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
FXDF
(2009) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 14, 2012
Incident date: Nov 1, 2011
COMPENSATOR IS KNOWN TO BEGIN FAILING AND MAKING A HORRENDOUS GRINDING NOISE WHICH PREVENTS THE ENGINE FROM TURNING OVER. HARLEY IS FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CHARGES FULL PRICE TO UPGRADE TO THE MORE SUITABLE SCREAMING EAGLE COMPENSATOR. THIS PIECE IS DESIGNED TO FAIL AND MAKE MONEY FOR THE COMPANY WITH NO REGARD FOR SAFETY IN THE ABILITY TO START THE VEHICLE WHEN NEEDED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 9, 2012
Incident date: Feb 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF, WHEN IT UNEXPECTEDLY STARTED AND ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE PUSH TO START IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2012) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 4, 2012
Incident date: Jan 30, 2012
PULLING ONTO THE ROADWAY I HEARD A HISS THEN A POP AND SAW SOMETHING FLY IN FRONT OF THE HEADLIGHT. FURTHER EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT ONE OF THE PASSING LAMPS HAD BLOWN OUT INTERNALLY
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2012) — WHEELS
Feb 4, 2012
Incident date: Jan 31, 2012
THE FIRST INCIDENT STARTED AS A WOBBLE ON DECELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNTIL THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP. WHILE TAKING THE VEHICLE IN THE DECELERATION WOBBLES CONTINUED AND ESCALATED TO A PRONOUNCED WOBBLE IN THE 65-70 MPH RANGE. PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE LOOSE SPOKES IN THE REAR WHEEL. *KB
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jan 30, 2012
Incident date: Jan 29, 2012
ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLS AND QUITS. NO POWER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION AND TURNING IT BACK ON, ENGINE IS OPERATIONAL AGAIN. *TT
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2011) — STEERING
Jan 29, 2012
Incident date: Jan 28, 2012
I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH A STOP SIGN AND BEGAN DECELERATING. AT ABOUT 40MPH, I MOMENTARILY TOOK MY HANDS OFF THE HANDLEBARS TO ZIP UP MY JACKET AND THE STEERING FORKS BEGAN TO SHAKE BACK AND FORTH. THE SHAKING GREW MORE VIOLENT IN JUST A SECOND OR TWO. I IMMEDIATELY PUT MY HANDS BACK ON THE HANDLEBARS AND THE SHAKING STOPPED AND OPERATION WAS NORMAL. I DID NOT LOSE CONTROL OF THE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXS
(2011) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 27, 2012
Incident date: Aug 5, 2011
THE LEFT SIDE 1157-TYPE BRAKE/TAIL/TURN-SIGNAL BULB FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 400 MILES. WITHIN THE NEXT 1000 MILES THE ORIGINAL RIGHT-SIDE BULB FAILED, AND 2 SYLVANIA "LONG LIFE" REPLACEMENT BULBS HAVE ALSO FAILED. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2009) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jan 24, 2012
Incident date: Jan 22, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND APPLYING THE THROTTLE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ECM CONNECTOR PINS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2010) — STEERING
Jan 24, 2012
Incident date: Sep 1, 2010
I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP, AFTER BEING ASSURED THE BIKE WAS SAFE TO RIDE. I WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT A CRUNCHING NOISE AND VIBRATION WITH SLOW SPEED BRAKING. THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I GOT 10 MILES DOWN THE ROAD. MY FRONT END STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I PULLED OVER TO DISCOVER I HAD AN AXEL WITH NO BEARINGS ON THE LEFT SIDE. MY ENTIRE WHEEL AND BEARINGS HAD TO REPLACED. THE WHEEL HAD 3 TO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2010) — WHEELS
Jan 24, 2012
Incident date: Sep 1, 2010
I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP, AFTER BEING ASSURED THE BIKE WAS SAFE TO RIDE. I WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT A CRUNCHING NOISE AND VIBRATION WITH SLOW SPEED BRAKING. THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. I GOT 10 MILES DOWN THE ROAD. MY FRONT END STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I PULLED OVER TO DISCOVER I HAD AN AXEL WITH NO BEARINGS ON THE LEFT SIDE. MY ENTIRE WHEEL AND BEARINGS HAD TO REPLACED. THE WHEEL HAD 3 TO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2011) — STEERING
