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
FLHTCU
(2010) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 21, 2012
Incident date: Apr 20, 2012
RIDING ALONG AT 60 MPH WHEN THE BIKE WENT INTO "LIMP MODE". I IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL THROTTLE RESPONSE AND MY SPEED INSTANTLY DROPPED TO 10 MPH. ONCE THE BIKE GOES INTO THIS "LIMP MODE", THE SPEED IS AUTOMATICALLY LIMITED TO 10 MPH. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD TO RIDE AT 10 MPH DOWN A BUSY STREET WITH MY FLASHERS ON TO PREVENT GETTING REAR ENDED BY ALL THE CARS. THIS "LIMP MODE" IS A KNOW... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTCI
(2005) - TIRES
Apr 18, 2012
Incident date: Apr 17, 2012
METZELER ME880 MOTORCYCLE TIRE IS DELAMINATING. BIG CHUNK OF TREAD PULLING AWAY FROM TIRE BELT. TIRE MUST BE REPLACED AFTER 1SEASON ABOUT 8000 MILES.. *JS
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU103
(2012) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Apr 17, 2012
Incident date: Apr 10, 2012
REAR BRAKE PEDAL HARD AND ROTORS GET HOT SEEMS LIKE THE CALIPER IS NOT RELEASING ALL THE WAY I WENT TO THE HARLEY DEALER IN ERIE PA. TWICE THE FIRST TIME THE TECH TOOK DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT AN MILE AND SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM MY ROTORS HAS ALREADY TURNED BLUE FROM THE HEAT AND I TOOK IT BACK TODAY BECAUSE IT GETTING WORSE THE TECH SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG BUT HE SAID IF I WOULD HAD BOUGHT THE BIKE T... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFTAIL
(2003) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Apr 17, 2012
Incident date: Apr 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFT TALE DEUCE MOTORCYCLE. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS CAUSING FRICTION TO THE INNER FUEL TANK AND BORE SEVERAL HOLES IN THE FUEL LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FUEL LINES WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 30,000. UPDATED 06/05/12 *BF THE CAM TENSIONER WEAR BLOCK FAI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFTAIL
(2003) - ENGINE
Apr 17, 2012
Incident date: Apr 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFT TALE DEUCE MOTORCYCLE. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS CAUSING FRICTION TO THE INNER FUEL TANK AND BORE SEVERAL HOLES IN THE FUEL LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FUEL LINES WERE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 30,000. UPDATED 06/05/12 *BF THE CAM TENSIONER WEAR BLOCK FAI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRC
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 16, 2012
Incident date: Apr 2, 2012
AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES, MY MOTORCYCLE DID NOT RESPOND TO THROTTLE INPUT. THE ENGINE RAN, BUT WENT INTO "LIMP MODE", WHICH IS A LOW RPM ONLY MODE. I COULD NOT MAINTAIN THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT. I PULLED OVER, SHUT THE BIKE ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES AND THE ISSUE CEASED. THIS SITUATION OCCURRED ONE OTHER TIME LATER THAT SAME DAY BUT REQUIRED AT LEAST 5 ATTEMPTS AT TURNING THE PO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 16, 2012
Incident date: Apr 8, 2012
HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX 2009 STREET GLIDE WE WERE ON VACATION LEAVING ONE TOWN TRAVELING TO ANOTHER AND TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE IN THE LEFT HAND LANE MOVING WITH TRAFFIC, WHICH WAS THICK WITH CARS, CAMPERS, TRUCKS. ALL OF A SUDDEN I FELT THE MOTOR CYCLE LOOSE POWER, I GLANCED DOWN AND NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND I GLANCED IN MY RIGHT REAR VIEW MIRROR AND THERE WAS A TRACTOR TR... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDCI
(2006) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 16, 2012
Incident date: Nov 15, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA FXDCI MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 75 MPH WHEN A BLOWING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE DRIVE CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2011) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 11, 2012
Incident date: Apr 16, 2011
THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE RUNS EXTREMELY HOT ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC AND HOT WEATHER. THE CONDITION WILL ACTUALLY CAUSE MILD BURNS TO LEGS DURING RIDING. MANY CASES HAVE BEEN NOTED ON LINE IN DIFFERENT FORUMS AND BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALERS. SOME RESOLVE TO PROBLEM HAS BEEN DONE BY CHANGING HEADER EXHAUST PIPES WITHOUT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND CHANGING THE FUEL MIXTU... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2011) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Apr 11, 2012
Incident date: Apr 16, 2011
THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE RUNS EXTREMELY HOT ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC AND HOT WEATHER. THE CONDITION WILL ACTUALLY CAUSE MILD BURNS TO LEGS DURING RIDING. MANY CASES HAVE BEEN NOTED ON LINE IN DIFFERENT FORUMS AND BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALERS. SOME RESOLVE TO PROBLEM HAS BEEN DONE BY CHANGING HEADER EXHAUST PIPES WITHOUT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND CHANGING THE FUEL MIXTU... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2008) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 9, 2012
Incident date: Apr 4, 2012
BIKE WOULD JUST SHUT DOWN. ONCE RESTARTED IT WOULD IDLE AT APPROX 1500 RPM (LIMP MODE). THIS HAPPEN TWICE. THERE NO THROTTLE RESPONSE, IDLE WAS STILL AROUND 1500 RPM. TALK TO THE DEALER ABOUT MY ISSUES. BEFORE I COULD FINISH MY LITTLE SPEECH, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ECM OR THE ATC PIN CONNECTORS. HE DESCRIBES MY PROBLEM TO ME. THEY HAVE FIXED THIS PROBLEM IN THAT PAST. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2008) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 9, 2012
Incident date: Apr 4, 2012
BIKE WOULD JUST SHUT DOWN. ONCE RESTARTED IT WOULD IDLE AT APPROX 1500 RPM (LIMP MODE). THIS HAPPEN TWICE. THERE NO THROTTLE RESPONSE, IDLE WAS STILL AROUND 1500 RPM. TALK TO THE DEALER ABOUT MY ISSUES. BEFORE I COULD FINISH MY LITTLE SPEECH, I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ECM OR THE ATC PIN CONNECTORS. HE DESCRIBES MY PROBLEM TO ME. THEY HAVE FIXED THIS PROBLEM IN THAT PAST. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCDX
(2012) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 1, 2012
Incident date: Mar 24, 2012
THROTTLE STUCK ON MY 2012 V-ROD NIGHT ROD SPECIAL. THE BIKE HAD LESS THAN 100 MILES ON IT. WHEN THE THROTTLE STUCK I COULD NOT MOVE IT EITHER DIRECTION. I N TRYING TO SLOW THE BIKE I LOST CONTROL AND WRECKED THE BIKE. *TR
Crash
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 28, 2012
Incident date: Mar 12, 2012
THE WIRING CONNECTOR AT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR/SERVO IS GETTING A BAD CONNECTION DUE TO THE ROUTING OF THE WIRE HARNES AND THE EXTREME PRESSURE BEING PUT ON THE PINS INSIDE DUE TO THE WIRES BEING PULLED TO TIGHT. THE PINS WEAR FROM VIBRATION AND PRESSURE CAUSE THE 5 VOLT SIGNAL TO DIMINISH CAUSING THE COMPUTER TO GO INTO LIMP MODE. I WAS GOING UP I65 NORTH OF MONTGOMERY IN THE CENTER LANE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFT TAIL
(2009) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mar 27, 2012
Incident date: Mar 23, 2012
APPLIED THE REAR BRAKE TO STOP, PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN, FIRE STARTED BY REAR BRAKE LITE SWITCH BY BRAKE FLUID ON HOT EXHAUST. *TR
Fire
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2011) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mar 24, 2012
Incident date: Jun 29, 2011
HARLEY HAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH REAR BRAKES. THIS BIKE WAS BRAND NEW THEY FAILED TO ADDRESS IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT CAN CAUSE INSTABILITY TO A NEW DRIVER. WITH 53 YEARS RIDING EXPERIENCE I GOT THE BIKE TO A HALT. THIS PROBLEM IS SYSTEM WIDE AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH RECALL. HARLEY REFUSES TO WARRANTY THIS ITEM EVEN ON NEW BIKES. IT DOES NOT HAVE ANY RELATIONSHIP TO M... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2012) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 23, 2012
Incident date: Jan 25, 2012
THIS BIKE HAS EXCESSIVE HEAT ISSUES IT IS ALMOST TO THE POINT THIS BIKE CANNOT BE RIDDEN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM I WOULD NEED TO INVEST NEARLY $2,000 MORE DOLLARS INTO THIS BIKE. I THINK THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEGE THE PROBLEM. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCAW
(2008) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 21, 2012
