NOTICED BY CASUAL INSPECTION. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL883
(2009) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 1, 2014
Incident date: Sep 3, 2014
DEAR SIR , THE SPEED SENSOR IN THE MOTORBIKE FAILED AT LOW SPEED . AS THIS SENDS THE INFORMATION TO THE FUEL SYSTEM AND YOUR SPEEDOMETER . MODEL IS HARLEY DAVIDSON XL 883N IRON THE MOTORBIKE HAS CHANGES OF POWER AND HICCUPS DUE TO THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM NOT RECEIVING ANY INFORMATION , SO FUEL FLOW IS INTERRUPTED . AS YOU PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STANDSTILL YOU CAN HAVE A SUDDEN ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL883
(2009) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 1, 2014
Incident date: Sep 3, 2014
DEAR SIR , THE SPEED SENSOR IN THE MOTORBIKE FAILED AT LOW SPEED . AS THIS SENDS THE INFORMATION TO THE FUEL SYSTEM AND YOUR SPEEDOMETER . MODEL IS HARLEY DAVIDSON XL 883N IRON THE MOTORBIKE HAS CHANGES OF POWER AND HICCUPS DUE TO THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM NOT RECEIVING ANY INFORMATION , SO FUEL FLOW IS INTERRUPTED . AS YOU PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STANDSTILL YOU CAN HAVE A SUDDEN ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL883
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 1, 2014
Incident date: Sep 3, 2014
DEAR SIR , THE SPEED SENSOR IN THE MOTORBIKE FAILED AT LOW SPEED . AS THIS SENDS THE INFORMATION TO THE FUEL SYSTEM AND YOUR SPEEDOMETER . MODEL IS HARLEY DAVIDSON XL 883N IRON THE MOTORBIKE HAS CHANGES OF POWER AND HICCUPS DUE TO THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM NOT RECEIVING ANY INFORMATION , SO FUEL FLOW IS INTERRUPTED . AS YOU PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STANDSTILL YOU CAN HAVE A SUDDEN ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) - ENGINE
Sep 29, 2014
Incident date: Mar 28, 2011
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC (FLHTCU). CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO COMPENSATOR SPROCKET ENGINE DEFECT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AT 11,900 THE ENGINE STARTER FAILED. THE DEALER FIXED THE STARTED AND RING GEAR UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO REPLACE THE STARTER AND CLUTCH BASKET, BUT CHARGED THE CONSUMER THE WARRANTY CLAIM FEE. AFTER THE STARTER AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED. THE P... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(9999) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 29, 2014
Incident date: Sep 27, 2014
OUT RIDING THE BIKE ON SATURDAY 9/27/14, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON FLASHING THEN STAYED ON STEADY, ABOUT 3 MILES UP THE ROAD AND THE BIKE STARTED SPITTING AND SPUTTERING, THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE BATTERY APPEARED DEAD. HAD VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH TO FIND A SAFETY RECALL ON THE BIKE THAT EXPIRED 6/2013. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL OR MAIL OF T... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL SPORTSTER
(2014) - POWER TRAIN
Sep 29, 2014
Incident date: Aug 1, 2014
MT CLUTCH FAILED GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY JUST WENT OUT WITH ONLY 600 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
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
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
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
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) - 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
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
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