Jan 22, 2012
Incident date: Apr 22, 2011
AS THE MOTORCYCLE DECELERATES BETWEEN 40 AND 36 MPH, THE HANDLE BARS BEGIN TO WOBBLE AND SHAKE IF HAND PRESSURE IS REDUCED OR REMOVED FROM THE HANDLEBARS. IF YOU DON' T GRIP THE HANDLEBARS TIGHTLY, THE STEERING WOBBLE INTENSIFIES VIOLENTLY TO THE POINT WHERE YOU WOULD LOSE CONTROL. THIS STARTED THE DAY I PICKED UP THE BIKE (BRAND NEW). AT THE 1000 MILE CHECK-UP, THEY CLAIM TO HAVE ADJUSTED THE S... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTN
(2012) — SUSPENSION
Jan 20, 2012
Incident date: Nov 9, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLSTN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE REAR WHEEL WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR WHEEL BUT THE REPLACEMENT DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCA
(2004) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jan 15, 2012
Incident date: Mar 21, 2011
THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON VRSCA DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN ITS FILLED UP THE NEEDLE DISAPEARS PAST THE FULL MARK AND WHEN ITS CLOSE TO EMPTY IT MIGHT BE ANYWHERE BETWEEN 3/4 TANK AND 1/4 TANK.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 11, 2012
Incident date: Jan 7, 2012
I WAS TRAVELING UP A MOUNTAIN, WHEN THE BIKE SUDDENLY WENT TO IDLE SPEED. THE THROTTLE HAD NO EFFECT ON THE BIKE. THIS WAS ON A TWO LANE ROAD WITH NO PLACE TO PULL OFF.THE BIKE WAS STOPPED ON THE ROADWAY. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, I RESTARTED AND THEN THE THROTTLE AGAIN WAS WORKING. I CONTINUED FOR ABOUT A TENTH OF A MILE BEFORE THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I RESTARTED AND I PROCE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2008) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 9, 2012
Incident date: Sep 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH,THE MOTORCYCLE DECELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE LUBRICANT WAS APPLIED TO THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONNECTORS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2010) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Jan 3, 2012
Incident date: Nov 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 02/15/12*... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2010) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
Jan 3, 2012
Incident date: Nov 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR RECALL REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 02/15/12*... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2007) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 15, 2011
Incident date: Feb 13, 2008
ENGINE KNOCKS AND KICKS BACKS, ON STARTING AND WHEN ACCELERATING,HAS BEEN WORKED ON SEVERAL TIMES, BY HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALER. THE PROBLEM I'VE BEEN TOLD IS THE COMPENSATOR SPROCKET AND ASSEMBLY . THROUGH MANY FORUMS AND TALKS WITH OTHER HARLEY RIDERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS, THE FIX TO THE PROBLEM ACCORDING TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE RESEARCHED THE COMPENSATOR IS FOR IT TO BE REPLACED WITH THE SCR... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2007) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 15, 2011
Incident date: Feb 13, 2008
ENGINE KNOCKS AND KICKS BACKS, ON STARTING AND WHEN ACCELERATING,HAS BEEN WORKED ON SEVERAL TIMES, BY HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALER. THE PROBLEM I'VE BEEN TOLD IS THE COMPENSATOR SPROCKET AND ASSEMBLY . THROUGH MANY FORUMS AND TALKS WITH OTHER HARLEY RIDERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS, THE FIX TO THE PROBLEM ACCORDING TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE RESEARCHED THE COMPENSATOR IS FOR IT TO BE REPLACED WITH THE SCR... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2012) — WHEELS
Dec 15, 2011
Incident date: Dec 1, 2011
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLSTC MOTORCYCLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SLIGHT WOBBLE WHEN COMING TO A STOP. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE WOBBLE SOON BECAME NOTICEABLE ALL THE TIME AT ANY SPEED. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A LOOSE REAR WHEEL SPOKE. *JB
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
CLASSIC CRUISER 98061-00V
(9999) — EQUIPMENT
Dec 7, 2011
Incident date: Nov 29, 2011
