RoadVitals

2014 Harley-Davidson Flhxs

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.
17
Latest Mar 15, 2020
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.
5
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
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 17 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2014 Harley-Davidson Flhxs, most frequently naming the brakes, driver assistance and powertrain (other) categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 36 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

  • Brakes423.5%
  • Driver assistance211.8%
  • Powertrain (other)211.8%
  • Engine211.8%
  • Exterior lighting211.8%
  • Other / unspecified211.8%
  • Electrical15.9%
  • Body & structure15.9%

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

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

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
15V216000

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Apr 13, 2015
106,966 units potentially affected
The defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) notified the agency on April 9, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Electra Glide Ultra Classic - Twin Cooled (FLHTCU TC), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low - Twin Cooled (FLHTCUL TC), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), and 2014 CVO Road King (FLHRSE) motorcycles. On July 31, 2015, Harley-Davidson expanded the recall to cover an additional 61,065 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 flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0165.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0165View 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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 17
Brakes
Filed Mar 15, 2020

WAS RIDING AND WHEN I WAS COMING TO A STOP THE FRONT BRAKES COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS COMPLETLY IMMOVABLE

NHTSA ID
11318094
Incident
Mar 14, 2020
Mileage
18,500 mi
Fuel system
Filed Dec 26, 2019

I FILLED THE GAS TANK AND RETURNED HOME. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, THE WIFE NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE GARAGE. I WENT OUTSIDE AND NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF GASOLINE WAS ON THE FLOOR. I STARTED INVESTIGATING AS TO WHY THIS OCCURRED. I WASN'T ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM, BUT NOTICED THAT WHEN I LIFTED THE FRONT OF THE TANK, THE LEAK WOULD STOP. I TOOK THE BIKE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND BETWEEN US WE DETERMINED A WELD ON THE FRONT OF THE TANK WAS THE LEAK. WE DRAINED APPROXIMATELY A GALLON AND A HALF OF FUEL OUT AND THE LEAK STOPPED. I CONTACTED TWO DEALERSHIPS AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE BIKE DOWN AND THEY WOULD CHECK IT, BUT DO TO THE AGE IT WOULD LIKELY NOT BE COVERED. I REMOVED THE TANK AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK WAS NOT SEALED (BARE SHEET METAL) AND IT WAS OBVIOUS THERE WAS GAP IN THE SHEET METAL INSIDE THE TANK, WHERE IT WAS LEAKING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK. I OBTAINED A TANK FROM A 2017 HD TOURING AND INSTALLED IT ON MY 2014. THE 2017 TANK WAS SEALED ENTIRELY ON THE INSIDE AND ONCE INSTALLED THERE WERE NO ISSUES. I DON'T KNOW WHY THE ORIGINAL TANK TOOK SO LONG TO LEAK NOR WHY IT JUST OCCURRED OUT OF THE BLUE. I HAVE FILLED THE TANK MANY TIMES AND NEVER HAD AN ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11291357
Incident
Dec 5, 2019
Mileage
8,646 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 18, 2018
Crash reported1 injury reported

I JUST GOT ON TO MY BIKE AND COMMING UP TO A CURVE AT THE END OF MY STREET I GRABBED MY FRONT BRAKE AND HAD NO BRAKE RESPONSE AT ALL. IT RESULTED IN ME CRASHING INTO A FENCE AT LOW SPEED. HARLEY HAS RECALLED THE ABS ON OLDER MODEL BIKES BUT MINE HAS THE SAME MODULE AS THOSE BIKES RECALLED. NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE ON 2014 BIKES YET.

NHTSA ID
11152324
Incident
Nov 18, 2018
Mileage
2,300 mi
Filed Jun 12, 2018

PURCHASED OUR 2014 STREET GLIDE SPECIAL ON APRIL 21, 2018. ON JUNE 11, 2018 THE PINS HOLDING THE RIGHT SADDLEBAG FAILED CAUSING THE SADDLEBAG TO FALL OFF. (WE ALWAYS CHECK BEFORE A RIDE!), LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. WE WERE DOING ABOUT 55 MPH ON A MOUNTAIN HWY GOING UPHILL AND ON A SLIGHT LEFT TURN. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED US THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PINS IN 2015 AND THAT OURS HAD BEEN REPLACED IN 2017. SO, NOT EVEN A YEAR LATER THE SAME ISSUE IS HAPPENING WITH THE RECALLED REPLACEMENT PINS? DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPLACE OUR SADDLEBAGS. BECAUSE IT'S A SPECIAL THEY ARE ASKING OVER $600 TO REPLACE THE BAG. WE'VE ONLY HAD THE BIKE 7 WEEKS.