Incident date: Sep 29, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON VRSCAW MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED AND WOULD NOT REGISTER IF THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL OR EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FUEL SENSOR WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED AND DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCA
(2003) - FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2012
Incident date: Jan 3, 2012
FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY ONCE IT GETS TO 3/4 FULL. *JS
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTR
(2008) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mar 16, 2012
Incident date: Mar 11, 2012
THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED WHILE TRAVELING ON I-85 IN ATLANTA, GA. ON BRAKING TO EXIT THE INTERSTATE THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FULL DOWN POSITION WITH NO EFFECT ON BRAKING. I WAS CLOSE TO WORK AND WHEN I GOT TO WORK, I PRESSED THE PEDAL TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG AND NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FLUID UNDER THE BIKE. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE PEDAL A LARGE AMOUNT OF FLUID STREAMED OUT OF THE AREA WHERE TH... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFT TAIL
(2009) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 16, 2012
Incident date: Nov 22, 2011
CLUTCH LEVER SEEMED FAR TO REACH, TOOK IN FOR INSPECTION AND/OR POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENT. CAME BACK WITH CLUTCH LEVER STICKING OR RATCHETING, NO LONGER SMOOTH TO OPERATE. THIS MADE IT VERY HARD TO OPERATE IN THE FRICTION ZONE NEEDED FOR SLOW OPERATION AND TURNING AROUND. CLUTCH WOULD POP AND JUMP FORWARD ALMOST CAUSING TO FALL OVER MANY TIMES. TOOK IN FOR REPAIR.....LUBED AND GROUND OUT THE INSIDE OF W... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFT TAIL
(2009) - POWER TRAIN
Mar 16, 2012
Incident date: Nov 22, 2011
CLUTCH LEVER SEEMED FAR TO REACH, TOOK IN FOR INSPECTION AND/OR POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENT. CAME BACK WITH CLUTCH LEVER STICKING OR RATCHETING, NO LONGER SMOOTH TO OPERATE. THIS MADE IT VERY HARD TO OPERATE IN THE FRICTION ZONE NEEDED FOR SLOW OPERATION AND TURNING AROUND. CLUTCH WOULD POP AND JUMP FORWARD ALMOST CAUSING TO FALL OVER MANY TIMES. TOOK IN FOR REPAIR.....LUBED AND GROUND OUT THE INSIDE OF W... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCA
(2006) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 16, 2012
Incident date: Feb 8, 2012
THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE AT ALL. IT FLUCTUATES. IT MAY READ FULL AND THEN 1/4 TANK ALL IN THE SAME HOUR. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXS
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 13, 2012
Incident date: Mar 13, 2012
UPON STARTING THE BIKE I NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT HAD BURNED OUT. I'VE HEARD FROM ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT THIS IS BECOMING A COMMON OCCURANCE AND FEAR IT MAY HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSTB
(2007) - WHEELS:RIM
Mar 13, 2012
Incident date: Mar 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXSTB. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT REMOVED A REAR WHEEL TO REPLACE THE TIRE AND NOTICED THAT THE SHOULDER OF THE HUB WAS WORN DOWN AROUND ITS CENTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 04/19/12*LJ
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSTB
(2007) - SUSPENSION:REAR
Mar 13, 2012
Incident date: Mar 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXSTB. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT REMOVED A REAR WHEEL TO REPLACE THE TIRE AND NOTICED THAT THE SHOULDER OF THE HUB WAS WORN DOWN AROUND ITS CENTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 04/19/12*LJ
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLD
(2012) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 12, 2012
Incident date: Nov 23, 2011
I PURCHASED A NEW HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA GLIDE SWITCHBACK MOTORCYCLE FROM A DEALERSHIP IN OMAHA, NE. ON NOVEMBER OF 2011. UPON DRIVING THE MOTORCYCLE HOME AND PARKING IT INSIDE MY GARAGE I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE FOLLOWED BY GASOLINE DRIPPING ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR. I OCCASIONALLY RODE THE MOTORCYCLE WEATHER PERMITTING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS AND CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE GAS SMELL AND ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2008) - SUSPENSION
