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
XR1200X
(2012) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 7, 2013
Incident date: Jul 1, 2013
GAS TANK PERMANENTLY EXPANDS, MAKE MAINTENANCE IMPOSSIBLE. GAS TANK COVER BECOMES DEFORMED AND DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY. GAS TANK COULD EVENTUALLY SPLIT AND CAUSE A FUEL LEAKAGE ON TO A HOT ENGINE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDLI
(2006) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 6, 2013
Incident date: Apr 15, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXDLI MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT LATER WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED GREASE LEAKING FROM TH... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXST
(1989) - WHEELS
Aug 5, 2013
Incident date: Jul 5, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SHOOK ABNORMALLY AS A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT DOWN SHIFTED AND HAD TO PULL OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION UNTIL IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED AND DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A WELD FAILURE IN THE CENTER WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE AP... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XR1200
(2009) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 5, 2013
Incident date: Dec 14, 2009
THE PLASTIC GAS TANK ON THESE BIKES SWELLS TO THE POINT THE COVERS NO LONGER FIT. HOPING THEY DON'T SWELL TO THE POINT OF LEAKING FUEL. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSB
(2013) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 1, 2013
Incident date: Jul 17, 2013
I WAS ON I-275 JUST EAST OF THE I-71 INTERSECTION IN CINCINNATI, OH. MY MOTORCYCLE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. I WAS IN THE SLOW LANE SO I PULLED IN THE CLUTCH AND COASTED TO A STOP IN THE EMERGENCY LANE. I HAD OVER A GALLON OF PREMIUM GAS STILL IN THE TANK. I WAS LESS THAN 1/4 MILE FROM THE MONTGOMERY ROAD EXIT AND KNEW I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PUSH MY MOTORCYCLE THAT FAR. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 27, 2013
Incident date: Jul 5, 2013
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DOING 60 MPH IN TRAFFIC AND MOTOR CUT OUT. IT WENT INTO 'LIMP MODE' ONLY ALLOWING ABOUT 1500 RPM. FROM THE MOTOR, W/ NO RESPONSE OR POWER FROM THE ENGINE IF I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND/OR THERE HAD BEEN A VEHICLE RIGHT BEHIND ME I WOULD PROBABLY HAVE EXPERIENCED A VERY BAD ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. APPARENTLY THROTTLE BY WIRE (TBW) CONNECTION @ THE FUEL INJ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2009) - WHEELS
Jul 26, 2013
Incident date: Jul 25, 2013
FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT AT 22000 MILES. NOTICED CONDITION DURING HIGHWAY SPEED WAS FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE WHEN CROSSING OVER BRIDGE JOINTS. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTR
(2008) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 26, 2013
Incident date: Jul 21, 2013
THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD/FOOTBOARD MOUNTING BOLT IS PRONE TO SHEER OFF. THIS EJECTS THE 10-15 POUND PART FROM THE MOTORCYCLE CAUSING A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AND EVEN THOUGH THE PART WAS REDESIGNED IN 2010 TO INCLUDE 2 MOUNTING BOLTS THE HARLEY DAVIDSON CORPORATION HAS DENIED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE EARLIER SINGLE MOUNT BOLT DESIGN. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2007) - TIRES
Jul 24, 2013
Incident date: Jul 23, 2013
MICHELIN COMMANDER 11 TIRE, SIZE 149-90-B16REAR, SEPARATED, 8" SECTION OF CAP TREAD CAME OFF TIRE. TIRE IS 14 MONTHS OLD AND HAS 8252 MILES ON IT. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL883
(2008) - WHEELS
Jul 23, 2013
Incident date: Jun 29, 2013
EXPERIENCED LOOSE HANDLING. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED CATASTROPHIC REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. BECAUSE OF THIS, REAR BRAKE DISK AND PADS WERE GLAZED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. INTERNET SEARCHES AND PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS OF OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY SHOW THIS PART FAILURE IS VERY COMMON. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRC
(2008) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 22, 2013
Incident date: Jul 21, 2013
WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 60 MPH, I ENCOUNTERED A HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I APPLIED MY FOOT OPERATED REAR BRAKE FIRST AND FOUND THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. ONLY AFTER I APPLIED MY FRONT HAND BRAKE COULD I GET THE CRUISE CONTROL TO DISENGAGE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE LEAD TO SERIOUS RIDER/PASSENGER INJURY. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCAW 105
