What Harley-Davidson Flhtkl owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Harley-Davidson Flhtkl 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 66 |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 83 |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 75 |
| 2016 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54 |
| 2015 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Harley-Davidson Flhtkl complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
CLUTCH SWITCH NOT WORKING THIS CAUSES NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE ENGINE IN GEAR WITH THE CLUTCH DISENGAGED, IF THE ENGINE IS STALLED THE MOTORCYCLE HAS TO BE PUT IN NEUTRAL TO BE RESTARTED THIS CAUSES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS A KNOWN PROBLEM SINCE 2014.
CLUTCH SAFETY SWITCH FAILED AFTER WARRANTY WAS UP. CANNOT START MOTORCYCLE IN GEAR. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND COULD CAUSE DEATH AND OR INJURY NOT BEING ABLE TO RESTART MOTORCYCLE IN TRAFFIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRO FLHTKL. WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AT A SLOW SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS INNER HUB WAS DESTROYED DUE TO A LACK OF GREASE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO AMERICAN EAGLE HARLEY-DAVIDSON (5920 S INTERSTATE 35 E, CORINTH, TX 76210, (940) 498-5000), BUT IT WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO A LACK OF PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,400.
HEADLIGHT FOGS UP WHILE IN OPERATION CAUSING LIMITED LIGHTING. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THIS WAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE MOTORCYCLE IS STILL UNDER FULL MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT BECAUSE IT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE AND NOT A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE TROUBLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY. SO AM I TO UNDERSTAND THAT BECAUSE I LIVE IN FLORIDA THAT MY HEADLIGHT SHOULD FOG UP? MY OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES DON'T HAVE THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY HAZARD AFFECTING LIMITED SIGHT DISTANCE AND BEING ABLE TO SEE AND BE SEEN IS HAMPERED WITH THE MAIN HEADLAMP FOGGING UP. THE FOGGING OF THE HEADLIGHT HAPPENS WITH TH…
MOTOR STALLS WHEN STARTING TO MOVE IN TRAFFIC FROM AT STOP AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGH OR IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTKL. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WOBBLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, THE HANDLE BARS SUDDENLY FELL OUT OF POSITION AND FRACTURED THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE HANDLE BARS LOOSENED AND NEEDED TO BE RE-TIGHTENED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,200.
ON A FEW OCCASIONS MY ENGINE KILL SWITCH HAS BEEN INADVERTENTLY ENGAGED WHILE RIDING. THE FIRST OCCASION I WAS TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE IN THE LEFT LANE APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH WHEN I WENT TO PRESS THE PUSH TO TALK BUTTON FOR THE CB (WHICH IS ON THE THROTTLE (RIGHT) SIDE OF THE HANDLEBARS) AND IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENT THROTTLE AND ENGAGE THE PUSH TO TALK, MY HAND HIT THE ENGINE KILL SWITCH. THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT SO I HAD NO CLUE WHY ALL OF A SUDDEN MY BIKE TURNED OFF. I HAD CARS BARRELING UP BEHIND ME AS I RAPIDLY DECELERATED DUE TO THE LOSS OF ENGINE. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO, I MOVED OFF THE ROAD AND REALIZED THAT MY ENGINE KILL SWITCH WAS OFF. THE SWITCHES ARE NOT L…
ON 01/05/2016, I TOOK DELIVERY OF A BRAND NEW 2015 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA LIMITED LOW MOTORCYCLE. WHEN I REGISTERED THE BIKE WITH HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY, I DISCOVERED THERE WERE (2) RECALLS, ONE OPEN AND ONE CLOSED. THE OPEN RECALL IS NTHSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V-216 WHICH DEALS WITH THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH. AFTER A LITTLE INVESTIGATION, I LEARNED THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS SAT ON THEIR SHOWROOM FLOOR FOR NEARLY A YEAR WITHOUT ADDRESSING THE RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED ON 04/14/2015. I ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED MY CALL. THE DEALER, HARLEY DAVIDSON OF MICHIGAN CITY, WAS CLEARLY NONCOMPLIANT OF SELLING A VEHICLE WITH AN OPEN RECALL.
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 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 M1713 (REV B): DTII UPDATE PROCEDURE FOR SOFTWARE VERSION (26.3.2). PURPOSE: Revision B. 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 (26.3.2) 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 (26.2.1) has previously been completed, DT I
SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.3.2): 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 26.3.2. Release Date: Week of January 28, 2026. NOTE Software version (26.3.2) 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: LiveWire. Changes: Revolution Max and all MY2026 vehicles. NOTE: Digital Technician II (DT II) suppo
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 2014–2019, owners most often name: electrical system, engine, power train. 10 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.