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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2013

Harley-Davidson FLHTC recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 94 owner complaints for the Harley-Davidson FLHTC, covering model years 1995 to 2013. The 2009 model year drew the most complaints (19), and Service Brakes is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Harley-Davidson FLHTC VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 8 recall campaigns on file
  • 94 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 17 model years with data (1995–2013)
  • most complaints: 2009 (19 for that model year)
  • top component: Service Brakes (20 complaints)
  • latest recall 18V076000 (reported Jan 29, 2018)
  • 7 complaints reporting a crash (7.4%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
  • 5 complaints reporting an injury (5.3%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Harley-Davidson FLHTC complaints by model year

17 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2009 model year has the most complaints: 19 of 94, or 20.2%. Next come 2008 (15) and 2007 (14). The fewest are for 2013, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Harley-Davidson FLHTC owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2013Column chart of 94 complaints across 19 model years. The highest is 2009 with 19. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 6 complaints619951996: 2 complaints219961997: 1 complaint119971998: 3 complaints319981999: 6 complaints619992000: 1 complaint120002001: 7 complaints720012002: 2 complaints220022003: 1 complaint120032004: 0 complaints20042005: 3 complaints320052006: 0 complaints20062007: 14 complaints1420072008: 15 complaints1520082009: 19 complaints1920092010: 7 complaints720102011: 4 complaints420112012: 2 complaints220122013: 1 complaint12013
Show the figures for all 17 model years
Harley-Davidson FLHTC complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Harley-Davidson FLHTC complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199561010
199620000
199710000
199830000
199960000
200010000
200170000
200220000
200310010
200530000
2007141010
2008150000
2009191010
201071000
201141000
201221000
201311010
All model years947050

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Harley-Davidson FLHTC components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Service Brakes is the component named most often, in 20 complaints (21.3% of all 94), followed by Electrical System (18) and Engine and Engine Cooling (15).

Components named most often in Harley-Davidson FLHTC complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Harley-Davidson FLHTC complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Service Brakes2021.3%
Electrical System1819.1%
Engine and Engine Cooling1516.0%
Power Train1212.8%
Suspension66.4%
Vehicle Speed Control66.4%
Wheels55.3%
Fuel/Propulsion System44.3%
Steering44.3%
Engine33.2%
Exterior Lighting33.2%
Structure33.2%
Unknown or Other33.2%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic22.1%
Tires22.1%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Harley-Davidson FLHTC recalls

8 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name FLHTC, newest first. The 8 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2012. The 2009 and 2010 model years appear in the most campaigns (3 each).

  • 8 recall campaigns
Harley-Davidson FLHTC recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 1 campaign1996: 1 campaign1997: 1 campaign1998: 1 campaign1999: 1 campaign
2000: no campaigns2001: 1 campaign2002: 1 campaign2003: 1 campaign2004: no campaigns2005: no campaigns2006: no campaigns2007: no campaigns2008: 2 campaigns2009: 3 campaigns
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 2 campaigns2012: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 18V076000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid

    Model years 2008–2011

    Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling all 2008-2011 Touring, CVO Touring and VSRC motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), including Road King (FLHR), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHP), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHPE), Electra Glide Standard Police (EFI) (FLHTP), Electra Glide Classic (EFI) (FLHTC), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (EFI) (FLHTCU) and Street Glide (EFI) (FLHX), 2008 VROD (VRSCAWA), CVO Road King 4 (FLHRSE4), Night Rod (VRSCDA), CVO Ultra Classic 3 (FLHTCUSE3), Night Rod Special (VRSCDXA), 2008-2010 Road King Classic (EFI) (FLHRC), 2008-2009 Road Glide (EFI) (FLTR) and Electra Glide Standard (EFI) (FLHT), 2009-2010 V-Rod (VRSCAW), 2009 CVO Ultra Classic (FLHTCUSE4) and CVO Road Glide 3 (FLTRSE3), 2009-2011 Night Rod Special (VRSCDX) and V-Rod Muscle (VRSCF), 2010 CVO Ultra Classic 5 (FLHTCUSE5) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2010-2011 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (FLHTK) and Road Glide Custom (FLTRX), 2011 Road Glide Ultra 103 (FLTRU103), Street Glide 103 (FLHX103), Road King Classic 103 (FLHRC103), CVO Ultra Classic 6 (FLHTCUSE6), CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE), Road Glide Custom 103 (FLTRX103), and CVO Street Glide 2 (FLHXSE2) motorcycles. Deposits may form on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period of time beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule specified in the Owner’s Manual.

