What Harley-Davidson Flhp owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Harley-Davidson Flhp safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 52 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 55 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 64 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 73 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 73 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 78 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
| 2015 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| 2014 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 |
| 2013 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| 2011 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| 2010 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 20 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Harley-Davidson Flhp complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
Rear brake rotor caliper and shoe tolerances. Motorcycle only six months in use with only 3,000 miles, heat buildup in rear rim and caliper on interstate traveling at speed limit. Rear rim too hot to touch by hand. Rear rotor warped and rear brake shoe glazed over.
The front brake lever is extremely hard to pull. I have had the brakes bled but it still has the hard lever. Usually after the first pull in the morning it is back to normal but yesterday pulling into the garage the lever was hard again and I was unable to pull it. Luckily rear brakes worked. Harley needs to fix their faulty ABS system before someone is killed. According to Harley's website there is no open recall or closed recall on my 2012 Harley for faulty ABS brakes. Fluid has been changed regularly. Going to call the dealership today to see what they will do to fix this dangerous bike.
The contact owns a 2010 Harley-Davidson FLHP. The contact stated while riding approximately 45 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The contact downshifted while turning left and applied the rear brake to assist with stopping the motorcycle. The contact stated there was no warning illuminated. The contact took the motorcycle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the ABS unit was defective. Additionally, there were clogs that needed to be addressed. The contact also stated there was a recall prior to the failure for the issue with the brakes; however, the manufacturer denied the recall repair. The contact then rode the motorcycle to a local family residence. The motorc…
REAR BRAKES WENT COMPLETELY OUT WITH NO WARNING. HAD THE BRAKES LINES FLUSH AND NEW DOT 4 BRAKES FLUID PUT IN. AGAIN REAR BRAKES WENT OUT 2 MORE TIMES WITH NO WARNING AND FLUSH OUT. THERE ARE NO LEAKS ANY WHERE. THE RESERVOIR IS SHOWING FULL AT ALL TIMES I WILL BE RIDING AROUND TOWN AND INTERSTATE AND WHEN APPLIED PEDAL WILL GO ALWAY DOWN. I DO NOT RIDE WITH MY FOOT ON THE REAR PEDAL. THE PROBLEM START IT ON 3/17/18 AND HAVE DONE IT ON JAN 14 AND MARCH 17 2019
FRONT BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING. UNABLE TO ENGAGE FRONT BRAKES WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE. ABS PART MODULE 48343-09 FAILURE CAUSING DROPPED MOTORCYLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHP. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V076000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER (REPUBLIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON, 12707 SOUTHWEST FWY, STAFFORD, TX 77477, 281-295-1000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON RUSHMORE MODELS LOSING THE SPEEDOMETER/TACHOMETER CLUSTER AND CRUISE CONTROL WHILE OR AFTER RIDING IN THE RAIN. THIS HAPPENS TO ME AND IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON SEVERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS ON THE INTERNET. THE SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER WENT OUT WHICH ELIMINATED MY ABILITY TO DETERMINE SPEED, CONTROL CRUISE CONTROL, AND DETECT THE STATE OF MY HEADLIGHTS, DRIVING LIGHTS. THIS CLEARLY AFFECTS MY ABILITY TO OPERATE THE MOTORCYCLE SAFELY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHP ROAD KING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WAS BLOCKED AND CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V076000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALLIGATOR ALLEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON (201 INTERNATIONAL PKWY, SUNRISE, FL 33325, (954) 414-4135). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALL DID NOT COVER THE ABS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000.
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.9.4): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). New Software Update. NOTE: The TECHLINK 3 (PART NUMBER: HD-48650-TL3) supports Controller Area Network (CAN) and J-1850 protocol vehicles. ⢠6-pin CAN vehicles are recommended to use Techlink 3 (TL-3) ⢠All 2021 (and later) vehicles must use TL-3 (connects to Red DLC on the vehicle) ⢠4-pin (J-1850) vehicles are recommended to
SERVICE BULLETIN M1733: COSMETIC CYLINDER STAINING (ALL MILWAUKEE-EIGHT MODELS). PURPOSE: Initial release. This bulletin informs dealers that cosmetic staining or etching on the inside of the cylinder bore does not have an impact on engine performance, oil consumption, or overall functionality. This bulletin provides example images of cylinders with cosmetic staining, and images of cases where cylinder replacement would be recommended.
SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.8.3): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version Version 26.8.3, Release Date: Week of July 24, 2026. NOTE: Software version (26.4.3) will need to be manually installed only if current software version of DT II is (26.0.2). After (26.4.3) is manually installed, automatic updates will bring DT II to the latest software version. Refer to bulletin M1713 for instructions. New
SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.7.3): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 26.7.3. Release Date:⢠Week of June 11, 2026. NOTE Software version (26.4.3) will need to be manually installed only if current software version of DT II is (26.0.2). After (26.4.3) is manually installed, automatic updates will bring DT II to the latest software version. Refer to bulletin M1713 for instructions.
SERVICE BULLETIN M1727: BIG TWIN INNER PRIMARY SEAL CHANGES. PURPOSE: Initial release. This bulletin informs dealers of changes to the Inner Primary Seal (Part No. 12052). The seal part number was changed from (Part No. 12052A, black in color) to (Part No. 12052B, brown in color). A new Inner Primary Seal (Part No. 12052C) has been released and the color has been changed back to black.
SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.6.2): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 26.6.2. Release Date: Week of April 22, 2026. NOTE: Software version (26.4.3) will need to be manually installed only if current software version of DT II is (26.0.2). After (26.4.3) is manually installed, automatic updates will bring DT II to the latest software version. Refer to bulletin M1713 for instructions. New Feature
SERVICE BULLETIN M1722 (REV A): EXHAUST SMOKE, OIL CARRY-OVER OR MILKY OIL (M8 MODELS WITH TRANSMISSION-MOUNTED BREATHER). PURPOSE: Revision A. Purpose for Service Bulletin. This bulletin informs dealers about: ⢠The cause and effects of moisture in engine oil. ⢠Service Manual troubleshooting updates for Milwaukee-Eight engines with the transmission-mounted breather, that have symptoms of moisture in oil and the best practices to avoid creating such instances. ⢠New Job Time Code (JTC 3017 Diagnose Oil Carryover/Moisture) for service manual troubleshooting.
SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.5.2): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 26.5.2 Release Date: Week of March 30, 2026. NOTE Software version (26.4.3) will need to be manually installed only if current software version of DT II is (26.0.2). After (26.4.3) is manually installed, automatic updates will bring DT II to the latest software version. Refer to bulletin M1713 for instructions. New Features.
SERVICE BULLETIN M1679: AFTERMARKET EXHAUST HEADER DEBRIS. PURPOSE: Initial release. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has identified instances of premature engine failure due to abrasive particle wear, specifically from debris inside new aftermarket exhaust headers. Recent evaluations have identified that certain newly manufactured exhaust headers may contain residual hard particles that, if not removed prior to installation, can migrate through the engine system and cause accelerated component wear or severe mechanical damage.
SERVICE BULLETIN M1713 (REV C): DTII UPDATE PROCEDURE FOR SOFTWARE VERSION (26.4.3). PURPOSE: Revision C. This bulletin informs dealers that an issue was discovered in the Digital Technician II (DT II) software version (26.0.2), released on November 18, 2025. The issue prevents automatic software updates to be installed on your DT II computer. A manual installation of the latest DT II software version (26.4.3) will need to be performed if current DT II software version is (26.0.2), to allow future automatic updates. If a manual update to (26.1.5) or (26.3.2) has previously been completed, DT I
SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.4.3): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 26.4.3 Release Date: Week of February 25, 2026. NOTE: Software version (26.4.3) will need to be manually installed only if current software version of DT II is (26.0.2). Refer to bulletin M1713 for instructions. New Features: Support for 2026 LiveWire Vehicles, LiveWire S2 Vehicle Status: Display notification when vehicle
SERVICE BULLETIN PAB1177: HARLEY-DAVIDSON AUDIO POWERED BY ROCKFORD FOSGATE P&A WIRING SCHEMATICS. PURPOSE: Initial Release. This bulletin informs dealers and technicians that there are Parts and Accessories (P&A) Wiring Schematics for Harley-Davidson Audio Powered by Rockford Fosgate components. Schematics are available for both Non Center-Cooled and Center-Cooled models.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation in July 2016 based on forty-three (43) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).During the course of this investigation ODI received a total of 145 VOQs related to the alleged defect on the subject motorcycles. Owners allege they experience a sudden and complete loss of brakes on one or both wheels. To better understand the cause of the braking issue on the subject motorcycles, ODI requested NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRT
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2025, owners most often name: service brakes, power train, steering. 16 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.