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
VRSCDX
(2008) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
May 24, 2011
Incident date: May 22, 2011
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE. OFTEN READS FULL WHEN IT'S ACTUALLY MUCH LOWER. THIS IS MORE CRITICAL ON A MOTORCYCLE (AND ON MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS) AS THE DRIVEN WHEEL AND TIRE ARE DIRECTLY CONNECTED FROM THE ENGINE TO THE ROAD. IF THE MOTORCYCLE ENGINE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY SHUTS DOWN, THE RIDER COULD BE CAUGHT OFF GUARD AND A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR. ANOTHER CONCERN WOULD BE CROSSING A BUSY... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRUSE
(2011) — STEERING
May 21, 2011
Incident date: Apr 20, 2011
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE CVO TOURING MOTORCYCLE. THE HANDLEBARS SHAKE VIOLENTLY AT SPEEDS UNDER 40-30 ON A DECEL OR STEADY STATE. IF YOUR HANDS LEAVE THE BARS FOR A SPLIT SECOND THE BARS SHAKE SIDE TO SIDE AND PROGRESSIVELY GET WORSE. YOU FEEL LIKE THE FRONT WHEEL IS COMING OFF. YOU FEEL HELPLESS LIKE THE BIKE IS SHAKING OUT OF CONTROL. NO OTHER HARLEY TOURING BIKE I HAVE EVERY OWNED HAS DO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRUSE
(2011) — TIRES
May 21, 2011
Incident date: Apr 20, 2011
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE CVO TOURING MOTORCYCLE. THE HANDLEBARS SHAKE VIOLENTLY AT SPEEDS UNDER 40-30 ON A DECEL OR STEADY STATE. IF YOUR HANDS LEAVE THE BARS FOR A SPLIT SECOND THE BARS SHAKE SIDE TO SIDE AND PROGRESSIVELY GET WORSE. YOU FEEL LIKE THE FRONT WHEEL IS COMING OFF. YOU FEEL HELPLESS LIKE THE BIKE IS SHAKING OUT OF CONTROL. NO OTHER HARLEY TOURING BIKE I HAVE EVERY OWNED HAS DO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2011) — STEERING
May 20, 2011
Incident date: Apr 30, 2011
WHEN SLOWING DOWN THE FRONT STEERING MECHANISM WILL RADICALLY SWERVE LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT AND SO FORTH WHEN YOU CROSS 42 MPH. IF CRUISING AT 55 AND YOU ENTER A TOWN AND LET GO OF THE HANDLE BAR TO ADJUST YOUR HAT AS THE BIKE CROSSES 42 MPH THE STEERING HEAD WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND ONLY QUICK REFLEXES TO GRAB THE BAR WILL SAVE YOU FROM A CRASH. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY PEOPLE ON THE SAME MODEL AN... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2011) — SUSPENSION:FRONT
May 19, 2011
Incident date: Apr 15, 2011
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM (FLTRX) FRONT END SHAKE WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS BETWEEN 37-42 MPH. AIR PRESSURE FOR TIRES AT RECOMMENDED VALUE FROM OWNERS MANUAL. THIS IS HAPPENING FROM NEW, VERY UNSAFE TO RIDE IN THAT MPH RANGE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2011) — STEERING
May 19, 2011
Incident date: Apr 15, 2011
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM (FLTRX) FRONT END SHAKE WHEN MOTORCYCLE IS BETWEEN 37-42 MPH. AIR PRESSURE FOR TIRES AT RECOMMENDED VALUE FROM OWNERS MANUAL. THIS IS HAPPENING FROM NEW, VERY UNSAFE TO RIDE IN THAT MPH RANGE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2007) — POWER TRAIN
May 17, 2011
Incident date: Apr 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT A METAL PIECE WAS JAMMED IN THE CHAIN, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — WHEELS
May 16, 2011
Incident date: May 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH HE BEGAN TO HEAR A GROWLING NOISE IN THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 17... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2009) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
May 15, 2011
Incident date: May 14, 2011
