RoadVitals

2014 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse

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 Aug 15, 2016
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.
4
Latest Jul 6, 2015
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

Overview

Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse, most frequently naming the engine, body & structure and fuel system categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 39 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

  • Engine250.0%
  • Body & structure125.0%
  • Fuel system125.0%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
15V427000

EQUIPMENT

Jul 6, 2015
185,272 units potentially affected
The defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Road King (FLHR), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Road King (FLHP), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), CVO Ultra Limited (FLHTKSE), 2014 CVO Road King (FLHRSE), and 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), and CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE) motorcycles. The affected motorcycles have saddlebag mounting receptacles that may not adequately secure the saddlebags to the motorcycle.
The risk: If a saddlebag is not adequately secured, it may separate from the motorcycle while riding, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected saddlebag mounting receptacles with updated receptacles, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0166.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0166View on NHTSA.gov
14V537000

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Sep 5, 2014
105,746 units potentially affected
The defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Street Glide (FLHX), Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG), CVO Limited (FLHTKSE), CVO Road King (FLHRSE), CVO Breakout (FXSBSE), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Twin Cooled (FLHTCUTC), Ultra Limited Shrine (FLHTK SHRINE), Street Glide Shrine (FLHX SHRINE), and CVO Softail Deluxe (FLSTNSE). In the affected motorcycles, a component in the clutch master cylinder may fail, reducing the pressure available to keep the clutch disengaged.
The risk: If the clutch does not remain disengaged, the motorcycle may creep forward while the rider intends to be stopped, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will rebuild the affected clutch master cylinders, free of charge. The recall began on September 17, 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0159 & 0160.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0159 & 0160View on NHTSA.gov
14V319000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Jun 12, 2014
66,421 units potentially affected
The defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014 ABS-equipped Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles, models FLHTK, FLHTKSE, FLHTKSHRINE, FLHTCU, FLHTCUTC, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHXSHRINE, FLHR, FLHRC, FLHP, and FLHRSE, manufactured July 1, 2013, through May 7, 2014. The affected motorcycles may have been assembled with the front brake line positioned so that it can be pinched between the fuel tank and frame causing the front brake fluid pressure to increase.
The risk: A pinched brake line will increase the front brake fluid pressure, possibly resulting in a front wheel lock-up, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycles for brake line damage and replace the damaged lines as necessary. Dealers will also install one or two cable straps to properly prevent the line from being pinched in the future, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0157View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Aug 15, 2016

MY 2014 HARLEY HAS HAD TWO COMPENSATORS REPLACED AND NOW THEY ARE REPLACING A 3RD ONE IN LESS THAN TWO TEARS. THANKFULLY NO ACCIDENT HAS OCCURRED BUT FROM WHAT I READ THIS IS HAPPENING ON A LOT OF HARLEYS AND COULD BE DANGEROUST IF IT FAILED IN TRANSIT.

NHTSA ID
10895858
Incident
Aug 15, 2016
Fuel system
Filed Aug 8, 2016

CLUTCH COMPENSATOR FAILED AT 12,500 MILES ON A 6500 MILE TRIP THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS TO CALIFORNIA. BIKE WAS KNOCKING FROM THE PRIMARY COVER AND COST $750.00 TO REPAIR. HARLEY DENIED CLAIM TO REPLACE PART ON A $40,000 MOTORCYCLE.

NHTSA ID
10893935
Incident
Jul 19, 2016
Mileage
12,500 mi
Body & structure
Filed Aug 9, 2015

