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
FXDWG
(2007) - STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Feb 5, 2007
Incident date: Jan 31, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE RECAL 06V474 CONCERNING SWITCHED HANDLE BARS WAS REPAIRED ON THE 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON THE MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCED A LOOSE RIGHT CONTROL SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE HANDLE BAR SEEMED TOO SMALL. THIS COULD RESULT IN A WIRING MALFUNCTION THAT COULD HINDERED THE MOTORCYCLE FROM BEING SHUT OFF. *AK UPDATED 02/22/07. *JB
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTI
(2006) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 22, 2007
Incident date: Nov 15, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON TOURING MOTORCYCLE, ELECTRIC GLIDE. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT DISENGAGED THE THROTTLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AND AT 45 TO 55 MPH THE MOTORCYCLE ACCELERATED, SURGED, INCREASED THE SPEED ,AND THEN SLOWED DOWN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OR REMEDY FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE CONTACT IS REQUESTING SAFETY RECALL/BULLET... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTI
(2006) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 22, 2007
Incident date: Nov 15, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON TOURING MOTORCYCLE, ELECTRIC GLIDE. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT DISENGAGED THE THROTTLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AND AT 45 TO 55 MPH THE MOTORCYCLE ACCELERATED, SURGED, INCREASED THE SPEED ,AND THEN SLOWED DOWN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OR REMEDY FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE CONTACT IS REQUESTING SAFETY RECALL/BULLET... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL1200R
(2006) - VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
Jan 18, 2007
Incident date: Jan 18, 2007
THE 2006 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER XL 1200R(AND MANY OTHER MODELS AND YEARS) HAS SHORT STEMS ON MIRRORS MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE RIDER TO SEE BEHIND WITHOUT SHIFTING FROM SIDE TO SIDE TO KEEP FROM SEEING HIMSELF. WHEN RIDING DOWN THE ROAD IN A NORMAL RIDING POSITION, THE RIDER CANNOT SEE ANYTHING DIRECTLY BEHIND BUT CAN SEE ONLY HIMSELF WITH PROPERLY ADJUSTED MIRRORS. I BELIEVE THAT HARLEY-... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDI
(2004) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Jan 10, 2007
Incident date: Dec 27, 2006
TL*- THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL FOR 2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE FXDI CONCERNING THE THROTTLE CABLE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO DEALER ON 12/27/06, AND WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER RECALL FOR THE GAS TANK OR GAS CABLE. PRESENTLY, THE DEALERSHIP HAS THE MOTORCYCLE, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY NEEDED AUTHORIZATION FROM HARLEY TO GE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTI
(2006) - POWER TRAIN
Dec 22, 2006
Incident date: Oct 7, 2006
CONTINUED OIL LEAK BETWEEN TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE CASES. DEALER SAYS NORMAL. I SAY NOT NORMAL FOR A NEW MOTORCYCLE SHOULD NOT BE LEAKING OR WEEPING OIL. *NM
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL
(2005) - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Dec 18, 2006
Incident date: Feb 5, 2006
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FROM KENDON INDUSTRIES, 3711 E. LA PALMA AVE, ANAHEIM, CA 92806. THE TRAILER WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR A LONG BIKE (CHOPPER STYLE). THE FIRST TIME I USED THE TRAILER, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TIE DOWNS FOR THE BIKE AND COME LOOSE AND THE BIKE VERY NEARLY CAME LOOSE FROM THE TRAILER INTO HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC. KENDON TRAI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL
(2005) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 18, 2006
Incident date: Feb 5, 2006
