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
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
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2009) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Oct 31, 2011
Incident date: Sep 4, 2010
ON THE ABOVE DATE THIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE LESS THAN A MINUTE AFTER STARTING IT. I HAD RODE THIS VEHICLE TO WORK AND WAS AT WORK FOR AROUND TWO HOURS. UPON LEAVING WORK, I STARTED THE MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT GETTING ON AND WAS REACHING TO PUT ITEMS IN THE TRUNK WHEN THE FIRE STARTED. WHEN WALKING UP TO THE VEHICLE I DID NOT SMELL GASOLINE OR NOTICE ANY LEAKING FUEL BEFORE STARTING THE MOTORCYCLE. TH... Read more
Fire
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSC
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 28, 2011
Incident date: Oct 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON VRSC MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING MOUNT IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND BOTH TURNING INDICATORS WOULD ONLY WORK WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE DEFECT NUMEROUS TIMES BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUOUSLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILU... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2010) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 27, 2011
Incident date: Oct 1, 2010
EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM CAUSES SEVERE BURNS TO UNDERSIDE OF RIGHT THIGH, KNEE AND CALF. PAINFUL BLISTERING OF THE SKIN IN MANY PLACES ON RIDER'S RIGHT LEG FROM HEAT, (NOT FROM CONTACT WITH HEATED OR HOT COMPONENTS) WHILE WEARING LONG JEANS OR OTHER RIDING GEAR. BURNS ARE SEVERE, WHICH MAKES RIDING IMPOSSIBLE WHILE BURNS ARE PRESENT (RUNNING RISK OF INFECTION AS WELL AS INCREASING NUMB... Read more
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCDX
(2008) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 26, 2011
Incident date: Jun 11, 2011
I OWN A 2008 VRSCDX HARLEY DAVIDSON - THE REAR BRAKE FAILED AS IT IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, DUE TO ITS PROXIMITY TO THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE FAILURE IS CAUSED BY THE PLASTIC PORTION OF THE SWITCH MELTING ALLOWING THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT OF THE SYSTEM. I HAVE CONTACTED HD AND PROVIDED THEM WITH MULTIPLE CASES OF OTHER VRSCDX BIKES HAVING THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 25, 2011
Incident date: Oct 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY DECELERATED INTO AN IDLE MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED IN APPROXIMATELY TWO DAYS WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE THROT... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUSE5
(2010) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 25, 2011
Incident date: Aug 17, 2011
REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WIRES CAUGHT ON FIRE LEADING TO COMPLETE REAR BRAKE FAILURE. *TR
Fire
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRC
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 24, 2011
Incident date: May 11, 2011
I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS BIKE USED, I BOUGHT IT FROM A NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE COMPANY WHO DEALS IN RENTAL BIKES. I WAS UNAWARE THIS BIKE YEAR (2009) HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BY WIRE SYSTEM, AS OF TODAY'S DATE I'VE HAVE HAD THREE INSTANCES WHERE THE BIKE HAS WENT INTO BREAK DOWN MODE BECAUSE OF THIS FAULTY SYSTEM. THE PRIOR TWO INCIDENTS WERE DIAGNOSED AND APPARENTLY FIXED BY MY LOCAL BIKE SHOP, ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSTC
(2008) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 24, 2011
Incident date: Jul 1, 2011
THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO THE REPORT 11V506000. BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH SOLVED THE PROBLEM. THIS MALFUNCTION IS EERILY SIMILAR TO THE NAMED REPORT. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE DEALER IT WAS INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS SEEN REGULARLY. THE PROBLEM IS ALSO WIDELY REPORTED ON WEB HARLEY DAVIDSON FORUMS. IT'S OBVI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSTC
(2008) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 24, 2011
Incident date: Jul 1, 2011
THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO THE REPORT 11V506000. BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH SOLVED THE PROBLEM. THIS MALFUNCTION IS EERILY SIMILAR TO THE NAMED REPORT. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE DEALER IT WAS INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS SEEN REGULARLY. THE PROBLEM IS ALSO WIDELY REPORTED ON WEB HARLEY DAVIDSON FORUMS. IT'S OBVI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSTC
(2008) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Oct 24, 2011
Incident date: Jul 1, 2011
THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO THE REPORT 11V506000. BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCH SOLVED THE PROBLEM. THIS MALFUNCTION IS EERILY SIMILAR TO THE NAMED REPORT. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE DEALER IT WAS INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS SEEN REGULARLY. THE PROBLEM IS ALSO WIDELY REPORTED ON WEB HARLEY DAVIDSON FORUMS. IT'S OBVI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2010) - STEERING
Oct 23, 2011
Incident date: May 18, 2011
I PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE IN MAY OF 2011. IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCED AT INTERMITTENT SPEEDS AND NON-SPECIFIC CONDITIONS THE FRONT END WILL START TO WOBBLE IN EVER INCREASING INTENSITY, IF HANDS ARE OFF THE HANDLE BARS. WITH HAND ON THE BARS, THE CONDITION CAN BE FELT BUT IS KEPT UNDER MORE CONTROL OF THE RIDER. HAT HIGH SPEEDS IT IS MORE PRESENT EVEN WITH HANDS ON THE HANDLE BARS. THIS CONDITION DI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2010) - SUSPENSION
Oct 23, 2011
Incident date: May 18, 2011
I PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE IN MAY OF 2011. IMMEDIATELY EXPERIENCED AT INTERMITTENT SPEEDS AND NON-SPECIFIC CONDITIONS THE FRONT END WILL START TO WOBBLE IN EVER INCREASING INTENSITY, IF HANDS ARE OFF THE HANDLE BARS. WITH HAND ON THE BARS, THE CONDITION CAN BE FELT BUT IS KEPT UNDER MORE CONTROL OF THE RIDER. HAT HIGH SPEEDS IT IS MORE PRESENT EVEN WITH HANDS ON THE HANDLE BARS. THIS CONDITION DI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2012) - STEERING
Oct 22, 2011
Incident date: Sep 24, 2011
AT APPROXIMATELY 45-35MPH, WHEN DECELERATING, THE FRONT END WOBBLES VIOLENTLY, TO THE POINT WHERE YOU MUST HAVE YOUR HANDS FIRMLY ON THE BARS TO CONTROL IT. FIRST NOTICED WHEN BIKE WAS IN 3RD GEAR, LET OFF THROTTLE WHILE CRUISING TO STOP AND USED BOTH HANDS TO ZIP UP JACKET; NEARLY CRASHED AS IT WOBBLED ME TOWARDS CENTER LANE. WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE NEARLY EVERY TIME UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS; I.E. RU... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2012) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 22, 2011
Incident date: Sep 24, 2011
AT APPROXIMATELY 45-35MPH, WHEN DECELERATING, THE FRONT END WOBBLES VIOLENTLY, TO THE POINT WHERE YOU MUST HAVE YOUR HANDS FIRMLY ON THE BARS TO CONTROL IT. FIRST NOTICED WHEN BIKE WAS IN 3RD GEAR, LET OFF THROTTLE WHILE CRUISING TO STOP AND USED BOTH HANDS TO ZIP UP JACKET; NEARLY CRASHED AS IT WOBBLED ME TOWARDS CENTER LANE. WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE NEARLY EVERY TIME UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS; I.E. RU... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2010) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 20, 2011
Incident date: Dec 1, 2010
COMPENSATOR FAILURE. THE COMPENSATOR ON MY H-D HAS DEVELOPED A BANGING NOISE ON STARTUP AND CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE UP TO THE 3500 RPM RANGE. HARLEY DAVIDSON IN MIAMI, FLORIDA SERVICED MY MOTORCYCLE AND FOUND THE MOUNTING BOLT TO BE LOOSE. AFTER SERVICE THE COMPENSATOR THE NOISE RECURRED AFTER 100 MILES. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE IF THIS UNTIL SHOULD COME APART AND LOCK UP THE DRIVE TRAIN WHILE ... Read more