RoadVitals

2017 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg

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.
13
Latest Jul 11, 2022
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 Oct 18, 2018
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.
1
1 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and brakes categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 81 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

  • Engine535.7%
  • Powertrain (other)535.7%
  • Brakes214.3%
  • Body & structure17.1%
  • Suspension17.1%

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

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Oct 18, 2018
177,636 units potentially affected
The defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Police Road King (FLHP), Road King (FLHR), Road King Special (FLHRXS), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited Shrine (FLHTK SHRINE), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Freewheeler (FLRT), Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG), CVO Limited (FLHTKSE) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE) motorcycles, 2017 Softail Slim S (FLSS), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS) and CVO Pro Street Breakout (FXSE) motorcycles, 2018 115th Anniversary Ultra Limited (FLHTK ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide (FLHX ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide Special (FLHXS ANX), 115th Anniversary Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG ANV), 115th Anniversary CVO Limited (FLHTKSE ANV) and CVO Road Glide (FLTRXSE) motorcycles. The secondary clutch actuator cylinder may leak fluid internally and the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch.
The risk: If the clutch cannot be disengaged it can result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a new secondary clutch actuator piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0173.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0173View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Jul 11, 2022

While riding at 55mph the bike suddenly lost oil pressure and started blowing an enormous amount of smoke out the exhaust and the breather tubes in the intake. This caused oil to come out and blow back under the rear tires which could have resulted in loss of control. I was able to stop and when I checked the oil the cap blew out into my hand because of crankcase pressure. The oil level showed it was very low so I added 2 3/4 quarts of new oil. After cooling down the trike ran ok and I was able to ride it home where I checked the oil again and it had the same crankcase pressure however it was now showing overfilled 2 1/2 quarts. The problem is that the oil built up in the crankcase and was not pumped out back to the oil tank. This is known as sumping which is affecting some 2017-2019 Harley’s with the new Milwaukee 8 engine. As I stated before this could have caused loss of control resulting in an accident with a less experienced rider because of the oil blowing back under the rear tires on the trike. I am 70 years old and have been riding since 16 years old and I believe my experience helped me knowing what to do when something like this occurs. There are service bulletins explaining this problem however I firmly believe all 2017-2019 Harley Davidson Milwaukee 8 motorcycle’s and trike need to be recalled and repaired with the updated parts that Harley Davidson began installing in all 2020 and newer Milwaukee 8 engines during manufacturing. Someone may likely lose their life as a result of this know problem.

NHTSA ID
11473442
Incident
Jul 9, 2022
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 19, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V734000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MCMAHON'S CYCLE SALES INC. (613 7TH AVE, BEAVER FALLS, PA 15010, (724)-846-6251) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11189985
Incident
Oct 18, 2018
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 15, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON TRI GLIDE (FLHTCUTG). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V734000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED FORT BRAGG HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT (910) 864-1200 (LOCATED AT 3950 SYCAMORE DAIRY RD, FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28303) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11187039
Incident
Dec 18, 2018
Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2019

OIL PRESSURE SWITCH WORKED IT'S WAY OUT ONLY INDICATING LOW PRESSURE BY THE TIME WHILE RIDING. I GOT IT TO MY DEALER AFTER THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT IN WHEN PARKED THE SWITCH WAS OUT FAR ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE OIL TO POUR OUT. IF THIS HAD HAPPEND WHEN RIDING IN MY OPINION THE ENGINE WOULD SIEZE CAUSING THE WHEELS TO LOCK AND THROW THE RIDER OFF THE MOTOR CYCLE CAUSING SERIOS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT OF THE VEHICLES BEHIND. THIS IS ON THE NEW MILWALKEE 8 ENGINE. HAVE READ COMPLAINT OF THE FAILURE BUT NOT ON IT WORKING IT'S WAY OUT. NOTIFIED HARLEY DAVIDSON REQUESTED AN ENGINEER BE SENT TO LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM,WAITING ON A REPLY

NHTSA ID
11185800
Incident
Mar 4, 2019
Mileage
3,700 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 28, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V734000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. FORT WORTH HARLEY-DAVIDSON (3025 W LOOP 820 S, FORT WORTH, TX 76116, (855) 897-2953) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11172499
Incident
Jan 9, 2019
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 15, 2018