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORCYCLE TRAILER FROM KENDON INDUSTRIES, 3711 E. LA PALMA AVE, ANAHEIM, CA 92806. THE TRAILER WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR A LONG BIKE (CHOPPER STYLE). THE FIRST TIME I USED THE TRAILER, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE TIE DOWNS FOR THE BIKE AND COME LOOSE AND THE BIKE VERY NEARLY CAME LOOSE FROM THE TRAILER INTO HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC. KENDON TRAI... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(2006) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Dec 8, 2006
Incident date: Sep 10, 2006
I WAS PREPARING TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON MY 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUI WHEN MY FRONT BRAKE LEVER LOST ALL FEELING AND MOVED TO THE HANDLE BAR. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE BRAKE MATERIAL HAD SEPARATED FROM THE BACKING PLATE. NOW, I HAVE HAD A SECOND BRAKE PAD, ON THE REAR BRAKE DO THE SAME WITH THE BRAKE MATERIAL SEPARATING FROM THE BACKING PLATE. NEITHER SET OF BRAKES WAS BELOW THE W... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDCI
(2006) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Dec 8, 2006
Incident date: Sep 30, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE A NOISE AFTER DRIVING 30 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE CYLINDER AND PISTON KIT. UPDATED 01/17/07. *JB
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRC
(2007) - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Dec 7, 2006
Incident date: Nov 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHRC MOTORCYCLES TRANSMISSION MADE A RATTLING SOUND. THE SERVICE DEALER EXPRESSED THERE WAS NO DEFECT OR FIX AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN OF A DEFECT.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2007) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 25, 2006
Incident date: Nov 25, 2006
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHTCUI, EXPERIENCING INTENSE HEAT FROM THE RIGHT REAR CYLINDER, WHEN THE BIKE IS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC IT IS UNBEARABLE, I AM FEARFUL IT WILL BURN THE UNDERSIDE OF MY RIGHT THIGH. DISCUSSED WITH THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD, THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT I REMOVE THE LOWER FAIRINGS, BUT THIS HAD NO EFFECT ON THE HEAT WHEN THE BIKE WAS STOPPED. AS I SAID, I ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRC
(2007) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 9, 2006
Incident date: Nov 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEAT FROM THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST CAUSED BURNS TO THE CONTACT'S INNER THIGHS TWICE. THE VEHICLE COULD BE DRIVEN IF THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS OVER 75 DEGREES. THE DEALERSHIP AND FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. UPDATED 12/26/2006 - THE 2007 HD TOURING MODELS HAVE A NEW AND BIGGER ENGINE. THE EXHAUST PIPES ON THE... Read more
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRCI
(2006) - VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Nov 9, 2006
Incident date: Oct 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A MOTORCYCLE 10 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, A PASSING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO DETACH, BLOWING IT OFF OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE MOTORCYCLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 12/18/2006 - *NM
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTCI
(2005) - VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Oct 23, 2006
Incident date: Jul 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE SUN LIGHT AFFECTED THE MIRRORS REFLECTION. INSTEAD OF VIEWING AN IMAGE REFLECTION, THE CONTACT SAW THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF THE MIRROR. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE MIRROR WITH A FLASH LIGHT AND THE MIRROR PRESENTED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, A COMPLAINT WAS TAKEN, AND ALERTED THE DEALERSHIP ORDERED A... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(2005) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
Oct 20, 2006
Incident date: Aug 29, 2006
