2009 Harley-Davidson Flhx

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 contact owns a 2009 Harley Davidson HLFX equipped with Shinko Tire Line: Shinko Tires E705, Tire Size: 180/65/R16, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while riding 20-25 MPH in the rain, the rear tire began to skid while rounding a curve and the contact lost control of the motorcycle. The contact continued riding; the failure occurred again while attempting to merge onto a highway. The contact pulled off to the shoulder and had the motorcycle towed to the residence. The dealer where the tire was purchased was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer and left a voicemail. The contact had not yet received a response from the manufacturer. The motorcycle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. The tire failure mileage was 250.

NHTSA ID

11546934

Incident

Sep 22, 2023

Mileage

31,000 mi

I took my bike in to Myrtle Beach Harley Davidson for the repair as described in the recall. My bike had no issues with brakes or ABS light. The service department hooked it up to their computer and the ABS light was triggered. The service caused the ABS Module to fail. They refuse to repair the damage they caused. They want me to sign a statement that I know I am leaving their shop without antilock brakes.

NHTSA ID

11491305

Incident

Oct 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Harley-Davidson Street Glide (FLHX). The contact stated while driving out of his driveway at 10 MPH, the front hand-brake pedal was depressed, however felt hard. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. There was no crash. The contact stated he researched the failure online and found a failure related to the ABS module. The contact stated that he contacted the dealer and was awaiting appointment. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that a year ago NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V076000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was serviced on the motorcycle. The contact believed that the failure was related to the recall. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA ID

11441475

Incident

Nov 18, 2021

Mileage

69,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT CAME TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, THE REAR WHEEL SPED OFF AND THE CONTACT WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FLIPPED OFF THE MOTORCYCLE AND ONTO THE CONCRETE. THE MOTOR MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO A FAILED "FLY BY WIRE THROTTLE SYSTEM". THE CONTACT SUSTAINED 9 FRACTURED RIBS, FRACTURED COLLAR BONE, ROAD RASH AND THREE QUARTS OF BLOOD WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE CONTACTS LUNGS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE POLICE REPORT DEEMED THAT THE INCIDENT WAS A MALFUNCTION OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS CLASSIFIED AS A SALVAGED TOTAL BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE. THE CONTACT CALLED LIVER MORE HARLEY DAVIDSON 7576 SOUTHFRONT RD, LIVERMORE, CA 94551 (925) 606-0100 WHERE THE DEALER OFFERED TO BUY THE MOTORCYCLE BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,926. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11252070

Incident

Aug 7, 2019

Mileage

20,926 mi

HUNDREDS OF RIDERS IN FORUMS ONLINE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE WHERE THE CONTACT BETWEEN THE MOTORCYCLE'S WIRE PINS GOING INTO THE THROTTLE INDUCTION MODEL ACTUATOR BECOMES DISRUPTED WHILE RIDING. HARLEY-DAVIDSON HAS PROGRAMED THE BIKE TO SHUT DOWN THE RPMS TO NO MORE THAN 2,000 AND SHUTTING DOWN ONE OF THE TWO CYLINDERS. THIS POSES VERY SERIOUS AND IMMEDIATE RISK OF DEATH TO THE RIDER AS THE BIKE SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING OR BRAKE LIGHTS DROPS IN SPEED VERY QUICKLY ON A HIGHWAY RESULTING IN POSSIBLY GETTING REAR-ENDED BY A VEHICLE, OR GETTING RUN OVER TRYING TO CROSS LANES OF TRAFFIC, OR GOING SIDEWAYS IF IN THE MIDDLE OF A CURVE; IN THE CASE OF A MOUNTAIN ROAD, THIS COULD MEAN FALLING TO ONE'S DEATH. ALL OF THIS COULD BE PREVENTED BY HD REPLACING THE EXISTING WIRING HARNESS(ES) WITH A SLIGHTLY LONGER ONES SO THE EXTREME ANGLE OF THE WIRE INPUT DOESN'T PUT STRESS ON THE PINS, AND THE BIKE CONTINUES TO OPERATE NORMALLY. ALSO, CHANGING THE PROGRAMMING SO THAT THE BIKE CAN GO ABOVE 15MPH IF "LIMP MODE" IS REQUIRED FOR SOME REASON WOULD LIKELY PREVENT SOMEONE FROM BEING KILLED. IT WAS TERRIFYING TO HAVE AN 18-WHEELER BARRELING DOWN ON MY FROM BEHIND BECAUSE THE BIKE WENT FROM 75MPH TO 40MPH IN LESS THAN 2 SECONDS. I HONESTLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE A TERRIBLE DEATH. FORTUNATELY THIS DRIVER SAW MY FRANTIC WAVING OF THE HANDS. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT, I'D BE DEAD.

NHTSA ID

11195998

Incident

Apr 12, 2019

Mileage

55,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE (FLHX) MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE CONTACT DOWNSHIFTED AND USED THE FRONT BRAKES TO DRIVE BACK TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MOTORCITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEALER (24800 HAGGERTY RD, FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48335) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A KNOWN ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE CONTROL BODY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THERE WAS NO FOLLOW-UP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,262.

NHTSA ID

11074490

Incident

Sep 28, 2017

Mileage

17,262 mi

ANTI LOCK BRAKES FRONT AND REAR, HARD PEDAL TOP AND BOTTOM. VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP.

NHTSA ID

11072316

Incident

Dec 15, 2017

Mileage

26,199 mi

MY FRONT BRAKE LEVER BECAME STUCK AND WOUND NOT FUNCTION WHILE LEAVING MY DRIVEWAY ONTO A CITY STREET. I WAS TRAVLING A LOW SPEED AND ABLE TO STOP THE BIKE WITH THE REAR BRAKE, HOWEVER, I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE BEFORE ROLLING INTO THE STREET AND CJECCKING FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC. NO TRAFFIC WAS COMING AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE MOTORCYCLE BACK AROUND AND BACK INTO THE GARAGE. THIS ISSUE WAS FIXED BY THE DEALER BY REPLACING THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM MODULE (ABS HCU, SERVICE TOURING PART NUMBER 48343-09)

NHTSA ID

11066769

Incident

Jan 12, 2017

Mileage

26,888 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.