HARLEY DAVIDSON RECALL # 0173 I HAD WENT TO THE HD DEALER WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL, I HAD THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT LOOK UP MY VIN TO VERIFY THAT IT WAS IN THE RECALL, THEY SAID IT WAS, THEY WROTE UP A SERVICE TICKET FOR THE RECALL, I WENT AND CHECKED ON THE STATUS OF THE PARTS TODAY, I WAS TOLD THAT HARLEY DAVISON WON'T LET THE DEALER ORDER THE PARTS, THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY ONLY GOT 1 KIT, AND THAT KIT WAS FOR A NEW MOTORCYCLE IN STOCK, THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT SELL THE BIKE UNTIL THE RECALL WAS DONE, SO THEY FIX THE BIKE FOR SALE, BUT THEY ARE LETTING ALL THE CUSTOMER THAT HAVE BIKES UNDER RECALL WAIT ON PARTS, SO WHEN WILL THE PARTS BE AVAILABLE, WE ARE SUPPOSED TO JUST TAKE OUR CHANCES RIDING THE MOTORCYCLES UNDER RECALL, IF THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY ARE THE KITS NOT READILY AVAILABLE TO FIX THESE BIKES, BUT YET, THEY HAVE KITS FOR THE BIKES FOR SALE, THIS IS NOT RIGHT, WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS.

NHTSA ID
11151881
Incident
Nov 15, 2018
Mileage
4,500 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 11, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG. WHILE PUSHING THE MOTORCYCLE OUT OF THE GARAGE WITHOUT STARTING THE ENGINE, A SCRAPING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR RIGHT BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOTOWN HARLEY-DAVIDSON (14100 TELEGRAPH RD, TAYLOR, MI 48180, (734) 947-4647) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR RIGHT ROTORS WERE HEAVILY SCORED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 636. *TT CONTACT NOTICED A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE WORN PADS. HARLEY-DAVIDSON CREW HEARD NOISE AND AGREED. PREMATURE BRAKE PAD AND ROTOR WORN AT 636 MILES. *TT

NHTSA ID
11084614
Incident
Feb 13, 2018
Mileage
636 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 2, 2018
Crash reported1 death reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 52 MPH APPROACHING A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, THE RIDER IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT STOPPED SUDDENLY. THE CONTACT DOWNSHIFTED TWICE AND APPLIED BOTH BRAKES; HOWEVER, THE MOTORCYCLE DID NOT STOP AND THE FRONT END SNAPPED. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE MOTORCYCLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND COLLIDED WITH THE RIDER IN FRONT. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS THROWN TO THE GROUND ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE PASSENGER RIDING ON THE BACK OF THE CONTACT'S MOTORCYCLE WAS THROWN TO THE GROUND. THE PASSENGER WAS AIRLIFTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND DIED FROM SEVERE TRAUMA AND A HEART CONDITION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.

NHTSA ID
11082493
Incident
Sep 4, 2016
Mileage
200 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

M1508

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

SERVICE BULLETIN M1508 (REV D): 2009-2025 TRIKE PLATFORM - REVERSE MOTOR. PURPOSE: Revision C. To inform dealers of a running change for the new reverse motor (Part No. 83388-09C) for Trike models. As of January 28, 2020 all Trike platform vehicles will be manufactured using the new reverse motor. The new reverse motor will be used to replace reverse motor assemblies (Part No. 83388-09, 83388-09A,83388-09B) that have failed diagnostics. Refer to Table 3. This motor contains several improvements for better motor durability. A new procedure has been added, Refer to PINION EXTENDS BUT REVERSE MOTOR STALLS OR SPINS SLOWLY. REV D: Updated: Guide. Add link to: PINION EXTENDS BUT REVERSE MOTOR STALLS OR SPINS SLOWLY

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.

PAB1182

STRUCTURE:BODY

GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1182: TRIKE SADDLEBAGS KIT INFORMATIONAL UPDATE. PURPOSE: Initial release. This bulletin informs dealers that the Trike Saddlebags kit (Part No. 84031-11) has an informational update: The drill template that is inside the kit, is only used for 2009-2025 Trike models. The electronic version of this instruction sheet which is located in Service Information Portal (SIP), will have the drill template as an attachment for 2026 and later Trike models (see service bulletin M1714). It will not be included inside the kit or directly attached to the instruction sheet.

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).

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 Flhtcutg by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025000
2024100
2023100
2022210
2021010
2020420
2019820
2018710
2017Viewing131044.3
2016200
2015610
2014520
2013700
2012710
2011911
2010921
2009521

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.