Mar 5, 2012
Incident date: Jan 1, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPA... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDC
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 28, 2012
Incident date: Nov 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE LEAKING WATER. THERE WAS WATER ENTERING THE TAIL LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS WHEN THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE WASHED OR WHEN IT RAINED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE A SHORT IN THE BULBS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED TH... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2008) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 26, 2012
Incident date: Feb 24, 2012
COMPLETE THROTTLE FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. ERROR CODES COLLECTED INDICATE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE RESPONSE FAILURE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS FAILURE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. POSTINGS ON HD FORUMS INDICATE THE PROBLEM IS WIDE SPREAD ON HD MOTORCYCLES FROM 2008 FORWARD WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HAZARD FOR WHICH HD HAS FAILED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY OR OFFE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2008) - ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Feb 26, 2012
Incident date: Feb 24, 2012
COMPLETE THROTTLE FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. ERROR CODES COLLECTED INDICATE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE RESPONSE FAILURE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS FAILURE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. POSTINGS ON HD FORUMS INDICATE THE PROBLEM IS WIDE SPREAD ON HD MOTORCYCLES FROM 2008 FORWARD WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS HAZARD FOR WHICH HD HAS FAILED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY OR OFFE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
ULTRA CLASSIC
(2002) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 23, 2012
Incident date: Jun 20, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OVER 20 MPH, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL LOST POWER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY HAVING SEVERAL PARTS REPLACED INCLUDING A NEW BATTERY A... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2008) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 19, 2012
Incident date: Nov 20, 2011
WHILE RIDING AT 60MPH, THE ENGINE SLOWED THE BIKE DOWN TO 25MPH. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC WHERE A SURPRISE SLOW DOWN WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS ABLE TO RIDE THE BIKE ON THE SHOULDER AT 25MPH, AND LET TRAFFIC GO AROUND ME UNTIL THERE WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAFELY GET OFF OF THE ROAD. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND WAITED 4 TO 5 MINUTES. I THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE, THE ENGI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2008) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 19, 2012
Incident date: Nov 20, 2011
WHILE RIDING AT 60MPH, THE ENGINE SLOWED THE BIKE DOWN TO 25MPH. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC WHERE A SURPRISE SLOW DOWN WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS ABLE TO RIDE THE BIKE ON THE SHOULDER AT 25MPH, AND LET TRAFFIC GO AROUND ME UNTIL THERE WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAFELY GET OFF OF THE ROAD. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND WAITED 4 TO 5 MINUTES. I THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE, THE ENGI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2011) - WHEELS
Feb 16, 2012
Incident date: Apr 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLSTC MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE REAR WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE EIGHT SPOKES IN THE REAR WHEEL WERE LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER... Read more
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