2008 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu

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 (VRTC) conduct inspections and testing of affected vehicle braking systems.Through its work, VRTC determined that deposits were forming on the valves in the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) of the Antilock Braking System (ABS). These deposits could prevent the proper function of the HCU and render the brakes ineffective.To understand why deposits were forming in the HCU, Harley Davidson completed an analysis of the Dow 460 brake fluid used as original equipment on the subject motorcycles and determined that it had stability issues if left in the brake system for an extended period of time.Harley Davidson found that if a brake fluid flush was not conducted as outlined in the owner?s manual for the motorcycles, and was left in the system for a period of time beyond their recommendation; deposits could form in the HCU.Through further testing, Harley Davidson identified an alternate, commercially available, brake fluid that did not have the same stability issues as the original fluid and could stop the proliferation of any current brake system deposits.ODI sent Information Request (IR) letters to Harley Davidson and Dow Chemical (the supplier of the brake fluid on the subject motorcycles) to collect information about the subject bikes and the alleged defect.Harley Davidson responded in full on Sept 30, 2016 and Dow responded with a confidential submission on October 25, 2017.ODI analyzed the information contained in both IR responses and concluded that motorcycles manufactured during Model Years (MY) 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 were failing at a rate greater than their peers.Based on this analysis and the brake fluid study conducted by Harley Davidson, a group of motorcycles was identified that were potentially affected by the instability of the original brake fluid.2008 marked the introduction of ABS on Harley Davidson motorcycles and a change in the Dow 460 brake fluid used in the 2012 MY vehicles provided the bases for the scope of the affected population.With recall action 18V-076 taken by Harley Davidson this investigation is closed as further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/ using the complaint identification numbers attached to this resume.

THE SUBJECT FUEL FILTER HOUSING (P/N 62229-08) CRACKS, RESULTING IN SUDDEN ENGINE STALL DUE TO UNREGULATED FUEL PRESSURE.HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAS MODIFIED THE HOUSING WITH A NEW PART NUMBER 62229-08A.SHORTLY AFTER OPENING THIS PE, ODI RECEIVED HARLEY'S DEFECT NOTIFICATION INDICATING THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE BEING RECALLED TO INSTALL THE NEW FUEL FILTER HOUSING.WITH THAT RECALL, RECEIVED PRIOR TO RELEASE OF OUR INFORMATION REQUEST, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CONCLUDED.

ABS System failure causing brakes to fail

NHTSA ID

11458977

Incident

Mar 17, 2022

I was riding my motorcycle with a group of bikes and had to make an emergency stop. When the brakes were applied, as directed in the owners manual, the ABS failed and caused the rear tire to lock and skid. The resulting skid caused a loss of control of the motorcycle and ultimately laying the bike down on the asphalt highway. This resulted in the rider and passenger sustaining injuries. The passenger received a Tramatic Brain Injury which a month and a half later she is still in recovery. The motorcycle has not yet been repaired or looked at by any Police or Technical personnel. There were no warnings or lights prior to the accident.

NHTSA ID

11428227

Incident

Jun 27, 2021

I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH AND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION NEAR MY HOME. I HAD TO STOP QUICKLY AS A CAR TURNED INTO MY LANE JUST A HEAD OF ME. I APPLIED THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES OF MY MOTORCYCLE BUT THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER DID NOT MOVE AT ALL. IT WAS AS IF IT WAS FROZEN IN PLACE. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE FRONT BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW USING THE REAR BRAKE AND AVOIDED A COLLISION BY STEERING OUT OF THE WAY. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND INVESTIGATING, I FOUND THE ABS MODULE HAD FAILED. I ALSO FOUND THIS IS AN ISSUE KNOWN BY HARLEY DAVIDSON OF THEIR 2008-2014 MOTORCYCLES WITH ABS. THEIR SOLUTION, IS TO BLEED THE BRAKE FLUID EVERY TWO YEARS NO MATTER WHAT. I DO THAT MYSELF EVERY TWO YEARS. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT IF I REPLACE THE ABS MODULE, AT SIGNIFICANT COST, THAT A FAILURE WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11322224

Incident

Mar 14, 2020

Mileage

51,080 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA FLHTCUI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 18V076000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GREELEY HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND WILD WEST MOTORSPORTS, INC. LOCATED AT (3010 29TH ST, GREELEY, CO 80631 (970) 351-8150) TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS FLUSHED REFILLED WITH PLATINUM DOT 4 BRAKE FLUID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN SOUGHT PERMISSION FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO AUTHORIZE AN ADDITIONAL REPAIR HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO AUTHORIZE A SECOND REPAIR. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A REPLACEMENT PART AND REPAIRED THE MOTORCYCLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11317570

Incident

Jan 2, 2014

Mileage

60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU. WHILE RIDING AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE REAR BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND WERE INOPERABLE. MOMENTS LATER, BOTH THE REAR AND FRONT BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND THE MOTORCYCLE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP, NEARLY CAUSING A CRASH. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO CENTENNIAL PARK HARLEY-DAVIDSON (12477 E. BROAD ST SW, PATASKALA, OH) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC UNIT AND MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE OWNER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V016000 (SERVICE BRAKES) WITHOUT REPLACING THE MASTER CYLINDER AND HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.