(2007) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 20, 2013
Incident date: Sep 13, 2012
FUEL GAUGE IS ERRATIC OFTEN INDICATES NO FUEL WHEN THERE IS FUEL, DOES NOT ALWAYS REGISTER CORRECT AMOUNT. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2009) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Jul 18, 2013
Incident date: Jul 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLSTC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE HORN AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURERS RECALL FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 18, 2013
Incident date: Jul 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLSTC. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE HORN AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURERS RECALL FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUSE
(2012) - WHEELS
Jul 16, 2013
Incident date: May 20, 2013
SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW, THERE IS A SEVERE ISSUE WITH MOVEMENT OR WOBBLE OF THE MOTORCYCLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE MADE WORSE BY OTHER VEHICLES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY, AND ISSUE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED ON OPEN ROADS WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND AND NO WIND. ISSUE APPEARS TO BE A FRONT END PROBLEM. TIRES HAVE BEEN CHECKED, ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN CHECKED, FRONT SHOCKS HAVE BEEN CHECKED,... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUSE
(2012) - STEERING
Jul 16, 2013
Incident date: May 20, 2013
SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW, THERE IS A SEVERE ISSUE WITH MOVEMENT OR WOBBLE OF THE MOTORCYCLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE MADE WORSE BY OTHER VEHICLES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY, AND ISSUE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED ON OPEN ROADS WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND AND NO WIND. ISSUE APPEARS TO BE A FRONT END PROBLEM. TIRES HAVE BEEN CHECKED, ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN CHECKED, FRONT SHOCKS HAVE BEEN CHECKED,... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUSE
(2012) - SUSPENSION
Jul 16, 2013
Incident date: May 20, 2013
SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW, THERE IS A SEVERE ISSUE WITH MOVEMENT OR WOBBLE OF THE MOTORCYCLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE MADE WORSE BY OTHER VEHICLES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY, AND ISSUE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED ON OPEN ROADS WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND AND NO WIND. ISSUE APPEARS TO BE A FRONT END PROBLEM. TIRES HAVE BEEN CHECKED, ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN CHECKED, FRONT SHOCKS HAVE BEEN CHECKED,... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUSE
(2013) - WHEELS
Jul 11, 2013
Incident date: Apr 30, 2013
I PURCHASED A 2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUSE8 ON APRIL 30, 2013. THIS MOTORCYCLE EXHIBITED TWITCHY HANDLING FROM THE FIRST RIDE. THIS MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO TWO SEPARATE DEALERS ON 10 SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS. THIS BIKE WAS DELIVERED WITH "CHISEL" WHEELS. THESE WHEELS ARE WHAT HD USES ON 2012 AND 2013 FLHTCUSE'S. THESE WHEELS CAUSE AN UNSTABLE CONDITION AT OPERATING SPEEDS. ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2009) - ENGINE
Jul 9, 2013
Incident date: Jun 25, 2013
PULLED UP TO A STOPLIGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, WENT TO PULL AWAY AFTER LIGHT CHANGED BIKE LOST POWER FELT LIKE IT WAS RUNNING ON ONE CYLINDER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. MANAGED TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT GETTING HIT SHUT BIKE OFF THEN RESTARTED THE BIKE AND ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. CHECKED FOR CODES AND HAD A P2135 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CLEARED CODES AND HAS NOT RETURNED AS OF YET BUT ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 9, 2013
Incident date: Jun 25, 2013
PULLED UP TO A STOPLIGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, WENT TO PULL AWAY AFTER LIGHT CHANGED BIKE LOST POWER FELT LIKE IT WAS RUNNING ON ONE CYLINDER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. MANAGED TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT GETTING HIT SHUT BIKE OFF THEN RESTARTED THE BIKE AND ACCELERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. CHECKED FOR CODES AND HAD A P2135 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CLEARED CODES AND HAS NOT RETURNED AS OF YET BUT ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2010) - WHEELS
Jul 8, 2013
Incident date: Jul 2, 2013