HEAT COMING OFF THE EXHAUST/ENGINE MAKES THE BIKE UNBEARABLE TO RIDE...ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WEATHER GETS WARMER AND YOU ARE STOPPED OR GOING SLOWLY IN TRAFFIC. IT WILL BURN YOUR RIGHT CALF SEVERELY AND HARLEY DAVISDON REFUSES TO ADMIT THE PROBLEM OR OFFER A REMEDY FOR IT. ALSO REAR BRAKES SQUEAL CONSTANTLY AND ARE BARELY ADEQUATE FOR STOPPING. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXD
(2008) — SUSPENSION:REAR
May 10, 2011
Incident date: May 2, 2011
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON FXD DYNA SUPER GLYDE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WHEEL BEARING PROBLEMS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AT 8368 MILES, THE REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ALL THE 2008 AND NEWER MODELS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER CHANGED THE BEARING FROM 1 INCH TO 25MM. *JB
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
STINGER GRAPHICS
(9999) — EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL
May 10, 2011
Incident date: May 9, 2011
HARLEY DAVIDSON OPTIONAL STAND PART NUMBER 91573-09A. THIS STAND IS PERMANENTLY ATTACHED TO THE MOTORCYCLE FRAME AND IS USED TO LIFT AND HOLD THE MOTORCYCLE IN A VERTICAL POSITION (RATHER THAN LEANING TO ONE SIDE) FOR CLEANING OR SERVICE. THE STAND HAS TWO PARALLEL LEGS THAT SWING DOWN AND LIFT THE MOTORCYCLE WITH AN ATTACHED ARM THAT THE OPERATOR STEPS ON TO APPLY THE LIFTING FORCE. IN NORMAL ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
STINGER GRAPHICS
(9999) — EQUIPMENT
May 10, 2011
Incident date: May 9, 2011
HARLEY DAVIDSON OPTIONAL STAND PART NUMBER 91573-09A. THIS STAND IS PERMANENTLY ATTACHED TO THE MOTORCYCLE FRAME AND IS USED TO LIFT AND HOLD THE MOTORCYCLE IN A VERTICAL POSITION (RATHER THAN LEANING TO ONE SIDE) FOR CLEANING OR SERVICE. THE STAND HAS TWO PARALLEL LEGS THAT SWING DOWN AND LIFT THE MOTORCYCLE WITH AN ATTACHED ARM THAT THE OPERATOR STEPS ON TO APPLY THE LIFTING FORCE. IN NORMAL ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCF
(2010) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 10, 2011
Incident date: May 3, 2011
I WASHED THE 2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON VRSCF MOTORCYCLE WITH WATER FROM A HOSE. THE NEXT DAY THE GAUGE CLUSTER HAD A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER VISIBLE. THE DIGITAL READOUT ON THE CLUSTER CYCLED ERRATICALLY UNTIL FINALLY STOPPING ON ONE SECTION AND WAS THEN UNRESPONSIVE UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT DOWN. BIKE IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY, BUT ISSUE SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUTG
(2010) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 9, 2011
Incident date: Sep 17, 2010
THE MOTORCYCLE HAS RUN VERY HOT FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT 5/10/2011. EVERY TIME I HAD SERVICE, I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE HEAT FROM THE PIPES. I STOPPED AT A HD DEALER IN ALEXANDRIA, LA ON 9/17/2010, AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE BIKE. I WAS TOLD AT INSTALLATION THE PIPES HAD BEEN INSTALLED WITH NO REMAP OR HIGH FLOW FILTER. I WAS CHARGED $413.57 TO INSTALL THE NEEDED FILTER AND DOWNLOADED A NEW REMAP... Read more
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2008) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 7, 2011
Incident date: Jan 10, 2011
2007/08/09/10 HARLEYDAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES WITH THE 96IN/103IN MOTORS THE STOCK COMPENSATOR ASSEMBLY WEARS OUT PREMATURE BECAUSE IT AS MADE FOR THERE 88IN ENGINE AND AFTER A WHILE YOUR ENGINE WONT START IF IT DOES IT BACK FIRES THREW THE AIR CLEANER AND COULD CATCH ON FIRE THE COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT THIS AND HAS REPLACED IT WITH A SCREAMIN EAGLE COMPENSATOR ASSEMBLY PART ON ALL 2011 MODELS THE NEW PART... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSTD
(2000) — TIRES
May 7, 2011
Incident date: May 1, 2011