1. NORMAL RIDING OF MY MOTORCYCLE. 2. BIKE BEGAN WOBBLING AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR WHEEL SPOKES WERE LOOSE. ONLY 120 MILES ON NEW BIKE. 3. HARLEY DAVIDSON REPLACED THE REAR WHEEL. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2011) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 4, 2011
Incident date: Dec 1, 2011
FACTORY FAILURE. INCORECT POUR OF ALUMINUM MOLD FOR ENGINE CASTING/ ENGINE BLOCK, RESULTING IN OIL LEAK. ENGINE BLOCK SWEATING OIL AND SPREADING OIL ALONG BOTTOM OF FRAME FROM FRONT TO REAR OF MOTORCYCLE. ENGINE POUROUS. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
(2011) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Dec 3, 2011
Incident date: Dec 3, 2011
I RECEIVED A LETTER ON NOV 9 MY DEALER ONLY GETS 8 OF 10 RECALL PARTS A WEEK IF THERE LUCKY. I CALL MAIN OFFICE OF HARLEY. THERE EXCUSE IS THEY CANT MAKE THEM FAST ENOUGH. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES ON MY BIKE YOU THINK THEY BE GETTING OUT MORE PARTS THEN WHAT THERE GIVING. THERE EXCUSES IS THERE GLOBAL. SO MAKE MORE PARTS .IF YOU DON'T CAMP OUT AT YOUR DEALER TO GET IT FIXED YOU'LL NEVER... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
(2011) — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Dec 3, 2011
Incident date: Dec 3, 2011
I RECEIVED A LETTER ON NOV 9 MY DEALER ONLY GETS 8 OF 10 RECALL PARTS A WEEK IF THERE LUCKY. I CALL MAIN OFFICE OF HARLEY. THERE EXCUSE IS THEY CANT MAKE THEM FAST ENOUGH. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES ON MY BIKE YOU THINK THEY BE GETTING OUT MORE PARTS THEN WHAT THERE GIVING. THERE EXCUSES IS THERE GLOBAL. SO MAKE MORE PARTS .IF YOU DON'T CAMP OUT AT YOUR DEALER TO GET IT FIXED YOU'LL NEVER... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2011) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Dec 3, 2011
Incident date: Dec 3, 2011
I RECEIVED A LETTER ON NOV 9 MY DEALER ONLY GETS 8 OF 10 RECALL PARTS A WEEK IF THERE LUCKY. I CALL MAIN OFFICE OF HARLEY. THERE EXCUSE IS THEY CANT MAKE THEM FAST ENOUGH. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES ON MY BIKE YOU THINK THEY BE GETTING OUT MORE PARTS THEN WHAT THERE GIVING. THERE EXCUSES IS THERE GLOBAL. SO MAKE MORE PARTS .IF YOU DON'T CAMP OUT AT YOUR DEALER TO GET IT FIXED YOU'LL NEVER... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2011) — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Dec 3, 2011
Incident date: Dec 3, 2011
I RECEIVED A LETTER ON NOV 9 MY DEALER ONLY GETS 8 OF 10 RECALL PARTS A WEEK IF THERE LUCKY. I CALL MAIN OFFICE OF HARLEY. THERE EXCUSE IS THEY CANT MAKE THEM FAST ENOUGH. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES ON MY BIKE YOU THINK THEY BE GETTING OUT MORE PARTS THEN WHAT THERE GIVING. THERE EXCUSES IS THERE GLOBAL. SO MAKE MORE PARTS .IF YOU DON'T CAMP OUT AT YOUR DEALER TO GET IT FIXED YOU'LL NEVER... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 30, 2011
Incident date: Sep 1, 2011
THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SUDDENLY ACTS ERRATIC SOMETIMES REVVING THE ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY AND SOMETIMES GOING INTO "LIMP MODE" CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER IN TRAFFIC AND CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 30, 2011
Incident date: Sep 1, 2011
THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SUDDENLY ACTS ERRATIC SOMETIMES REVVING THE ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY AND SOMETIMES GOING INTO "LIMP MODE" CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER IN TRAFFIC AND CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 30, 2011
Incident date: Sep 1, 2011
THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SUDDENLY ACTS ERRATIC SOMETIMES REVVING THE ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY AND SOMETIMES GOING INTO "LIMP MODE" CAUSING A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER IN TRAFFIC AND CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTF
(2010) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 29, 2011
Incident date: Nov 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON FAT BOY MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STOPPING AND SHIFTING THE CLUTCH, THE CLUTCH FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE CLUTCH CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 2,200. THE VIN... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2008) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 27, 2011
