RoadVitals

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtk

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.
10
Latest Sep 27, 2023
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 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtk, most frequently naming the brakes, other / unspecified and driver assistance categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 52 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

  • Brakes541.7%
  • Other / unspecified433.3%
  • Driver assistance18.3%
  • Engine18.3%
  • Tires & wheels18.3%

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

View all 10
Other / unspecified
Filed Sep 27, 2023

The Dunlop back tire cracked in center while less than half worn. Thread depth new is 8/32 inch and tire check 5/32 inch.

NHTSA ID
11546765
Incident
Aug 18, 2023
Brakes
Filed Mar 3, 2023

The coolant pump failed causing the engine to over heat which I was informed is a known issue with this year model. Plus my ABS system failed which makes the bike unable to operate.

NHTSA ID
11510017
Incident
Feb 25, 2023
Brakes
Filed Jul 15, 2020

WE WERE ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES INSTANTLY LOCKED UP. WE WENT FROM 70 TO 0 IN SECONDS. WE BARELY MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER AS WE NEEDED TO CLEAR OTHER BIKES. PEOPLE BEHIND US CLAIM THE BRAKE LIGHTS NEVER CAME ON NOR DID THE ABS LIGHT TO INDICATE AN ISSUE. THE BRAKES REMAINED LOCKED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE WE COULD EVEN MOVE THE BIKE. THE BIKE WAS TRAILER TO HD IN FREDERICK WHERE THEY CLAIM IT'S A FAULTY ABS MODULE. NOW HD IS FIGHTING THE REPAIR. SEARCHING ONLINE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE ABS MODULES. THIS ISSUE COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY AND A LESSER EXPERIENCED RIDER WOULD HAVE DROPPED THE BIKE WHEN IT BIT DOWN HARD, THE FRONT END OF THE BIKE DROPPED DOWN.

NHTSA ID
11339520
Incident
Jul 11, 2020
Mileage
13,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 22, 2020

ABS FAILURE, NO ABS FAILURE LIGHT ON. RIDING ON I82 BETWEEN KENNEWICK WA AND UMATILLA OR. RIDING AT 70 MPH, ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE FOR SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC AND DISCOVERED REAR BRAKE PEDAL IN HYDRAULIC LOCK CONDITION, UNABLE TO PUSH PEDAL DOWN...SO NO REAR BRAKE. ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. WAS ABLE TO GET HARLEY HOME SAFELY. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V076000 EXIST FOR EARLIER MODELS WITH SAME ABS PROBLEM. COST OF REPAIR $1500 TO $2000. NEED SAME RECALL FOR LATER YEARS

NHTSA ID
11321876
Incident
Apr 16, 2020
Mileage
5,567 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Oct 16, 2019

LAST YEAR AT APROX 20K MILES ON A LONG STRETCH OF HIGHWAY THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, HAD TO HAVE IT HAULED IN ON WRECKER TO GET FIXED UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY DID NOT PAY FOR THAT , WELL HERE IT IS APROX 13K MILES SINCE THEN AND IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN

NHTSA ID
11268911
Incident
Oct 15, 2019
Mileage
32,729 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Sep 16, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTK LIMITED. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, IT DISENGAGED AUTOMATICALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. ALSO, THE THROTTLE WOULD DECREASE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. ON JULY 30, 2019, WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE THROTTLE COMPLETELY FAILED IN TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT HAD TO ROLL THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LA CROSSE AREA HARLEY-DAVIDSON (1116 OAK FOREST DR, ONALASKA, WI 54650, (608) 783-6112) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SIX TERMINAL SOCKET CAUSED THE THROTTLE TO MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER PERFORMED WIRING REPAIRS AND REPLACED THE TERMINAL SOCKET TO THE THROTTLE. THE DEALER DID NOT COVER THE REPAIRS SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD RECENTLY EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,960.

NHTSA ID
11255545
Incident
Jul 30, 2019
Mileage
9,960 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Jun 21, 2019

THE FRONT WHEEL WHERE THE TIRE SEALS AGAINST THE WHEEL THAT MATERIAL IN THAT AREA IS SEPARATING CAUSING THE TIRE TO GO FLAT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *JS

NHTSA ID
11221767
Incident
May 2, 2019
Mileage
23,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 22, 2019

WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN LA AND TEXAS ON IH10 WEST I APPLIED REAR BRAKES,DUE TOO RIDING IN A RAIN STORM ,WHERE AS THERE WAS NO PEDAL WENT TO FOOT BOARD ,APPLIED FRONT BRAKES AND SLOWED BIKE(ALMOST HIT THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME),TRIED REAR BRAKES AND HAD A PEDAL SO CONTINUED ON,LATER I SMELT SOMETHING BURNING SO I GOT OFF HIGHWAY TO CHECK, GOT SMOKE FROM MY REAR BRAKES , PROCEEDED TO NEAREST HARLEY DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD IT WAS TO LATE FOR THEM TO LOOK AT (CLOSING TIME) PROCEEDED HOME ANOTHER 100 MILES,NEXT DAY I REMOVED REAR BRAKE CALIBER FOUND THE PADS BURNT UP ,GOT SO HOT THEY WHERE WHITE ,THE ONLY THING THAT KEEP THEM FROM CATCHING FIRE I THINK WAS IT WAS RAINING ,FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND ONE PISTON STUCK IN THE OUT POSITION ,GOT REPLACEMENT PADS AND AFTER MARKET CALIPER KIT (HARLEY DOES NOT SELL REPAIR KITS FOR CALIPERS) REPLACED PADS AND REBUILD KIT COST ME 346$ AND BRAKES HAVE WORKED FINE EVER SINCE (3K MILES AGO), KIT CONTAINED 4 PISTONS AND SEAL REPLACEMENTS,

NHTSA ID
11181760
Incident
Aug 14, 2018
Mileage
23,288 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 Flhtk by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024000—
2023200—
2022110—
2021210—
2020110—
2019410—
2018420—
2017820—
2016Viewing101032.4
2015102036.6
2014375046.9
2013140040.0
2012191043.0
2011202152.0
2010293148.5
2009001—

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.