RoadVitals

2018 Harley-Davidson Flde

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
5
Latest Sep 2, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Jun 6, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Harley-Davidson Flde, most frequently naming the brakes, powertrain (other) and exterior lighting categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 63 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes233.3%
  • Powertrain (other)233.3%
  • Exterior lighting116.7%
  • Suspension116.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
25V375000

SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

Jun 6, 2025
82,117 units potentially affected
The defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Softail motorcycles. The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
The risk: A sudden loss of tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will install a new bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0188. Some of the vehicles included in this recall were previously repaired under recall 23V591, and will need to have the new remedy completed.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0188View on NHTSA.gov
23V591000

SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

Aug 22, 2023
65,224 units potentially affected
The defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2019 FLDE, 2018-2021 FLHC, 2018-2023 FLHCS, 2018 and 2023 FLHCS ANV, 2020-2023 FXLRS, 2022-2023 FXLRST, and 2022 FXRST Softail motorcycles. A fastener securing the rear shock absorber may break and allow the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
The risk: A loss of tire pressure can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the shock absorber fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0181.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0181View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Suspension
Filed Sep 2, 2025

My 2018 Harley Softail was repaired .The rear shock adjuster bolt was broken 11/1/2018 at 1500 mile this was before the recalls.Then it was repaired again with the recall 2/6/24 it was broken again.My bike was then repaired again on 7/29/25 for the recall .It was broken at the time again. On 8/25/25 I was riding home I felt a large bang to the rear and thought I had been hit.I was going slow I was able to handle the bike.I pulled to the shoulder and realized it was the shock adjuster again.I took my bike to Harley 8/30 with all my paperwork.Where it is now.I can visibly see my rear fender is pushed it to the tire.This is 4X the same defect.I could have been killed.Wondering how many have been killed or hurt for this very defect??? That is why I'm filing this report and calling Harley.

NHTSA ID
11684413
Incident
Aug 25, 2025
BrakesExterior lighting
Filed Nov 1, 2022

Faulty front brake light switch causes the brake light to remain on all the time. Comon failure and the part is on back order for two months. Issue has been confirmed by dealer.

NHTSA ID
11491743
Incident
Oct 12, 2022
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 21, 2019

MY MOTORCYCLE WAS RECALLED FOR A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING CONDITION. FLUID COULD LEAK PAST THE CLUTCH RESERVOIR AND CAUSE THE DRIVE TRAIN TO STAY ENGAGED AND YOU CANT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR CAUSING YOU TO CRASH. THIS IS MARCH 21, 2019 AND I AM 123 CUSTOMERS AWAY FROM THE HARLEY DEALERSHIP FROM HAVING PARTS TO FIX MY BIKE.

NHTSA ID
11190569
Incident
Nov 5, 2018
Mileage
3,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 23, 2019

2018 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE 2400 MILES. WAS RIDING AT LUNCH HEADING BACK TO WORK, ON A CITY STREET CAME TO A INTERSECTION THE LIGHTS WERE TURNING RED WENT TO APPLY MY FRONT BRAKES AND THEY WENT FROM WORKING WITH NO ISSUES OR SIGNS OF ISSUES TO COMPLETE FAIL OF THE FRONT BRAKES PULLED OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH WHILE APPLYING MY REAR BRAKES TO AVOID FROM GOING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. NOTE: BIKE WAS MANUFACTURED IN NOVEMBER OF 2018 FROM HARLEY THEY TRIED TO CLAIM THE ISSUE WAS MY FAULT THAT THE BRAKES FAILED DUE TO IMPROPER CARE OF THE UNIT. HARLEY SAID I SHOULD HAVE BLEED MY BRAKES THAT IT IS RECOMMENDED EVERY TWO YEARS... THE BIKE IS 15 MONTHS OLD WELL UNDER THE 24 MONTH RECOMMENDATION FOR THE BRAKE FLUSH AND IS NEVER LEFT OUTSIDE OR DRIVEN IN THE RAIN AND IS ALWAYS IN A GARAGE OR WARE HOUSE WHILE AT HOME OR WORK. THEY WILL COVER UNDER WARRANTY BUT I DO NOT FEEL SAFE ON THIS BIKE!

NHTSA ID
11182098
Incident
Feb 20, 2018
Mileage
2,400 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 9, 2019

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON NOVEMBER 5TH 2018 AND STILL CANNOT GET THE DEALER TO FIX THE RECALL ISSUE, IT IS NOW JANUARY 9TH 2019

NHTSA ID
11166076
Incident
Nov 5, 2018
Mileage
1,600 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL; WHEELS

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 Features - Harley-Davidson: 2023-2024 Touring: Updated Electronic Control Module (ECM) calibration offerings. LiveWire: S2DM/MH/AP: Calibration bundle 10.2.28: Telematic Control Unit (TCU) reflash updates. Change: Vehicle Setup: Body Control Module (BCM) – Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Replacement: Correct issue where tire size selections were not available. System Info – Auxiliary Load Controller (ALC): Added Bike configuration field. Data Items – Trike ECM: Improved display of Gear Position when in reverse. Amp – Added support for (Part No. 76001619).

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE; EXTERIOR LIGHTING; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 Features: 2026 Police • Vehicle Setup: Civilianize; LiveWire • S2: Del Mar (S2DM), Mulholland (S2MH), Alpinista (S2AP) - Calibration bundle 10.2.20: Vehicle Supervisory Controller (VSC) and Onboard Charger (OBC) reflash updates. Changes: 2026 Trike • Update “Reverse Lockout Reason” resize column.

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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. 2024: Pan America (RA1250), Pan America Special (RA1250S), CVO Pan America (RA1250SE) • Updated Body Control Module (BCM) reflash calibration. 2024-2026: CVO Road Glide ST (FLTRXSTSE) • Updated Electronic Control Module (ECM) reflash calibration. 2026: CVO Street Glide ST (FLHXSTSE) • Updated ECM reflash calibration. Changes. 2026 Trike • Update “Reverse Lockout Reason” to support new values, • “Vehicle setup: Gear Indicator Calibration” – improve operation. 2025-2026 Softail • Update reflash for Softail Speedometer (SPDO) – enable operation of auxiliary lamp telltale. LiveWire S2 • Provide reflash support for Vehicle Supervisory Controller (VSC) hardware (Part No. 41001756RE).

M1679

ENGINE

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.

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 has unconfigured Electro Hydraulic Control Unit (EHCU) module, Vehicle Setup: New operation to support Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) / EHCU Correction, Reflash: Enabled EHCU calibrations for vehicles previously ineligible for update, requiring ABS / EHCU Correction to be performed. 2021–2025 Pan America (RA1250), Pan America S (RA1250S), Pan America ST (RA1250ST), CVO Pan America (RA1250SE): Reflash – Updated Electronic Control Module (ECM) software calibration to improve quick shifter performance. Changes: Infotainment Control Unit (IFCU) Customization – Correct issue where speakers were improperly configured.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Harley-Davidson Flde by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020100—
2019120—
2018Viewing520—
2017300—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.