MY FRONT WHEEL BEARING ON MY FLHTK CAME APART AND FRONT AXLE SEIZED. CAUSING FRONT END TO WOBBLE. ALMOST CAUSING ME AND MY PASSENGER TO CRASH. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID ONLY BECAUSE I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR. THIS FLHTK IS EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2010) - STEERING
Jul 8, 2013
Incident date: Jul 2, 2013
MY FRONT WHEEL BEARING ON MY FLHTK CAME APART AND FRONT AXLE SEIZED. CAUSING FRONT END TO WOBBLE. ALMOST CAUSING ME AND MY PASSENGER TO CRASH. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID ONLY BECAUSE I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR. THIS FLHTK IS EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2010) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 7, 2013
Incident date: Jul 6, 2012
SPROCKET ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED 2 TIMES.DEALER IS FIXING AT OWN EXPENSE WITH NEW IMPROVED SCREAMING EAGLE VERSION THAT WAS DEVELOPED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS NOW COMES STANDARD ON 20121 AND BEYOND MODELS. COULD CAUSE FATALITIES IF FAILS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. HD PUTS ON NEW BIKES BUT WILL NOT FIX PREVIOUS MODELS. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRUSE
(2011) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 7, 2013
Incident date: Jul 6, 2013
I TWISTED THE ACCELERATOR GRIP AND SLIPPED THE CLUTCH TO PROCEED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WHEN A RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN. WHEN I GOT TO THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION, THE THROTTLE SUDDENLY FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE BIKE CAME TO A STOP. I THEN TRIED TO PUSH MY 900 LB. MOTORCYCLE TO THE CURB BEFORE THE LIGHT FOR OPPOSING TRAFFIC TURNED GREEN. I DIDN'T MAKE IT IN TIME AND WAS NEARLY HIT BY A VEHICL... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2013
Incident date: Jun 7, 2012
ON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP THE ENGINE LOSES POWER AND GOES INTO AN IDLE MODE. THIS EVENT ALSO OCCURS WHEN YOU'RE ACCELERATING UP TO ROAD SPEED AND OCCURS WITHOUT ANY WARNING, INCLUDING SITUATIONS WHERE YOU'RE ENTERING INTO AN INTERSECTION AND POTENTIALLY IN THE PATH OF OTHER VEHICLES - IN NORMAL SITUATIONS, YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO HAVE A SAFE DISTANCE TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION. WHEN ENGINE G... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2012) - WHEELS
Jul 2, 2013
Incident date: Jun 30, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSON HERITAGE MOTORCYCLE(N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR WHEEL SPOKES WERE LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,000. UPDATED 9/23/13 *CN
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2011) - STEERING
Jul 1, 2013
Incident date: May 1, 2013
I WAS RIDING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AROUND 60MPH AND I TOOK MY HANDS OFF THE HANDLEBARS TO READJUST SOMETHING, AND THE HANDLEBARS STARTED TO VIBRATE SLIGHTLY, AND MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE, AND THEN VERY VIOLENTLY. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE BIKE UNTIL I GRIPPED THE HANDLEBARS AGAIN. I THOUGHT I MIGHT HAVE A LOW TIRE, I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE AIR PRESSURE AND TIRES, ALL LOOKED OK. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT W... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL1200C
(2005) - ENGINE
Jun 28, 2013
Incident date: Apr 15, 2013
FAULTY ENGINE. NEEDS COMPLETE REBUILD. BIKE WAS VERY WELL MAINTAINED. HARLEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE FAULTY ENGINES BUT IGNORED. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2011) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2013
Incident date: Jun 23, 2013
DRIVING 70 MPH ON HIGHWAY PUT ON BRAKES TO EXIT AT OFFRAMP BIKE DIES COMPLETE SHUT OFF NO THROTTLE NO ANYTHING COAST TO STOP ON OFF RAMP BIKE WILL NOT START AT ALL TROUBLE CODE P1511 WHICH IS THE THROTTLE MANAGMENT SYSTEM IS DEAD 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED FIRST TIME WAS AT 30 MPH AFTER SITTING BIKE STATRTED AGAIN THIS IS HAPPING TO ALL EFI HARLEY DAVIDSONS SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEON... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2011) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2013
Incident date: Jun 23, 2013
DRIVING 70 MPH ON HIGHWAY PUT ON BRAKES TO EXIT AT OFFRAMP BIKE DIES COMPLETE SHUT OFF NO THROTTLE NO ANYTHING COAST TO STOP ON OFF RAMP BIKE WILL NOT START AT ALL TROUBLE CODE P1511 WHICH IS THE THROTTLE MANAGMENT SYSTEM IS DEAD 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED FIRST TIME WAS AT 30 MPH AFTER SITTING BIKE STATRTED AGAIN THIS IS HAPPING TO ALL EFI HARLEY DAVIDSONS SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEON... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2011) - ENGINE
Jun 25, 2013
Incident date: Jun 23, 2013