2005 HARLEY ULTRA REAR BRAKES FAILED. *TS THE FRICTION MATERIAL HAD FALLEN OFF THE BACKING PLATE. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE PADS HIMSELF. ALMOST TWO MONTHS LATER THE REAR WHEEL DEVELOPED A 10 INCH SPLIT WHICH CAUSED THE BIKE TO OPERATE ERRATICALLY. THE BIKE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE WHEEL UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER THE TECH PUT THE NEW WHEEL ON HE TOOK THE BIKE FOR A TEST DR... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(2005) - WHEELS
Oct 20, 2006
Incident date: Aug 29, 2006
2005 HARLEY ULTRA REAR BRAKES FAILED. *TS THE FRICTION MATERIAL HAD FALLEN OFF THE BACKING PLATE. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE PADS HIMSELF. ALMOST TWO MONTHS LATER THE REAR WHEEL DEVELOPED A 10 INCH SPLIT WHICH CAUSED THE BIKE TO OPERATE ERRATICALLY. THE BIKE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE WHEEL UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER THE TECH PUT THE NEW WHEEL ON HE TOOK THE BIKE FOR A TEST DR... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(2005) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
Oct 20, 2006
Incident date: Aug 29, 2006
2005 HARLEY ULTRA REAR BRAKES FAILED. *TS THE FRICTION MATERIAL HAD FALLEN OFF THE BACKING PLATE. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE PADS HIMSELF. ALMOST TWO MONTHS LATER THE REAR WHEEL DEVELOPED A 10 INCH SPLIT WHICH CAUSED THE BIKE TO OPERATE ERRATICALLY. THE BIKE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE WHEEL UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER THE TECH PUT THE NEW WHEEL ON HE TOOK THE BIKE FOR A TEST DR... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
V-ROD
(2005) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Oct 20, 2006
Incident date: Jan 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE MOTORCYCLE'S ELECTRICITY TO THE LIGHTS HAD LOST POWER ON SIX OCCASIONS. THE SERVICE DEALER CONTINUED TO CHANGE FUSES BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD NEVER BE SAFE TO DRIVE.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRS
(2007) - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Oct 19, 2006
Incident date: Aug 10, 2006
NEW 2007 HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE RUNS SO HOT THAT AT NIGHT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD GLOWS CHERRY RED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. TRANSMISSION CLATTERS AND WHINES. DEALER REFUSES TO ADDRESS EITHER CONCERN. *NM
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRS
(2007) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Oct 19, 2006
Incident date: Aug 10, 2006
NEW 2007 HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE RUNS SO HOT THAT AT NIGHT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD GLOWS CHERRY RED. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. TRANSMISSION CLATTERS AND WHINES. DEALER REFUSES TO ADDRESS EITHER CONCERN. *NM
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRCI
(2000) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 18, 2006
Incident date: Oct 14, 2006
REAR BRAKE FAILURE, RIDING IN HIGH ALTITUDES. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE 500+ MILES A DAY, AND TRAVELING THROUGH MOUNTAINS, THE REAR BRAKE WILL SUDDENLY NOT WORK, THE PEDAL JUST DROPS TO THE FLOORBOARD. AFTER SITTING FOR ABOUT 2 MIN. BRAKE OPERATION RETURNS TO NORMAL. I RETURNED THE BIKE TO 2 DIFFERENT HARLEY DEALERS IN MI. WHERE I LIVE. BOTH COULD NOT VERIFY THE PROBLEM AND... Read more
Crash
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCU
(2007) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 17, 2006
Incident date: Sep 9, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2007 ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA BY HARLEY DAVIDSON ON SEPT. 8, 2006. I RETURNED THE BIKE ON SEPT. 9, 2006 SAYING IN WAS MAKING TO MUCH NOISE. THEY RODE IT AND SAID IT NEEDED TO BE BROKE IN, AND PUT 1/2 QUART OF TRANSMISSION FLUID IN. I RODE THE BIKE 500 MILES AND RETURNED THE BIKE ON SEPT. 12, 2006 STATING THAT THE PRIMARY SOUNDED LIKE A CAN FULL OF ROCKS, THE 5TH GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION W... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2007) - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Oct 16, 2006
Incident date: Sep 25, 2006