NHTSA ID
11101456
Incident
Jun 11, 2018
Mileage
8,100 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 6, 2017

I RIDE 2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE. COMING HOME FROM WEEKEND RIDE. I STOPPED TO PUT ON WARMER CLOTHES, WHEN I GOT OFF FREEWAY, WENT TO DOWN SHIFT AND MY SHIFTER SHAFT AND SHIFTER ARM WERE STRIPPED OFF. I HADN"T TOUCHED MY SHIFTER FOR 200 MILES. I WAS LEFT STRANDED AND HAD TO CALL FOR A TOW. I WENT ON HARLEY WEBSITE THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM 2013 AND UP OF FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. HARLEY WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL WITCH I FILL IS THERE PROBLEM. BEING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IS DANGEROUS AND IRRESPONSIBLE ON HARLEYS PART. I HAVE HAD 4 OTHER HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES IN 35 YEARS RIDING AND HAVE NEVER BROKE DOWN. THIS IS CLEARLY BAD MANUFACTURING ON HARLEYS PART. AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WITH SOME KIND OFF RECALL TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHER RIDERS. WE RELY ON OUR BIKE TO GET US FROM POINT A TO POINT B. I FILL IT IS SOFT METAL OR HARDENING OF THE METAL USED. ARE WE SUPPOSE TO CARRY 2 EXTRA PARTS EVERY TIME WE GO RIDING I ONLY HAVE 8000 MILE ON MY BIKE IT COST ME 25,000 DOLLARS. I HOPE THIS CAN BE USED TO HELP US RIDERS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

NHTSA ID
11043718
Incident
Oct 30, 2017
Mileage
8,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 22, 2017

THE SPARK PLUG WIRE IN WEARING BY RUBBING AGAINST SOMETHING. I'VE SEEN THIS ON EVERY 2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON TOURING BIKE I'VE SEEN INCLUDING MINE. IT HASN'T WORN THROUGH YET BUT IT WILL SOONER OR LATER AND WHEN IT DOES IT WILL ARCH TO THE GAS TANK. I DIDN'T HEAR ABOUT THE PROBLEM UNTIL MY BIKE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HD IS REPLACING THOSE THAT ARE UNDER WARRANTY SO THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
10967851
Incident
Mar 22, 2017
Mileage
12,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 15, 2017

DURING A RIDE ON JANUARY 9, 2016, I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE SHIFTING MECHANISM ON MY 2014 HARLEY STREET GLIDE. THE SHIFTER WOULD MOVE FREELY AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS UNABLE TO DOWNSHIFT OR UPSHIFT AND WAS STUCK IN SECOND GEAR. I TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE HOUSE OF THUNDER HARLEY DAVIDSON MORGAN HILL, CA DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SHIFTER SHAFT SPLINES HAD STRIPPED AND THUS THEY REPLACED THE SHAFT UNDER WARRANTY AT 7,849 MILES. ON JANUARY 14, 2017, I WAS RIDING AND EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE SHIFTING MECHANISM. THIS TIME THE MOTORCYCLE WAS STUCK IN 5TH GEAR AND UNABLE TO BE MOVED INTO ANY OTHER GEAR. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED WITH 9,581 MILES. I DISASSEMBLED THE SHIFTING MECHANISM AND FOUND THAT THE SPLINES ON THE SHIFTER SHAFT HAD STRIPPED AGAIN. I CALLED THE HOUSE OF THUNDER HARLEY DAVIDSON MORGAN HILL, CA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS ISSUES WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURE'S WARRANTY.

NHTSA ID
10945406
Incident
Jan 14, 2017
Mileage
9,581 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 21, 2016

2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHXS FRONT SPARK WIRE RUBBING ON GAS TANK AND WEARING OFF THE INSULATION OF THE WIRE. PROBABLE CAUSE OF ERRATIC BEHAVIOR AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID
10908420
Incident
Sep 21, 2016
Mileage
40,000 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 Flhxs by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023000—
2022110—
2021210—
2020210—
2019400—
2018610—
2017720—
2016610—
2015620—
2014Viewing175045.8

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.