    Consequence:
    These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0171.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 11V506000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

    Model years 2009–2012

    Harley-Davidson is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 touring, cvo touring and trike vehicles manufactured from June 6, 2008, through September 16, 2011. See the above list for the models included in the recall. The rear brake light switch may be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system.

    Consequence:
    The excessive heat may cause the switch to not activate the brake lamp or activate the brake lamp when no brake is applied and/or cause a brake fluid leak at the brake light switch, affecting rear brake performance. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will a install a rear brake light switch kit, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during October 31, 2011. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 09V457000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting

    Model years 2009–2010

    Harley-Davidson is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 touring family motorcycles, including cvo touring and trike products, manufactured from June 6, 2008 through November 19, 2009. The front fuel tank mounts may distort in reaction to severe frame damage from a frontal collision. This condition may cause a fuel leak at the weld of the front bracket to the tunnel.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, which could lead to injury or death to the rider.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a left and right brace, which are intended to reduce front mount distortion during certain crash conditions. This repair will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on December 11, 2009. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 08V357000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap

    Model year 2008

    Harley Davidson is recalling 47,579 MY 2008 FLHP, flhpe, FLHR, FLHRC, FLHRSE4, FLHT, FLHTC, flhtcu, FLHTCUSE3, FLHTP, FLHX, and FLTR motorcycles. These motorcycles may experience a cracking of the fuel filter shell leading to loss of fuel pressure. This loss of fuel pressure can cause diminished performance and, in some cases, may cause an engine stall or a no-start condition.

    Consequence:
    This condition could lead to a crash which could cause injury or death to the rider.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fuel filter shell free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2008. Owners may contact Harley Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  5. NHTSA campaign 04V218000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights

    Model year 2003

    On certain dyna, XL, and touring motorcycles, the tail light bulb can fall out of the socket.

    Consequence:
    The tail light and the brake light become inoperative, which could lead to a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the bulbs. Owner notification began on June 3, 2004. Owners should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  6. NHTSA campaign 02V002000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting

    Model years 2001–2002

    On certain motorcycles, the clips that retain the wiring for the front fender tip light can become detached from the fender, causing the wires to fray and short.

    Consequence:
    This could cause the lighting system fuse to blow, leaving the vehicle without an operational front fender tip light, headlight, taillight, running lights, and passing lamps (if equipped).
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fender tip light wiring harness retention clips, and inspect and replace, if necessary, any damaged wiring harnesses. Owner notification began January 9, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  7. NHTSA campaign 99V003000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: motorcycles. The engine cam bolt can lose its clamp load and/or break.

    Consequence:
    This condition can cause the engine to quit running with or without prior warning. In some instances, the engine could run erratically before quitting.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the engine cam bolts and washers.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

  8. NHTSA campaign 98V158000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model years 1995–1998

    Vehicle description: FL touring motorcycles. A loss of electrical power through the ignition switch can occur due to excessive current and other factors.

    Consequence:
    This condition can cause the engine to fail to start, operate erratically, or stall.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the ignition switch/circuit breaker and install a relay kit.

    Filed by Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Harley-Davidson FLHTC questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Harley-Davidson FLHTC have?

NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recall campaigns for the Harley-Davidson FLHTC, covering model years 1995 to 2013. The most recent, 18V076000, was reported on January 29, 2018 and is filed under “Service brakes, hydraulic”. The 2009 and 2010 model years are covered by the most campaigns (3 each).

Which Harley-Davidson FLHTC model year has the most complaints?

The 2009 model year, with 19 of the 94 complaints in NHTSA’s file (20.2%). The next are 2008 (15) and 2007 (14). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Harley-Davidson FLHTC complaint?

Service Brakes is the component named most often: 20 complaints, or 21.3% of all 94. Electrical System (18) and Engine and Engine Cooling (15) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Harley-Davidson FLHTC?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Harley-Davidson dealer.

How many Harley-Davidson FLHTC complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 94 complaints, 7 report a crash, 0 a fire, 5 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Harley-Davidson models

8 models · most complaints first

The Harley-Davidson models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Harley-Davidson VIN decoder with every Harley-Davidson model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Harley-Davidson models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.