RoadVitals

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhx

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.
4
Latest Jun 26, 2018
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.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhx, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and exterior lighting categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 49 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

  • Electrical233.3%
  • Brakes116.7%
  • Exterior lighting116.7%
  • Other / unspecified116.7%
  • Powertrain (other)116.7%

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

BrakesOther / unspecified
Filed Jun 26, 2018
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHX. WHILE RIDING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS EITHER A TIRE BLOWOUT OR A BRAKE FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A ROCK WALL. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WENT AIRBORNE AND LANDED ON THE PAVEMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS AND INJURIES TO THE LUNGS, HEAD, ELBOWS, FINGERS, AND NECK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO YELLOWSTONE HARLEY-DAVIDSON (540 ALASKA FRONTAGE RD, BELGRADE, MT 59714, (406) 388-7684) WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000. *TT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

NHTSA ID
11104039
Incident
Oct 15, 2017
Mileage
13,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 10, 2017

AFTER RIDING IN RAIN, ALL GAUGES( SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, ETC) BECAME INTERMITTENT. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. WATER BEHIND GAUGES, NOT JUST CONDENSATION.

NHTSA ID
10944224
Incident
Jan 1, 2017
Mileage
4,982 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 13, 2016

GAIL'S HARLEY DAVIDSON IN GRANDVIEW, MO. SOLD ME A NEW MOTORCYCLE THAT HAS A VERY SERIOUS EXISTING SAFETY RECALL .......... HD # 0169 NHTSA #16V-471. THIS IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW. PER HARLEY- DAVIDSON'S OWN WEBSITE, OF WHICH I HAVE COPIES, THE RECALL CAME OUT ON 7/8/2016 AND I PURCHASED MY MOTORCYCLE AND TOOK POSSESSION ON 7/17/2016......... I HAD SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS BEFORE I STOPPED RIDING THE BIKE ANY MORE; FOR INSTANCE I WAS ALMOST PULLED INTO AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE CLUTCH FAILED... IT DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE I GOT IT HOME AND PARKED IT IN MY GARAGE.

NHTSA ID
10906163
Incident
Jul 17, 2016
Mileage
300 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Sep 6, 2016

THE ELECTRICAL SWITCHES ON THE LEFT SIDE STOPPED WORKING. IT HAS LEFT ME WITHOUT INPORTANT SAFETY FEATURES LIKE HIGH BEAMS, LEFT BLINKER, AND HORN. CRUISE CONTROL AND VOLUME CONTROL ARE ALSO UNUSABLE. WHEN I TOOK IT INTO THE HARLEY DEALERSHIP IN FAIRFAX, VA THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING AT THE SHOP B/C IT WASN'T CURRENTLY "THROWING A CODE". IT HAS SINCE STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THE GUY AT THE SHOP SAID IT'S FAIRLY COMMON FOR THE SWITCH HOUSING TO GO OUT. THE KICKER, THEY SAID IT WOULD BE $100 JUST TO READ THE CODE (NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) AND IF THE PROBLEM WAS U SEE WARRANTY, THEY WOULD FIX IT. SEEM'S CRAZY THAT THE BIKE IS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD AND HAVING SAFETY ISSUES! NOTE: DATE GIVEN BELOW IS JUST AN ESTIMATE. NOT SURE OF EXACT DATE.

NHTSA ID
10904258
Incident
Aug 9, 2016
Mileage
1,000 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 Flhx by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026010—
2025210—
2024102041.2
2023000—
2022010—
2021010—
2020110—
2019000—
2018810—
2017520—
2016Viewing410—
2015320—
2014850—
2013600—
2012161042.1
2011182156.2
2010243148.6
2009283147.6
2008302251.7
2007200039.8
2006010—

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.