RoadVitals

2019 Harley-Davidson Flhcs

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 Mar 13, 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 2019 Harley-Davidson Flhcs, most frequently naming the electrical, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 66 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

  • Electrical360.0%
  • Fuel system120.0%
  • Powertrain (other)120.0%

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

Electrical
Filed Mar 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Harley Davidson FLHCS. The contact stated that while riding at various speeds during the day, the instrument cluster was significantly foggy and unreadable. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer, where the instrument cluster was replaced twice under warranty; however, the failure persisted. The motorcycle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was charged a fee for the repair. The motorcycle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the dealer had informed him that it was a known failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

NHTSA ID
11648047
Incident
Mar 13, 2018
Mileage
1,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 23, 2023

I own a 2019 Harley Davidson FLHCS motorcycle which experiences a problem that occurs in the design of the analog speedometer/digital tach. Condensation repeatedly forms in the lower portion of the display that prevents the driver from being able to read RPM, fuel gauge, current gear in use and time. Attempting to read these values while operating the motorcycle puts both the driver and rider in great danger as loss of control of the motorcycle is possible. This issue has occurred so often over the years in all models of this design, as reported by many Harley Davidson bike owners, that the manufacturer finally redesigned a unit to be used in UP TO 2017 model years, but not newer models. According to my local Harley Davidson dealership service department and a local Harley mechanic, this is a known problem that has the Motor Company has not resolved. I consider this a very serious design flaw that can cause the driver to take their eyes off the road, something inherently dangerous for a motorcyclist to do, especially in these times of distracted drivers. I hope you can bring Harley Davidson Motor Company to accelerate their redesign of this component and have affected models recalled.

NHTSA ID
11513485
Incident
Mar 21, 2023
Electrical
Filed Sep 9, 2021

The contact owns a 2019 Harley Davidson FLHCS Heritage Classic Motorcycle. The contact stated that the speedometer was fogging up during the daytime. The fuel gauge, RPM, transmission gear, and mileage were obstructed. The motorcycle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the speedometer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.

NHTSA ID
11432254
Incident
Apr 1, 2021
Mileage
17,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 9, 2019

SAFETY CONDITION EXISTS WHEREAS WHEN SHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR FROM NEUTRAL, INTERMITTENTLY, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE UNLESS MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS ARE MADE. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST DROP THE BIKE, MULTIPLE TIMES, DURING ATTEMPTING TO START OFF AFTER SHIFTING INTO FIRST. THIS HAS ALSO CAUSED A CLOSE CALL DURING A SITUATION WHERE I NEEDED TO MOVE QUICKLY TO AVOID AN ONCOMING VEHICLE AND COULDN'T ACCELERATE WHEN SHIFTING INTO FIRST. THIS ISSUE OCCURS MULTIPLE TIMES DURING EACH RIDE AND SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE.

NHTSA ID
11230417
Incident
Jun 1, 2019
Mileage
25 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 1, 2019

BOUGHT A NEW 2019 HD HERRITAGE CLASSIC 114 (FACTORY ORDER) FROM THE DEALER WITH 5 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYS 5/8 FULL WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS, AND DOES NOT REGISTER LESS THAN 3/8 WHEN EMPTY. THE BIKE CURRENTLY HAS OVER 750 MILES. THE INACCURATE FUEL GAUGE READING IS THE SAME IN MOTION, OR WHEN STATIONARY. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK BECAUSE THERE IS NO "RESERVE TANK" ON THIS FUEL INJECTED BIKE, AND I RISK THE POSSIBILITY OF RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID
11217309
Incident
Nov 7, 2018
Mileage
5 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 Flhcs by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024110—
2023320—
2022120—
2021020—
2020320—
2019Viewing520—
2018120—

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.