Incident date: Nov 26, 2011
THROTTLE CUTS OFF. HARLEY DAVIDSON SINCE 2008 USES A CABLE LESS THROTTLE. FROM READING THE FORUMS THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM. THE THROTTLE WILL JUST STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF SENSOR FAILURE. THIS HAPPEN TO ME TODAY ON A SECONDARY ROAD. COULD NO EVEN IMAGINE THIS HAPPENING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2009) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 23, 2011
Incident date: Jun 15, 2011
HARLEY DAVIDSON OPERATING DIAGNOSTIC CODES P1511 & P2135 HARLEY DAVIDSON SERVICE BULLETIN T T 418 LOST POWER AND MY BIKE WENT TO "LIMP HOME MODE" . TOP SPEED 30 MPH @ 1500 RPM FROM 55 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. VERY DANGEROUS !!! $320.00 TO FIX THIS DEFECT (JUST PARTSCOST) .. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED / POWER IN TRAFFIC , MANY IDENTICAL COMMENTS/COMPLAINTS ON H.D... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 23, 2011
Incident date: Jun 15, 2011
HARLEY DAVIDSON OPERATING DIAGNOSTIC CODES P1511 & P2135 HARLEY DAVIDSON SERVICE BULLETIN T T 418 LOST POWER AND MY BIKE WENT TO "LIMP HOME MODE" . TOP SPEED 30 MPH @ 1500 RPM FROM 55 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. VERY DANGEROUS !!! $320.00 TO FIX THIS DEFECT (JUST PARTSCOST) .. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED / POWER IN TRAFFIC , MANY IDENTICAL COMMENTS/COMPLAINTS ON H.D... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2011) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 21, 2011
Incident date: Aug 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DEALERS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXS
(2011) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 16, 2011
Incident date: Sep 23, 2011
THE LEFT SIDE TAIL/ RUNNING LIGHT ON MY 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXS BLACKLINE HAS GONE OUT NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE BIKE ON 12 SEPT 2011. 1ST TRIP BACK TO DEALER ABOUT PROBLEM, WAS TOLD BAD BATCH OF BULBS...BUT I HAVE TRIED NON-HD BULBS (1157 BULBS AS DIRECT BY DEALERSHIP) AND PROBLEM PERSISTS. NEED SOMETHING DONE SOON. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND IT NEEDS TO BE RECTIFIED. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCF
(2009) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Nov 14, 2011
Incident date: Jan 1, 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 GA... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCF
(2009) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 14, 2011
Incident date: Jan 1, 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 GA... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXS
(2012) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 9, 2011
Incident date: Oct 8, 2011
THE RUNNING LIGHTS DIE. IN 2000 MILES I HAVE HAD 4 LIGHTS REPLACED. AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT AND WORSE AT NIGHT I CAN SUDDENLY NOT HAVE A RUNNING LIGHT. CARS MAY HIT ME IF THEY DON'T SEE ME. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFTAIL
(2011) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 9, 2011
Incident date: Aug 5, 2011
REAR RUNNING LIGHTS RANDOMLY, REPEATEDLY GOING OUT -- THEY'VE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST ONE PER MONTH. THE BIKE IS CURRENTLY ON ITS FOURTH NEW BULB. OTHERS HAVE NOTED THAT THEY'RE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2009) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 8, 2011
Incident date: Nov 7, 2011
I HAVE FOUND THAT THE SWITCH FOR THE REAR BRAKE WILL NOT LIGHT THE BRAKE LIGHT AFTER THE BIKE WARMS UP, IF THE BIKE IS ALLOWED TO COOL BACK DOWN THE LIGHT STARTS TO FUNCTION AGAIN. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IS CAUSING THE CURRENT RECALL ON OTHER MODEL HARLEYS IN THE 2009 MODEL YEAR. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 8, 2011
Incident date: Nov 7, 2011
I HAVE FOUND THAT THE SWITCH FOR THE REAR BRAKE WILL NOT LIGHT THE BRAKE LIGHT AFTER THE BIKE WARMS UP, IF THE BIKE IS ALLOWED TO COOL BACK DOWN THE LIGHT STARTS TO FUNCTION AGAIN. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT IS CAUSING THE CURRENT RECALL ON OTHER MODEL HARLEYS IN THE 2009 MODEL YEAR. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCF
(2011) — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Nov 6, 2011
Incident date: Jul 26, 2011
