RoadVitals

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu

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.
6
Latest Oct 30, 2024
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.
1
Latest Jun 27, 2016
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 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and exterior lighting categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 54 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

  • Brakes116.7%
  • Electrical116.7%
  • Exterior lighting116.7%
  • Powertrain (other)116.7%
  • Suspension116.7%
  • Tires & wheels116.7%

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

1 campaign 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
16V471000

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Jun 27, 2016
27,232 units potentially affected
The defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2016 Electric Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS), Softail Slim S (FLSS), and CVO Softail Pro Street Breakout (FXSE) motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch, especially if the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period of time.
The risk: When the engine is running and the motorcycle is in gear, if the clutch cannot be fully disengaged, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the clutch master cylinder for the presence of gas in the fluid, if so, the dealer will flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2016. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0169.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0169View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Suspension
Filed Oct 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra. The contact stated while riding at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the motorcycle. In addition, the contact stated that an abnormal vibration was coming from the handlebars while riding. The contact used a trailer to tow the motorcycle to the dealer where it was discovered that the front and rear wheel bearings were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,800.

NHTSA ID
11622689
Incident
Sep 30, 2024
Mileage
5,800 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 30, 2018

PURCHASED A NEW 2016 ULTRA CLASSIC HARLEY DAVIDSON NOW HAS 9200 MILE THE COMPENSATOR STARTED TO RATTLE BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME THE COMPENSATOR WENT COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY

NHTSA ID
11123500
Incident
Aug 18, 2018
Mileage
9,200 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 26, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. SCREEN FOR GPS AND RADIO STOPPED WORKING

NHTSA ID
11048522
Incident
Nov 11, 2017
Mileage
3,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 23, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE FLHTCU EQUIPPED WITH SHINKO 77HD (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 180/65/B16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 70-80 MPH, THE REAR TIRE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATION AND WOBBLING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COMPANY WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE WITH THE TIRES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO RETURN ALL REMAINING INVENTORY TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED ON TIRES WITH THE SAFETY SIDEWALLS. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11000897
Incident
Jun 1, 2017
Brakes
Filed May 23, 2017

SCENARIO: 2016 ULTRA 4200 MILES THAT I PURCHASED WITH ZERO MILES FROM THE DEALER. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALER AS WELL. THE BRAKES WERE FINE. I PARKED AT A RESTAURANT AND WHEN I CAME BACK OUTSIDE I PULLED UP TO THE STREET AND HAD BRAKES. I PULLED OUT ONTO THE STREET AND I HAD NO BRAKES WHATSOEVER ON MY BACK BRAKES AND MY FRONT BRAKES WERE DOING SOME KIND OF GRABBY ON OFF THING AT 10MPH. IT WAS SCARY AS HELL, NO BACK BRAKES AND ALMOST NO FRONT BRAKES. THE BACK BRAKES JUST WENT DOWN ALL OF THE WAY. I HAD TO TRAILER THE BIKE 90 MILES BACK TO TULSA. MY BIKE IS IN THE SHOP AND THEY ARE SAYING IT IS THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. I WAS COMPLETELY UNAWARE THAT A FAILURE OF THE ABS IN THIS FASHION COULD RESULT IN BASICALLY A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES. ABS LIGHT WAS OFF AS WELL, BUT THERE WAS A CODE ON THE BIKE. HONESTLY I'M PISSED BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED DURING MY RIDE AND IT WOULD HAVE JUST BEEN ANOTHER BIKER WHO RUNS OFF THE ROAD AND KILLED HIMSELF, ETC AND NOBODY WOULD BE THE WISER. THERE IS NO REASON FOR KIND OF TOTAL FAILURE. IT'S UNACCEPTABLE. FAILING BACK TO STANDARD BRAKES IMMEDIATELY IS MUCH BETTER THAN NO BRAKES. ---HARLEY FIXED THE BRAKES AT NO CHARGE, BUT I FEEL THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AS I'VE READ OF OTHERS WITH SIMILAR ACCOUNTS. THEY REPLACED THE ABS CONTROL UNIT, WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, AND WHEEL BALL BEARING.

NHTSA ID
10991204
Incident
May 13, 2017
Mileage
4,210 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 23, 2016

THE HEADLIGHTS AT NIGHT ONLY LIGHTS UP THE ROAD ABOUT 15 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU GOING AROUND TURNS IN THE ROAD AND CURVES. YOU ARE DRIVING IN TOTAL DARKNESS UNTIL THE MOTORCYCLE IS STRAIGHTEN OUT. AND THE HIGH BEAM ONLY LIGHTS UP A SMALL CIRCLE IN FRONT OF YOU GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. YOU CAN'T SEE THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN CASE AN ANIMAL IS COMING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE LIGHTING SYSTEM HARLY HAS INSTALLED ON THE MOTORCYCLE IN 2016. THEY ARE CALLED DAY MAKERS. BECAUSE THEY ARE ONLY DESIGNED TO DRIVE IN THE DAYTIME.

NHTSA ID
10861045
Incident
Sep 30, 2015
Mileage
30 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.

M1727

ENGINE; POWER TRAIN

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.

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.

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 Flhtcu by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019110—
2018120—
2017430—
2016Viewing610—
2015220—
2014950—
2013700—
2011621—
2010313147.4
2009703152.2
2008812254.4
2007480045.9
1998010—
1997210—
1996110—
1995510—
1994210—

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.