2007 HD,FLHTC EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION WHINE IN 5TH GEAR VERY LOUD ,AND CLANKING NOISE AT ALL TIMES FROM 5TH GEAR AND SIXTH GEAR. HD CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS NO HELP NOR DEALER ALTHOUGH MANY OTHER NEW OWNERS EXPERIENCING EXACT CONDITIONS. DEALER AND FACTORY SAY ITS NORMAL. OTHERS HAVE NO SYMPTOMS. NO FAILURE OR ACCIDENTS YET. VERY LOUD NOISE FROM A TRANSMISSIONS IS NOT NORMAL. HARLEY DAVIDSON HAS A P... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(2006) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Oct 16, 2006
Incident date: Aug 20, 2006
MOTOR STUMBLES, COUGHS, DIES FOR NO REASON. MOTORCYCLE DIES WHEN TURNING AND FALL OVER ON MY LEG CAUSING INJURY. HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALER SAYS CANT FIND PROBLEM. *NM
Crash
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2007) - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Oct 16, 2006
Incident date: Oct 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A VIBRATION IN 5TH AND 6TH GEAR AND THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER'S VISION TO BLUR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTC
(2007) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Oct 13, 2006
Incident date: Oct 6, 2006
ENGINE CREATES EXCESSIVE HEAT MAKING THE MOTORCYCLE ALMOST UNBEARABLE TO RIDE. IF SITTING IN TRAFFIC LONG THE HEAT ALMOST BURNS THE UNDERSIDES OF BOTH THIGHS. NEUTRAL LIGHT COMES ON WHEN CHANGING GEARS, IT IS VERY DISTRACTING AT NIGHT CAUSING RIDER TO TAKE HIS EYES OFF THE ROAD. DEALER SAID ALL OF THIS IS NORMAL. ENGINE HEAT PROBLEM CAN BE FIXED BUT IT WILL BE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE OWNER. NEUT... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
ROAD KING
(1999) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Oct 13, 2006
Incident date: Oct 10, 2006
CAM BEARINGS FAILED IN A 1999 ROADKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OF 5YR/50,000MILES BUT ONLY IF THE ENGINE FAILED COMPLETELY. I HAVE 27,000 MILES CURRENTLY WITH A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THIS PROBLEM IS A MILEAGE OCCURRENCE NOT A TIME FACTOR SITUATION. THE MOTOR COMPANY HAS REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT STATING IT WAS PAST THE YEARS OF SERVICE. HOW MANY ENGINES HAVE... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDI
(2006) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS
Oct 6, 2006
Incident date: Sep 28, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE IN TURNS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED ON ITS OWN. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE WRONG FUEL INJECTOR WAS INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY, AND THE FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 10/25/2006 - *NM
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTF
(2006) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 4, 2006
Incident date: Aug 5, 2005
1.ENGINE MISSING FAILURE WAS ON DELIVERY OF NEW MOTORCYCLE. 2. MOTORCYCLE WOULD BACKFIRE AND STALL AT ALMOST EVERY START & STOP INCLUDING TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC. BACKFIRED, STALLED AND DIED IN COLDER WEATHER, STALLED AT EACH STOP. 3. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AND HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOP SINCE 1 OR 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE UNTIL NOW,STILL NO REPAIR HAS BEEN COMPLETED,IT EVEN BACKFIRED WHEN I PICKED I... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTF
(2006) - SEATS
Oct 4, 2006
Incident date: Aug 5, 2005
1.ENGINE MISSING FAILURE WAS ON DELIVERY OF NEW MOTORCYCLE. 2. MOTORCYCLE WOULD BACKFIRE AND STALL AT ALMOST EVERY START & STOP INCLUDING TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC. BACKFIRED, STALLED AND DIED IN COLDER WEATHER, STALLED AT EACH STOP. 3. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AND HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOP SINCE 1 OR 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE UNTIL NOW,STILL NO REPAIR HAS BEEN COMPLETED,IT EVEN BACKFIRED WHEN I PICKED I... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTF
(2006) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Oct 4, 2006
Incident date: Aug 5, 2005
1.ENGINE MISSING FAILURE WAS ON DELIVERY OF NEW MOTORCYCLE. 2. MOTORCYCLE WOULD BACKFIRE AND STALL AT ALMOST EVERY START & STOP INCLUDING TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC. BACKFIRED, STALLED AND DIED IN COLDER WEATHER, STALLED AT EACH STOP. 3. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AND HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOP SINCE 1 OR 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE UNTIL NOW,STILL NO REPAIR HAS BEEN COMPLETED,IT EVEN BACKFIRED WHEN I PICKED I... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTR
(2007) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Oct 4, 2006
Incident date: Oct 3, 2006
RIGHT SIDE OF H/D FLTR VERY HOT BURNED SKIN WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY PART OF THE MOTORCYCLE. *NM
2 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCR
(2006) - STEERING
Oct 1, 2006
Incident date: Sep 20, 2005
HEAD BEARINGS LOOSEN ON TRIPLE CLAMP TO FRAME. *NM
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHR
(2007) - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Sep 29, 2006
Incident date: Sep 25, 2006
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING STANDARD. THE TRANSMISSION/OR DRIVETRAIN MAKES A WHIRLING AND CLATTERING SOUND IN 5TH GEAR AND SOME IN 6TH AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I TOOK TO DEALER FOR SERVICE AND TO INVESTIGATE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL AND THERE WAS A LETTER FROM HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTOCO THAT THE NOISE WAS NORMAL. TRANSMISSIONS SHOULD NOT SOUND LIKE THIS, IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS A PROBLEM IN IT AND I AM ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(2006) - TIRES
Sep 22, 2006
Incident date: Aug 14, 2006
THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF HIS 2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC WHEN THE REAR TIRE WENT FLAT. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. *TS THE VEHICLE'S LEFT HEADLIGHT, LEFT FRONT PEGS, SEAT, LEFT DRY BOX, LEFT SIDE AND HANDLE BAR WERE DAMAGED. *NM
Crash
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCR
(2006) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Sep 21, 2006
Incident date: Sep 21, 2006
RIDER HAD JUST PURCHASED A NEW HARLEY DAVIDSON VRSCR MOTORCYCLE. AFTER PROCEEDING ONLY TWO MILES, RIDERS DENIM JEANS CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM PROXIMITY TO EXHAUST PIPE. RIDER SUFFERED 2ND DEGREE BURNS BETWEEN ANKLE AND MIDWAY-POINT OF SHIN. *JB
Fire
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHRCI
(2005) - WHEELS:RIM
Sep 15, 2006
Incident date: Sep 10, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING LAST YEAR. I WAS DRIVING MY BIKE AND HAD NOTICED THE FRONT TIRE WOBBLE WHILE I WAS RIDDING EVERY NOW AND THEN. I TOOK INTO SAN JOSE HARLEY DEALERSHIP TO GET MY SECOND SERVICE AT 5K MILES AND EXPLAINED THAT MY BIKE WOULD WOBBLE FROM TIME TO TIME. A WEEK AFTER GETTING MY BIKE OUT OF THE SHOP, I WENT FOR A RIDE. AT 60 MPH, THE WHOLE BIKE GOT OUT OF CO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHX
(2007) - POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Sep 15, 2006
Incident date: Sep 14, 2006
2007 HD,EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION WHINE IN 5TH GEAR,AND CLANKING NOISE AT TIMES FROM 5TH TO 6TH GEAR. HD CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS NO HELP NOR DEALER ALTHOUGH MANY OTHER NEW OWNERS EXPERIENCING EXACT CONDITIONS. DEALER AND FACTORY SAY ITS NORMAL FOR OTHERS HAVE NO SYMPTOMS. NO FAILURE OR ACCIDENTS YET. *JB
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLTRI
(2006) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Sep 13, 2006
Incident date: Sep 10, 2006
MOTORCYCLE OVERHEATS AND STALLS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENT AND INJURY. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET TO CORRECT THIS. *NM
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2005) - STEERING
Sep 11, 2006
Incident date: Jun 25, 2006
2005 1450CC FRONT TIRES SHIMMIED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING CONSUMER TO DROP THE BIKE. *TS THE CONSUMER SON WAS INJURED. *JB
Crash
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTC
(2005) - SUSPENSION
Sep 11, 2006
Incident date: Jun 25, 2006
2005 1450CC FRONT TIRES SHIMMIED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING CONSUMER TO DROP THE BIKE. *TS THE CONSUMER SON WAS INJURED. *JB
Crash
1 injured
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SPORTSTER 1200R
(2005) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Sep 11, 2006
Incident date: Sep 11, 2006
FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKE. NEAR WRECK WITH STOPPING CAR. CANNOT CORRECT PROBLEM. DEALER CANNOT GET REPAIR PARTS. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT IS GETTING WORSE. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT BUT GETTING MORE FREQUENT. *JB
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL883R
(2006) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Sep 11, 2006
Incident date: Sep 8, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE COMING TO A STOP AND ALSO WHILE IDLING, THE VEHICLE BACK FIRED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THIS WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL883R
(2006) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Sep 11, 2006
Incident date: Sep 3, 2006
IN MAY OF 2006 I PURCHASED A NEW HARLEY DAVIDSON 883R SPORTSTER. SINCE THE FIRST DAY THE VEHICLE HAS HAD AN ONGOING BACK FIRE THAT THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT OR IS NOT ABLE TO CORRECT. THE BACK FIRING ISSUE OCCURS WHEN THROTTLING OFF OF IDLE. ON OCCASION, THE BACK FIRE WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND STOP RUNNING. THIS HAS OCCURRED REGULARLY AND IN ONE INSTANCE THE DEAD ENGINE CAUSED ME TO BE ST... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXSTC
(2007) - SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Sep 10, 2006
Incident date: Sep 3, 2006
WHILE CROSSING RR TRACKS WITH RIDER ON BACK OF 2007 HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE AT APP 10 MPH THE REAR SHOCK BROKE CAUSING TAG BRACKET TO COME IN CONTACT WITH REAR TIRE. THE DEALER IS IN PROCESS OF REPAIRING PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THIS HAPPENS AT HIGHER RATE OF SPEED THE BRACKET COULD CAUSE REAR TIRE TO BLOW OUT OR BRACKET BREAK OFF CAUSING REAR FENDER TO COME IN CONTACT WITH REAR TIRE. ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDBI
(2006) - SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Sep 7, 2006
Incident date: Sep 4, 2006
RODE MOST OF THE DAY ON A FAIRLY DESCENT HIGHWAY WITH SOME DIPS AND SOME SMALL BUMPS IN THE HIGHWAY. AFTER FINAL DESTINATION TO A RESTAURANT, NOTICED UPON INSPECTION THE UPPER PART OF THE RIGHT REAR SHOCK WAS INVERTED. CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALED THE UPPER SHOCK BOLT JUST BELOW THE SEAT WAS SEPARATED IN HALF AND HANGING ON BY THE SLEEVE OF THE BOLT INSIDE THE THREADED HOLE OF THE FRAME. THIS HAD TO... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
(2005) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Sep 6, 2006
Incident date: Jul 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE HYDRAULIC REAR BRAKE DID NOT WORK AT ALL. THE FRONT BRAKE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE BRAKING. THE ROAD CONDITION WAS HARD SURFACED. ALSO, THE SECOND TIME THE FRONT BRAKE LINING PAD HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER BUT WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR DUE TO HIGH VOLUME OF WORK AND ... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
VRSCA
(2006) - TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Sep 5, 2006
Incident date: Aug 22, 2006
ON 8/22/06 AT APPROXIMATELY 2:20 PM I WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON RT. 127 WHEN MY REAR TIRE SPLIT INTO TWO HALVES POPPING OFF THE RIM ON BOTH SIDES CAUSING THE REAR OF THE MOTORCYCLE TO SWING TO THE LEFT AND WOULD NOT RECOVER. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS FORCED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD DOWN INTO THE DITCH SEVERAL YARDS BEFORE I COULD GET IT UNDER CONTROL ENOUGH TO STOP AT WHICH TIME IT FELL TO ITS LEFT S... Read more
Crash
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL883
(2003) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Sep 2, 2006
Incident date: Aug 5, 2006
WHILE RIDING (IN MOTION) THE MOTORCYCLES ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPS RUNNING, WITH NO SPARK TO THE ENGINE, CAUSING NO ACCELERATION SPEED CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE (YOUR BASICALLY COASTING WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING). THIS CAN BECOME A VERY DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE TO SAY THE LEAST, ESPECIALLY WHEN OTHER VEHICLES ARE AROUND YOU. I HAVE HEARD OF MANY OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM. WHILE THE MO... Read more