RoadVitals

2015 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.
6
Latest Jul 3, 2017
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.
2
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.
2
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhxs, most frequently naming the powertrain (other) and engine categories. 2 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

  • Powertrain (other)375.0%
  • Engine125.0%

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

2 campaigns 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
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

Recent owner complaints

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

Filed Jul 3, 2017

ON 7/2/17 I WAS RIDING ON HIGHWAY 13 TRAVELING 50-55 MILES PER HOUR AND GOING INTO A GENTLE CURVE HEADING TO CLINTON, MO. FOR LUNCH WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS. MY RIGHT SADDLEBAG CAME OFF THE BIKE AND SLIDE ACROSS THE ASPHALT ROAD INTO A GRASSY AREA. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN BAD SINCE THERE WERE FIVE (5) BIKES BEHIND ME, I TURNED AROUND AS DID SOME OF THE OTHER TO GO BACK TO GET WHAT WAS LEFT OF MY BAG AND CONTENTS. ON SATURDAY 7/1/17 I HAD MY BIKE IN THE SHOP FOR IT'S 20,000 MILE SERVICE AND TOLD THEM TO CHECK EVERYTHING OUT REALLY GOOD BECAUSE I AM LEAVING ON A TRIP TO SOUTH DAKOTA IN TWO (2) WEEKS; USUALLY THEY CHECK EVERY NUT, BOLT AND CABLE TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE IN GOOD CONDITION AND WORKING ORDER, I DON'T KNOW IF THEY CHECK THIS OR NOT, BUT AFTER I TOLD THE DEALERSHIP (OUTLAW HARLEY-DAVIDSON IN BLUE SPRINGS, MO) WHAT HAPPEN AND FELT THAT THEY SHOULD REPLACE THE SADDLEBAG AS I DON'T TAKE THEM OFF I ONLY HAVE THEM DO THAT WHEN THEY DO SERVICE AND/OR WASH THE BIKE FOR ME. THE GENERAL MANGER OF THIS DEALERSHIP GAVE ME THE IMPRESSION THEY AREN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME, BUT AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I SAW THAT HARLEY HAS A RECALL ON SOME MODELS (MINE IS LISTED FLHXS EVEN THOUGH WHEN I TYPED IN THE VIN# IT STATED NO RECALLS) I FEEL THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD FIX AND/OR REPLACE THE DAMAGED BAG AND PINS THAT HOLD THEM ON..

NHTSA ID
11002909
Incident
Jul 2, 2017
Mileage
19,580 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 24, 2016
Crash reported

CLUTCH FAILED TO DISENGAGE. I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY. I HAD JUST ROLLED MY MOTORCYCLE OUTTA THE GARAGE. STARTED THE MOTORCYCLE IN NEUTRAL AND THAT'S WHEN IT LEAPED FORWARD WITH A VIOLENT JERKING MOTION AND WOULDN'T STOP. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO KEEP HANGING ONTO THE RIGHT HAND BRAKE LEVER UNTIL IT ULTIMATELY KILLED THE ENGINE AND STOPPING THE MOTORCYCLE. THE DEALER HAS ESTIMATED THE DAMAGE TO BE OVER $9200...!!! IT HAS HAD ALL RECALLS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED.

NHTSA ID
10927753
Incident
Nov 11, 2016
Mileage
15,062 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 25, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHXS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE CAUSING IT TO RUN OFF OF THE ROAD AND FLIP THE CONTACT OFF OF THE MOTORCYCLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH THERE WERE INJURIES SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, HOWEVER IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V216000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10806758
Incident
Aug 10, 2015
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 17, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHXS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V216000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
10764540
Incident
Apr 14, 2015
Filed Aug 10, 2015

STARTED THE MOTORCYCLE IN NEUTRAL. WHEN I PULLED IN THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH AND PUT THE BIKE IN 1ST GEAR, THE BIKE TOOK OFF. THE CLUTCH WAS COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE AND I BARELY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT. I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE BIKE BY SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES AND SHUTTING THE BIKE OFF. THE BIKE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AS IT IS NOT SAFE TO RIDE. WHEN THE DEALER RAN THE VIN TO SEE IF IT WAS PART OF THE 2014-2015 FLHXS THAT ARE RECALLED...IT CAME UP AS NOT PART OF THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
10747700
Incident
Aug 7, 2015
Mileage
398 mi
Engine
Filed May 13, 2015
1 injury reported

EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM A DEFECTIVE ENGINE DESIGN HAS CAUSED SEVERAL BURNS TO RIGHT LOWER LEG. REAR CYLINDER CREATES EXCESSIVE HEAT WHICH FORCES OPERATOR TO ASSUME UNSAFE SITTING POSITIONS TO AVOID ENGINE HEAT, WHICH RIGHT LEG IS ALWAYS EXPOSED TO WITH NO CHOICE DUE TO VEHICLE CONTROLS.

NHTSA ID
10716123
Incident
Apr 20, 2015
Mileage
50 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

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.

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.

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—
2015Viewing620—
2014175045.8

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.