RIGHT REAR SADDLE BAG DEPARTED THE MOTORCYCLE ON I-90 JUST EAST OF WALLACE AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS WAS 8 DAYS AFTER HAVING THE HARLEY DAVIDSON RECALL INCORPORATED AT A QUALIFIED DEALER IN ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. THE BAG DEPARTED WITHOUT WARNING AND I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE MOTORCYCLE TO A SAFE STOP IN THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE BAG SKIDDED ON THE PAVEMENT AND CAME TO A STOP IN THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE I-90 EASTBOUND LANE. THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME AND THE SITUATION OCCURRED WITHOUT INCIDENT. I HAVE GREAT CONCERN THAT HAD THERE BEEN TRAFFIC BEHIND ME THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SIGNIFICANT INCIDENT/ACCIDENT CAUSING INJURY OR LOSS OF PROPERTY I AM ALSO VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE LIABILITY EXPOSURE I HAVE PERSONALLY IF AN INCIDENT LIKE THIS IS THE CAUSE OF INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR DEATH. HARLEY DAVIDSON DOESN'T SEEM TO BE GIVING THIS THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES AS THE RECALL WAS ONLY A HARDWARE CHANGE AND DID NOT INCORPORATE ANY FAILSAFE MECHANISM SHOULD THE HARDWARE FAIL, AS IS DID IN THIS CASE. CLEARLY THE RECALL DESIGN IS FLAWED AND SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE SAME FAILURE MODE AS THE ORIGINAL HARDWARE AND MUST BE CHANGED YET AGAIN. READING THROUGH SOME QUICK INTERNET SEARCHES THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ONGOING AS FAR BACK AS 2011 FROM MY BRIEF SEARCH. I URGE NHTSA TO REVIEW THIS ISSUE WITH HARLEY DAVIDSON AND TAKE SWIFT ACTION TO REMEDY.

NHTSA ID
10747265
Incident
Aug 8, 2015
Mileage
4,915 mi
Filed Jul 28, 2014
Crash reported

SLOWING DOWN TO A 35 MPH ZONE AND WOKE UP IN THE HOSPITAL. *JS

NHTSA ID
10616821
Incident
Jun 28, 2014
Mileage
78 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 24, 2013

ENGINE COOLANT LEAK STARTED AT ABOUT 700 TOTAL MILES. THE LEAK APPEARS FROM THE COOLANT PUMP HOUSING. IF IT IS LEAKING WHILE RIDING THE SLIPPERY COOLANT SPLASHES ONTO THE REAR TIRE AFFECTING TRACTION. THE LEAK CAN POSSIBLY BE SPLASHING ON THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS AFFECTING BRAKING. NOW WITH ONLY 1,450 TOTAL MILES THE LEAK BECAME A FULL BLOWN GUSHER. IT'S IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. I HAVE READ OVER 60 PAGES ON THE HD FORUM ABOUT OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10553637
Incident
Oct 10, 2013
Mileage
700 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

M1391A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1391A (REVU): MIDTRONICS GRX-3110 AND DCA-8000 SOFTWARE. PURPORSE: Revision U. The purpose of this bulletin is to inform the dealer network that a software update to the GRX-3110 and DCA-8000 is now available. DYNAMIC DIAGNOSTIC CHARGER SYSTEM (PART NUMBER: DCA-8000). [Rev U] Added: Description of improvements made to the testing algorithm for GRX software Version P and DCA-8000 software Version E.

PAB1171

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1171 (REV B): SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR SCREAMIN EAGLE PRO STREET TUNER. PURPOSE: Revision B. Updated: Summary. The App has returned to the Apple App Store. This bulletin informs dealers that a recent software update to the Screamin' Eagle Pro Street Tuner application will require the use of a Personal Computer (PC) to complete a Bluetooth Communication Interface (BCI) firmware update.

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 25.8.9): 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). New Software Update Version 25.8.9 Release Date: Week of September 2, 2025. Changes: LiveWire 2024 S2MH: Removal of incorrect Electro Hydraulic Control Unit (EHCU) reflash support; EHCU Module (Part No. 41100123): Addressed issue where module became unrecoverable after failed reflash attempted. NOTE: Digital Technician II (DT II) supports additional Harley-Davidson motorcycle models and model years outside of those listed.

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 25.8.7): 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). New Software Update Version 25.6.4, Release Date: Week of August 19, 2025. Includes New Features and Changes for the Models & Model Years listed. NOTE: Digital Technician II (DT II) supports additional Harley-Davidson motorcycle models and model years outside of those listed.

M1391A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1391A (REV T): MIDTRONICS GRX-3110 AND DCA-8000 SOFTWARE. PURPORSE: Revision T. The purpose of this bulletin is to inform the dealer network that a software update to the GRX-3110 and DCA-8000 is now available. DYNAMIC DIAGNOSTIC CHARGER SYSTEM (PART NUMBER: DCA-8000). [Rev T] Updated: New Software Update, Previous Software Updates and DCA-8000. Added: 192-210335P. Software update 192-210335P for GRX-3110 and DCA-800 to add new battery part numbers.

M1684

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

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 Flhtkse by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2021010—
2020010—
2019010—
2018120—
2017120—
2016420—
2015310—
2014Viewing540—

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.