NHTSA ID

11256221

Incident

Sep 11, 2019

Mileage

21,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HANNUM'S HARLEY-DAVIDSON (1011 W BALTIMORE PIKE, MEDIA, PA 19063, (610) 566-5562) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.

NHTSA ID

11186861

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

Mileage

11,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCU (ULTRA CLASSIC). WHEN REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF GREENVILLE (30 CHROME DR, GREENVILLE, SC 296615) DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11183127

Incident

Feb 20, 2019

Mileage

30,000 mi

I,M LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS. OWNER OF A HARLEY DAVIDSON. MY STEEL REAR BRAKELINE WAS SANDED THROUGH.( RESULT NO BRAKE WHILE RIDING) I WENT TO MY DEALER IN BELGIUM, I REPORTED BY THE AFTERSALES MANAGER MR. ANDERSON HARLEY DAVIDSON BENELUX. I ASKED THEM TO TAKE ACTION. (SAFETY RESEARCH) I SENT A E-MAIL TO HARLEY DAVIDSON COMPANY. ( MILWAUKEE) NO REACTION. IN MY E-MAIL I ASK SEVERAL TO DO RESEARCH, I TOLD THEM THAT THEIR ARE RESPONSIBLE, TAKE CARE ABOUT SAFETY OF ALL ROAD USERS. ( NO REACTION. I WROTE THAT I TAKE RESPONSIBILTY AND I REPORT IT BY COMPETENT AUTHORITIES. I REPORT IT BY : N.H.T.S.A. ( COUNTRY OF MANUFACTERING), BELGIUM, OFFICE OF HOMOLOGATIE VAN VOERTUIGEN, NETHERLANDS, R.D.W. ( NATIONAL ROAD SECURITY) I HAVE THE BROKEN BRAKELINE IN MY POSSESSION. I OFFER THE BELGIUM OR DUTCH INSPECTION THIS BRAKELINE FOR A CHECK WHEN REQUIRED. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP. PLEASE INFORM ME.

NHTSA ID

11123476

Incident

Jun 23, 2018

Mileage

29,000 mi

SERVICE BULLETIN M1684: MARKET SPECIFIC BATTERY INTRODUCTION. PURPOSE: Initial Release. This bulletin informs dealers of the availability of new batteries for new Original Equipment (OE) vehicle production and in the Parts and Accessories (P&A) catalog. Availability of the new Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries will vary by market and will be transitioning over the next few months. NOTE: The ring terminal screws are not compatible between Leoch and East Penn batteries. The new batteries will include new ring terminal screws, which must be used. The ring terminal screws from the old battery need to be discarded.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1650: MILWAUKEE EIGHT AND TWIN CAM CAMSHAFT DRIVE GEAR RETENTION KIT CHANGES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that changes have been made to the Camshaft Drive Gear Retention Kit and service proceduresfor the Milwaukee-Eight and Twin Cam applications. In an effort to increase the clamp load of the camshaft drive sprocket bolted joint and prevent the drive bolt from loosening in high lift camshaft applications, the following changes have been made: a. The camshaft drive bolt final torque has been increased to 40 ft-lbs (54 N·m) for all Milwaukee-Eight and certain Twin Cams models. See Vehicles Affected. This increase in torque will make the bolt a one time use application. Never re-use a camshaft drive bolt for service after tightening to the increased specification. See service manual for updated procedure. b. A new camshaft drive gear retention kit (Part No. 91800088) has been created. This new kit is compatible with all Milwaukee-Eight and Twin Cam engines using Parts and Accessories (P&A) camshaft and Original Equipment (OE) camshaft applications. See Instruction sheet for specific fitment on Twin Cam OE camshaft applications. The new kit utilizes friction washers to prevent unwanted rotation of components in the drive sprocket bolted joint under stress. The use of liquid threadlocker on the threads of the bolt and pre-lube to the head of the bolt flange and outside of the washer help the bolt reach full stretch when tightening. NOTE: Engines produced at all Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC) plants will not come with the new kits installed. They will continue to be produced with (Part No. 25566-06).

SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV E): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: Revision E. Added: Added procedures for the DCA-8000 E Battery Tester.* Updated: All sections. This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines for battery warranty.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.8.8): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: 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 24.8.8. Release Date: Week of August 5, 2024. New Features for Harley-Davidson vehicles: Advanced Module Replace for 2021 and later Revolution Max; 2023 and later CVO Touring; and 2024 Street Glide (FLHX), Road Glide (FLTRX). New Features for LiveWire vehicles: Updated calibrations for 2024 S2DM EV1/ EV6; 2024 S2MH EV1; and 2024 S2DM, S2MH. Changes: Added Hand Control Module (HCM) (Part No. 71500522A and 71500536A) for reflash support.

GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1158: OIL FILTER PACKAGING AND CASE QUANTITY UPDATE. PURPOSE: To inform dealerships that Harley-Davidson has made updates to oil filters including new part numbers, packaging design, and bulk case quantity changes.

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.6.4): 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). Version 24.6.4. Release Date: Week of May 1, 2024. New Features for LiveWire S2DM and S2MH, 2024 Revolution® Max, and 2024 Touring.