DRIVING 70 MPH ON HIGHWAY PUT ON BRAKES TO EXIT AT OFFRAMP BIKE DIES COMPLETE SHUT OFF NO THROTTLE NO ANYTHING COAST TO STOP ON OFF RAMP BIKE WILL NOT START AT ALL TROUBLE CODE P1511 WHICH IS THE THROTTLE MANAGMENT SYSTEM IS DEAD 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED FIRST TIME WAS AT 30 MPH AFTER SITTING BIKE STATRTED AGAIN THIS IS HAPPING TO ALL EFI HARLEY DAVIDSONS SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEON... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 22, 2013
Incident date: Jun 22, 2013
RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY,BIKE SHUT DOWN AND I HAD NO THROTTLE CONTROL.JUST ABOUT GOT HIT FROM BEHIND, THE BIKE WOULD IDLE AND THAT'S IT. SEAT ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY FOR 15 MINUTES, STARTED BIKE BACK UP AND WENT ANOTHER 100 YARDS AND IT DID IT AGAIN. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS TILL I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET HOME. THIS IS A VERY BAD SITUATION AND VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT IS HARLEY DAVIDSON GOING ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 22, 2013
Incident date: Jun 22, 2013
RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY,BIKE SHUT DOWN AND I HAD NO THROTTLE CONTROL.JUST ABOUT GOT HIT FROM BEHIND, THE BIKE WOULD IDLE AND THAT'S IT. SEAT ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY FOR 15 MINUTES, STARTED BIKE BACK UP AND WENT ANOTHER 100 YARDS AND IT DID IT AGAIN. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS TILL I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET HOME. THIS IS A VERY BAD SITUATION AND VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT IS HARLEY DAVIDSON GOING ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHT
(2008) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 20, 2013
Incident date: Jun 1, 2013
GROWLING NOISE FROM A BAD BEARING IN PRIMARY. HAD BIKE AT A HARLEY SHOP WHERE BIKE WAS PURCHASED TO BE INSPECTED FOR COMPLAINT. FOUND PRIMARY BEARING FAILED. NO OTHER FAILURE. WAS TOLD FAILURE NO FAULT OF OWNER. CONTACTED HARLEY DAVIDSON AND RECEIVED A REFERENCE NUMBER FOR TRACKING. HARLEY HAS A ISSUE WITH BEARINGS, BOTH IN PRIMARY AND TRANSMISSION. NEITHER HARLEY MANUFACTURING OR LOCAL DISTRICT R... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2007) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 19, 2013
Incident date: Jun 18, 2013
AT 70 MPH ON MY 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX THE COMPENSATOR BROKE APART. I COULD HEAR SOME NOISE ON THE LEFT SIDE WHERE THE PRIMARY COVER IS. AFTER STOPPING AND THEN STARTING THE MOTOR BACK UP, WHEN I PLACED THE TRANSMISSION BACK IN GEAR THE PRIMARY LOCKED UP AND FROZE EVERYTHING UP. IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. IF YOU LOOK AT FORUMS, THIS SEAMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH AL... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2009) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 18, 2013
Incident date: Jun 18, 2011
BIKE GOES INTO LIMP MODE, IDLE ONLY, NO THROTTLE RESPONSE,WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE FIRST TIME I WAS GOING 60 MPH IN TRAFFIC AND ALMOST GOT RAN OVER. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE, AND A FEW AT 70 PLUS MPH. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT A PROBLEM. BUT I WERE TO BE PASSING IN TRAFFIC OR HUNG IN THE CENTER LANE. IT COULD BE TRAGIC. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2008) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jun 18, 2013
Incident date: Jan 17, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTC MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V357000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL SERVICE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE PRIOR TO THE RECALL SERVICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE, THE FUEL FILTER SHELL CRACKED LEADING TO A LOSS OF FUEL ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTFB
(2011) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 17, 2013
Incident date: Jun 15, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FATBOY LO, I NOTICED THE BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. I WENT HOME AND TESTED THE CHARGING SYSTEM AND FOUND THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR TO BE FAULTY. JUST ONE WEEK AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND WITH ONLY 1,600 MILES ON THE MOTORCYCLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFTAIL
(2012) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 11, 2013
Incident date: Oct 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLS SLIM MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH CABLE WAS TOO LONG FOR THE MOTORCYCLE AND ROUTED IMPROPERLY. THE CONTACT ADDED AN ACCESSORY WINDSHIELD, WHICH PUSHED THE CABLE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE FENDER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE CABLE WOULD BECOME CAUGHT IN IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE LENGTH AND ROUTING ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2010) - WHEELS