07/26/2011 - 2011 H-D VROD MUSCLE (VRSCF) I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE AND GOT OFF AT MY EXIT. AS I WAS DOWNSHIFTING THE LEFT FOOT PEG ASSEMBLY CAME LOSE AND ROTATED DOWN. I WAS ONLY A HALF MILE AWAY FROM HOME USING RESIDENTIAL STREETS. AS I GOT ON MY STREET THE ENTIRE FOOT PEG ASSEMBLY CAME OUT OF THE FRAME AND FELL ONTO THE STREET. AT THIS POINT I HAD NO PLACE TO SET MY FOOT AND WAS NO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTFB
(2010) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 4, 2011
Incident date: Sep 7, 2011
APPLICATION OF FRONT BRAKE FAILED TO ACTIVATE BRAKE LIGHT. DEALER REPLACE FRONT BRAKE LEVER SWITCH. VERY DANGEROUS TO NOT HAVE WORKING BRAKE LIGHT ON A MOTORCYCLE. AND TO HAVE THIS FAILURE AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTFB
(2010) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Nov 4, 2011
Incident date: Sep 7, 2011
APPLICATION OF FRONT BRAKE FAILED TO ACTIVATE BRAKE LIGHT. DEALER REPLACE FRONT BRAKE LEVER SWITCH. VERY DANGEROUS TO NOT HAVE WORKING BRAKE LIGHT ON A MOTORCYCLE. AND TO HAVE THIS FAILURE AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE IS UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2008) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
Nov 3, 2011
Incident date: Oct 19, 2011
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYLCE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RAPID ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE RIDING THE BIKE, IT STARTED TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE OVER THE SPEED SET ON THE ELECTRICAL SPEED CONTROL. THE SPEED CONTROL WAS SET AT 50 MPH. HOWEVER, THE BIKE RACED UP TO 70 MPH ON ITS OWN. THE CRUISE CONTROL DID SHUT OF WHEN THE CONSUMER MANUALLY PRESSED THE SET SWITCH TO THE OFF POSITI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTF
(2008) — WHEELS
Nov 3, 2011
Incident date: Nov 2, 2009
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE FAILED WITHOUT AND INDICATION AT 17000 AND 25000 MILES. THIS COULD AND WILL CAUSE DEATH IF GONE UNDETECTED AT HIGH SPEED. DEALERS ARE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HARLEY FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD NOT ONLY TO THE RIDERS BUT ALSO TO OTHER VEHICLES IF THE BEARING FAILS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE BEARINGS ARE A GROSS INFERIOR PRODUCT THAT HARLE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2009) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 1, 2011
Incident date: Oct 4, 2010
A FRIEND WAS FOLLOWING ME AND TOLD ME MY BRAKE LIGHT WAS STAYING ON. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RELEASED IT, BUT THE LIGHT STAYED ON. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO HARLEY DAVIDSON WORLD IN OKLAHOMA CITY FOR REPAIR. THEY REPAIRED IT BY REPLACING THE REAR BRAKE SWITCH. SINCE THEN HARLEY DAVIDSON HAS RECALLED ALL TOURING MODEL BIKES FROM 09 AND UP, BUT EXCLUDED SOFTTAIL MODELS LIKE MINE FOR A PROBLE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 1, 2011
Incident date: Oct 4, 2010
A FRIEND WAS FOLLOWING ME AND TOLD ME MY BRAKE LIGHT WAS STAYING ON. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RELEASED IT, BUT THE LIGHT STAYED ON. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO HARLEY DAVIDSON WORLD IN OKLAHOMA CITY FOR REPAIR. THEY REPAIRED IT BY REPLACING THE REAR BRAKE SWITCH. SINCE THEN HARLEY DAVIDSON HAS RECALLED ALL TOURING MODEL BIKES FROM 09 AND UP, BUT EXCLUDED SOFTTAIL MODELS LIKE MINE FOR A PROBLE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTCI
(2004) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 1, 2011
Incident date: Sep 10, 2011
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE. KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SOFTAIL MODELS AND NO RECALL BY COMPANY. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTSE2
(2011) — STRUCTURE
Nov 1, 2011
Incident date: Oct 16, 2011
WHILE TRAVELING ON I-95 SOUTH OF BOSTON MY LEFT SIDE SADDLEBAG FLEW OFF WHILE I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. I DID NOT IMPACT ANY OBJECT AND HAVE NEVER DETACHED THE SADDLEBAG WHILE THE BIKE HAS BEEN IN MY OWNERSHIP (I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER). THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME I HAD TRAVELED AT THESE SPEEDS WHILE ON AN INTERSTATE THOUGH THE FIRST TIME I DID SO IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. I WAS W... Read more