I NOTICED WHILE I WAS RIDING THAT THE BIKE HAD A LITTLE WOBBLE IN THE TURNS. CHECKED THE FRONT TIRE I COULD PUSH IN ABOUT ONE HALF INCH IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ABOUT 7 INCHES LONG. HAD TO GET NEW TIRE. THE TIRE WAS STARTING TO SEPARATE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDL
(2003) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
May 2, 2011
Incident date: Mar 19, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 HARLEY DAVIDSON DYNA GLIDE FXDL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE HAD AN UNUSUAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TWIN CAM CHAIN TENSIONER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE SINCE THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDB
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 30, 2011
Incident date: Dec 5, 2010
DEAR SIRS: ON DECEMBER 5, 2010 WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO A DRIVEWAY MY HARLEY DAVIDSON TRI-GLIDE (VIN [XXX]) MODEL FLHTCUTG (THIS MODEL # WAS NOT ALLOWED IN A FOLLOWING FIELD) ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY AND TIPPED ON ITS SIDE THROWING ME OFF AND THEN INTO A FENCE. I WAS TRANSPORTED FROM THE SCENE BY AMBULANCE WITH MINOR INJURIES (BROKEN RIBS) AND THE BIKE WAS TOWED TO A STORAGE YARD. THE NEXT... Read more
Crash
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSTC
(2008) — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
Apr 28, 2011
Incident date: Apr 28, 2011
DRIVE BELT BROKE WITH LESS THAN 10K MILES. BREAK WAS STRAIGHT ACROSS BELT IN LOWEST AREA. BREAK OCCURRED ON CLEAN ROADS (JUST AFTER A MAJOR RAIN STORM) JUST AFTER STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT. BELT INDICATED SAME TYPE OF STRESS FRACTURE ABOUT A FOOT FROM THE INITIAL BREAK WHICH WOULD PRECLUDE DAMAGE FROM AN OBJECT OR OBSTACLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2008) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Apr 26, 2011
Incident date: Sep 16, 2010
FRONT BRAKE ROTOR FOUND TO BE WARPED AT 12,946 MILES AFTER BRAKE PADS CHANGED AT 10,163 MILES. ONLY ONE ROTOR WARPED CAUSING A LESSENING OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS. WARPING OF ROTOR (S) APPEARS TO BE ON-GOING HARLEY DAVIDSON PROBLEM. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2010) — POWER TRAIN
Apr 25, 2011
Incident date: Apr 25, 2011
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA LIMITED FLHTK, COMPENSATOR. THE WEAK COMPENSATOR IS NOT DESIGNED TO HANDLE THE TORQUE AND WEARS OUT PREMATURELY. WHEN THE PART WEARS OUT AND EVENTUALLY BREAKS IT COULD GET CAUGHT IN THE CAM CHAIN. THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE CAUSING POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY . HARLEY DAVIDSON IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE UPGRADED TH... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTK
(2010) — EQUIPMENT
Apr 25, 2011
Incident date: Apr 25, 2011
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA LIMITED FLHTK, COMPENSATOR. THE WEAK COMPENSATOR IS NOT DESIGNED TO HANDLE THE TORQUE AND WEARS OUT PREMATURELY. WHEN THE PART WEARS OUT AND EVENTUALLY BREAKS IT COULD GET CAUGHT IN THE CAM CHAIN. THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE CAUSING POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY . HARLEY DAVIDSON IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE UPGRADED TH... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
Apr 21, 2011
Incident date: Mar 1, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD CRACKING NOISE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE STARTER CLUTCH WOULD CAUSE THE STARTER GEAR TO DISENGAGE AND THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPENSATOR ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACT AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO SPEAK WITH THE DEALER. THE CUR... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Apr 15, 2011
Incident date: Apr 11, 2011