Jun 8, 2013
Incident date: Jun 8, 2013
WHILE RIDING I BEGAN TO FEEL A VIBRATION IN THE HANDLEBARS I HADN'T FELT BEFORE TODAY. IT DIDN'T SEEM TO AFFECT ANYTHING ELSE. AFTER PARKING THE BIKE AND CONDUCTING A VISUAL INSPECTION I FOUND A SEAL ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING HAD SEPARATED EXPOSING THE BALL BEARINGS. IT APPEARED TO HAVE LOST 1-2 BALLS DUE TO THE METAL RINGS THAT RETAIN THE BALLS HAD BROKEN IN SEVERAL PLACES. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2007) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 7, 2013
Incident date: Jun 2, 2013
I DROVE IN TO CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WAS ALMOST AT FULL STOP I SMELL SOME THING BURNING AND THEN I SAW SMOG COMING FROM MY RIGHT SIDE BELOW THE PIPES THEN I SAW SMALL FIRE I GOT ON MY KNEES AND BLOW THE FLAME AWAY AND SEE THAT WHAT WAS ON FIRE WAS MY REAR BRAKE SWITCH ONE OF THE TWO PLUGS HAVE MELTED ,I CALLED HARLEY DAVIDSON AFTER CHECKING ON LINE AND FIND A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM BUT DIF... Read more
Fire
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2007) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 7, 2013
Incident date: Jun 2, 2013
I DROVE IN TO CHURCH PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WAS ALMOST AT FULL STOP I SMELL SOME THING BURNING AND THEN I SAW SMOG COMING FROM MY RIGHT SIDE BELOW THE PIPES THEN I SAW SMALL FIRE I GOT ON MY KNEES AND BLOW THE FLAME AWAY AND SEE THAT WHAT WAS ON FIRE WAS MY REAR BRAKE SWITCH ONE OF THE TWO PLUGS HAVE MELTED ,I CALLED HARLEY DAVIDSON AFTER CHECKING ON LINE AND FIND A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM BUT DIF... Read more
Fire
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHT
(2007) - SUSPENSION
Jun 6, 2013
Incident date: Apr 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A SLIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOBBLED FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) - ENGINE
Jun 6, 2013
Incident date: Jun 6, 2013
TRAVELING ON MAJOR HIGHWAY AND THE SPEED DROPS TO 15 MPH HARLEY DAVIDSON CALLS IT LIMP MODE , SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED NOT FUN ON THE HIGHWAY. HARLEY DEALER SAYS THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 6, 2013
Incident date: Jun 6, 2013
TRAVELING ON MAJOR HIGHWAY AND THE SPEED DROPS TO 15 MPH HARLEY DAVIDSON CALLS IT LIMP MODE , SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED NOT FUN ON THE HIGHWAY. HARLEY DEALER SAYS THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRS
(2007) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 4, 2013
Incident date: May 15, 2013
DURING THE THREE PREVIOUS TRIPS TO WORK ON MY BIKE I HAD THE SHIFTER COME LOOSE. APPARENTLY INSIDE THE TRANS ITSELF, BECAUSE ON THIS TRIP MY SHIFTER DROPPED TO THE FLOOR BOARD AND I HAD TO LIFT IT UP WITH MY TOE TO DOWNSHIFT. THEN LEAVING A STOPLIGHT AS I REACHED THIRD GEAR THE BIKE SUDDENLY MADE SEVERAL LOUD BANGS, I SHUT IT OFF ROLLED TO A STOP AS IT STILL BANGED AND POPPED AS IF I THREW A ROD O... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTSE3
(2012) - EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Jun 4, 2013
Incident date: May 23, 2013
HAD SADDLEBAGS INSTALLED AS PER HARLEY DAVIDSON OEM PARTS THAT CAME WITH BIKE. INDICATOR SHOWED THAT THEY WERE "LOCKED" IN PLACE. LEFT SIDE SADDLEBAG CAME OFF IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON I-15, SALT LAKE CITY. FOUR LANES OF HIGH SPEED HEAVY TRAFFIC. BAGS HAVE STEEL BRACKETS, PLASTIC CASE, LEATHER LID. THEY ARE MADE TO BE "DETACHABLE", BY TURNING A LOCK BRACKET AND SLIDING OFF. I WAS NOT AWARE OF IT... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(1997) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 3, 2013
Incident date: Jan 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU MOTORCYCLE . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE AS THE FRAME FAILED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FRAME WAS FOUND TO BE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPLACED FOR A SIMILAR FAILU... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL1200V
(2012) - EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Jun 3, 2013
Incident date: May 31, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200V MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TAG HOLDER FAILED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE RIM, SPOKES, TIRE AND THE VALVE STEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS N... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCAW
(2008) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2013
Incident date: Sep 4, 2009
THE FUEL GAUGE IS DEFECTIVE AND HAS NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY. IT WILL SOMETIMES DISPLAY A 1/2 TANK AND THEN GO DOWN TO COMPLETE EMPTY AFTER TRAVELING 10-15 MILES FROM A COMPLETE FILL UP. *TR