MULTIPLE INCIDENTS. WHILE MAINTAINING A CRUISE SPEED OF 65 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE RPM DROPPED TO IDLE RESULTING IN SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED. ENGINE FAILED TO RESPOND TO THROTTLE CONTROL. WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SHOULDER OF ROAD. RETURNED MOTORCYCLE TO DEALER. DEALER CLAIMED THEY CLEARED FAILURE CODES BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE SYMPTOMS. THEY CALLED TECH SERVICES AND WERE TOLD OF A SERV... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 15, 2011
Incident date: Apr 11, 2011
MULTIPLE INCIDENTS. WHILE MAINTAINING A CRUISE SPEED OF 65 MPH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE RPM DROPPED TO IDLE RESULTING IN SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED. ENGINE FAILED TO RESPOND TO THROTTLE CONTROL. WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SHOULDER OF ROAD. RETURNED MOTORCYCLE TO DEALER. DEALER CLAIMED THEY CLEARED FAILURE CODES BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE SYMPTOMS. THEY CALLED TECH SERVICES AND WERE TOLD OF A SERV... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTN
(2005) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Apr 15, 2011
Incident date: Jan 1, 2011
FUEL LINE "QUICK DISCONNECT" O-RING SEAL LEAKS AT ITS COUPLING TO THE FUEL TANK. O-RING MAY FAIL WITHOUT PRIOR SYMPTOM AND LEAK GAS ON TO ENGINE AT A LOCATION THAT MAY CAUSE A FIRE SPARKED FROM THE IGNITION COIL PACK LOCATED REARWARD OF THE COUPLING. MAY ALSO IGNITE FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM ON SOME MODELS. THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR SERVICE BULLETINS FROM THE MANUFACTURER AT THIS TIME. THE CONCERN AFFECT... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFT TAIL
(2009) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 4, 2011
Incident date: Mar 20, 2011
TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO FLASH AFTER THE APPLICATION OF THE SERVICE BRAKES ON HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SOFT TAIL
(2009) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 4, 2011
Incident date: Mar 20, 2011
TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO FLASH AFTER THE APPLICATION OF THE SERVICE BRAKES ON HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCR
(2006) — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
Mar 29, 2011
Incident date: Nov 20, 2009
2006 HARLEY VRSCR FUEL GAGE. GAGE HAS BEEN ERRATIC SINCE 600 MILES ON ODOMETER. DEALER SAYS THIS IS NORMAL. RUNNING OUT OF FUEL ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY OR REMOTE AREA IS DANGEROUS.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2009) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Mar 28, 2011
Incident date: May 17, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCU MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS EXHIBITING AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD CONTINUOUSLY TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF WHEN THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR TO ALLOW THE COMPUTER TO READJUST ITSELF. THE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL
(2005) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 25, 2011
Incident date: May 1, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XB (N/A). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP AND THE WIRES HAD BLOWN THE FUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILUR... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SPORTSTER
(2005) — EQUIPMENT:MOTORCYCLE:HELMETS
Mar 22, 2011
Incident date: Mar 21, 2011
I AM A 55 YEAR OLD U.S. TAXPAYING REGISTERED VOTER WHO HAS BEEN RIDING MOTORCYCLES FOR OVER 42 YEARS. I HAVE ADEQUATE HEALTH INSURANCE,OWN MY HOME,FAMILY MAN AND HAVE BEEN AT THE SAME JOB FOR 28 YEARS.I HATE WEARING MOTORCYCLE HELMETS AND HATE EVEN MORE,THE GOVERNMENT TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO WEAR ONE WHEN I RIDE MY BIKE.I STRONGLY BELIEVE IN FREEDOM OF CHOICE.IT SHOULD BE LEFT UP TO THE RIDER TO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHT
(2009) — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
Mar 21, 2011
Incident date: Oct 27, 2010
MY 2009 HARLEY FLHT WAS MAKING A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AT START-UP. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND MANY OWNERS HAVING A COMPENSATOR BOLT LOOSE FROM FACTORY. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO BRUCHMHLBACH HARLEY DAVIDSON IN BRUCHMHLBACH GERMANY AND WHEN THEY TOOK THE PRIMARY COVER OFF THEY FOUND THE BOLT TO BE LOOSE FROM THE FACTORY. HAD THE BOLT FALLEN OUT IT WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS IN MOTION IT WOULD HA... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2008) — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Mar 21, 2011
Incident date: Mar 18, 2011
FAULTY COMPENSATOR ON HARLEY. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
AMERICANA
(9999) — EQUIPMENT
Mar 16, 2011
Incident date: Mar 10, 2011
I AM SICK OF THE HELMET LAWS THAT ARE NOT ENFORCEABLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
AMERICANA
(9999) — EQUIPMENT:MOTORCYCLE:HELMETS
Mar 16, 2011
Incident date: Mar 10, 2011
I AM SICK OF THE HELMET LAWS THAT ARE NOT ENFORCEABLE. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2008) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Mar 16, 2011
Incident date: Sep 9, 2010
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON. CONSUMER STATES DESIGN FLAW AND SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MOTORCYCLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTORCYCLE HAD BEEN AT THE REPAIR SHOP SINCE SEPT 9, 2010 BECAUSE OF A THROTTLE PROBLEM CREATED BY THE BIKE GOING INTO LIMP MODE ON ITS OWN WHILE BEING DRIVEN OR WHILE AT A STOP. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER STATED TH... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2008) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Mar 16, 2011
Incident date: Sep 9, 2010
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON. CONSUMER STATES DESIGN FLAW AND SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MOTORCYCLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTORCYCLE HAD BEEN AT THE REPAIR SHOP SINCE SEPT 9, 2010 BECAUSE OF A THROTTLE PROBLEM CREATED BY THE BIKE GOING INTO LIMP MODE ON ITS OWN WHILE BEING DRIVEN OR WHILE AT A STOP. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER STATED TH... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SPORTSTER
(2005) — EQUIPMENT:MOTORCYCLE:HELMETS
Mar 16, 2011
Incident date: Mar 16, 2011
I WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MANDATORY USE OF MOTORCYCLE HELMETS. I BELIEVE ANY PERSON WHO IS LEGALLY OPERATING A PROPERLY REGISTERED, LICENSED AND INSURED MOTORCYCLE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO DECIDE FOR HIM OR HERSELF IF HE/SHE WANTS TO WEAR A HELMET OR NOT. FORCING ALL MOTORCYCLE RIDERS TO WEAR A HELMET IS DISCRIMINATION AND SHOULD NOT BE ENFORCED. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLST
(1987) — EQUIPMENT:MOTORCYCLE:HELMETS
Mar 15, 2011
Incident date: Mar 15, 2011
I WANT THE HELMET LAW REPEALED. NO HELMETS. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSTS
(2007) — WHEELS
Mar 15, 2011
Incident date: Mar 15, 2011
THIS ISN'T A COMPLAINT, IT'S AN OBSERVATION. I OWN A HARLEY DAVIDSON THAT HAS A SOLID CAST ALUMINUM REAR WHEEL. THE VALVE STEM IS VISIBLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WHEEL AS YOU LOOK TOWARD THE FRONT OF THE BIKE. THIS IS THE SAME SIDE OF THE BIKE THAT THE MUFFLERS AND THE REAR BRAKE DISC ARE MOUNTED. IF A RIDER ATTEMPTS TO PUT AIR IN THE REAR TIRE IMMEDIATELY AFTER STOPPING, THE MUFFLERS ARE VOL... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCR
(2006) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 13, 2011
Incident date: Jul 30, 2008
GAS GAUGE WILL NOT SHOW HOW MUCH GAS YOU HAVE IN THE FUEL CELL. THIS CAN CAUSE YOU TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND POSSIBLY BE RUN INTO BY VEHICLES FOLLOWING YOU. BEING FUEL INJECTED WHEN YOU RUN OUT OF GAS, THE MOTORCYCLE WILL JUST SHUT DOWN. THIS CAN LEAD TO A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THE BIKE WEIGHS 650 LBS. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL883
(2004) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mar 13, 2011
Incident date: Mar 1, 2011
REAR MASTER CYLINDER HAS FAILED. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCDX
(2007) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 10, 2011
Incident date: Mar 23, 2007
"EVENT LEADING TO FAILURE": NORMAL RIDING. "THE FAILURE" THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON VRSCDX DOESN'T WORK ANY OF THE TIME . IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING TO SPEND SO MUCH MONEY ON A VEHICLE & HAVE THINGS NOT WORK AS THERE SUPPOSED TO. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL HD DEALER & HAVE BEEN TOLD NO KNOWN "FIX" HAS BEEN SENT OUT FROM THE MOTOR CO.THAT IS JUST OUTRAGEOUS TO THINK THAT HARLEY DAVIDS... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCDX
(2008) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 10, 2011
Incident date: Mar 6, 2011
FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING ALL THE TIME. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDL
(2009) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Mar 6, 2011
Incident date: Mar 6, 2011
LOUD CLANK AT STARTUP IN FRONT OF PRIMARY. COMPENSATOR PROBLEM. SPOKEN TO MULTIPLE TECHNICIANS WHO HAVE SAID THAT THE OEM HARLEY DAVIDSON COMPENSATORS ON THE 09 96 CUBIC INCH MOTORS HAS HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES. IF THIS COMPENSATOR FAILS WHILE CRUISING IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THERE IS A FIX BY GOING WITH THE SCREAMING EAGLE COMPENSATOR WHICH IS A HEAVIER BUILD TO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDB
(2007) — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
Mar 3, 2011
Incident date: Feb 26, 2011
REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. MOTORCYCLE STALLED AND I COULD NOT GET IT TO MOVE FORWARD. THOUGHT BRAKE WAS STUCK, BUT AFTER VISUAL INSPECTION NOTICED ALL THE BOLTS (5) IN THE REAR SPROCKET HAD SHEARED OFF. IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT THE BOLTS BACKED OUT OF THE WHEEL HUB, BECAUSE PART OF THE BOLTS REMAINED IN THE BOTTOM OF THE THREADED PORTION OF THE HUB. AFTER REM... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2004) — TIRES
Mar 1, 2011
Incident date: Feb 27, 2011
METZLER 140/90 B16 ME 880 MARATHON TIRE REAR TIRE ON HD ROAD KING, 2'X2' CHUNKS OF TIRE COMPLETELY SEPARATING LEAVING BALD SPOTS ON TIRE AND BASE OF TIRE SEPARATING FROM SIDEWALL. FRONT TIRE METZLER 130/90 16 IS SHOWING SIGNS OF CRACKING BUT STILL IN TACT. TIRES HAVE ABOUT 2500 MILES. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRU
(2011) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Feb 27, 2011
Incident date: Feb 27, 2011
STRONG GASOLINE FUMES COMING FROM THE MOTORCYCLE IN THE GARAGE INTO THE HOUSE. I HAD TO AIR OUT THE HOUSE IT WAS SO BAD. I JUST PARKED THE BIKE IN THE GARAGE FROM A LESS THAN 20 MILE TRIP AND HALF A TANK OF GAS. I COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAKS AND THE GAS CAP WAS ON SECURELY. *TR
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCDX
(2007) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Feb 17, 2011
Incident date: Jul 26, 2008
INTERMITTENT FUEL GAUGE READINGS. HAPPENED DURING WARRANTY, NOT REPAIRED BY HARLEY DAVIDSON. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT TELLS YOU HAVE HALF A TANK AND THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AT HIGH SPEEDS. *TR