RoadVitals

2016 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 Mar 17, 2022
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs, most frequently naming the fuel system, powertrain (other) and body & structure categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 51 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

  • Fuel system240.0%
  • Powertrain (other)240.0%
  • Body & structure120.0%

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

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

Fuel system
Filed Mar 17, 2022

I bought a 2016 Harley Street Glide Special in Dec. of 2021. The 2nd time I rode it, I was driving to work on a busy highway and with no warning, I lost the throttle (it went into what appears to be called Limp Mode. When you're on the highway doing 70 with cars doing the same or more, it's not safe to instantly have no throttle. I've read that it is supposed to be a safety feature, but it seems more hazardous to me than safe. I pulled over, waited a few minutes, then restarted it, and it was fine, for a while. Then a few days later, it did it again when I was sitting at a stop light. I turned the bike off, started it when the light turned green, and thankfully, it was fine. Recently, I rode it to work, and it did it again as I was pulling into the parking lot at work. While it was annoying, it wasn't that big of a deal. I basically idled it to my parking spot. Then, on the way home, it did it 3 times. Twice on the busy highway that I mentioned earlier and once on a crowded city street with no shoulder. Luckily, I was approaching an apartment complex when it happened, so I was able to pull in and not be stuck in the middle of the road. I have read that Harley is aware of the issue, because I've learned that this is not a rare thing. I feel like there should be a recall to correct this before someone gets seriously hurt or killed, if they haven't already. *No, I have not "Confirmed" this with a dealer. *No, the bike has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance rep. *When the issue occurs, the check engine light comes on, but not before it does it. There is no warning for you to start getting over and move towards the shoulder. You just have to hope that you are not in the left lane of 3 or 4 lanes when it hits, because you just might get run over if you are.

NHTSA ID
11457111
Incident
Mar 14, 2022
Body & structure
Filed Jun 13, 2017

PRIOR TO RIDING, I ALWAYS TIGHTEN THE SADDLEBAGS, AS ANOTHER FRIEND LOST THEIR SADDLE BAG ON THE HIGHWAY MONTHS PRIOR (SAME MODEL). WHEN EXITING THE INTERSTATE, THE RIGHT SADDLEBAG FELL TO THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE SADDLEBAG. THE BOLTS AUTOMATICALLY BACK THEMSELVES OUT, NO MATTER HOW FREQUENTLY YOU TIGHTEN THEM. I HAD ONLY GONE APPROX. 20 MILES ON THE INTERSTATE AFTER TIGHTENING, WHEN THEY BACKED OUT. NOT ONLY IS THE SADDLEBAG RUINED, IT'S A GREAT SAFETY RISK TO OTHER MOTORISTS WHO MAY HIT THE SADDLEBAG, OR THE SADDLEBAG MAY STRIKE THEIR AUTOMOBILE OR ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE.

NHTSA ID
10994911
Incident
May 28, 2017
Mileage
6,500 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 21, 2016

AT TIMES AT A DEAD STOP WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED ALL THE WAY IN, THE BIKE CREEPS FORWARD. THE CLUTCH DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. THIS HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT CAN CAUSE A INJURY OR WORSE. SOMETIMES THE CLUTCH WORKS CORRECTLY, SOMETIMES NOT.

NHTSA ID
10908524
Incident
Sep 21, 2016
Mileage
400 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 2, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHXS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, IT BECAME STUCK IN SECOND GEAR. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V471000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30.

NHTSA ID
10903258
Incident
Aug 7, 2016
Mileage
30 mi
Filed Aug 10, 2016

HARLEY DAVIDSON 2016 FLHXS, MOTORCYCLE SAT IDLE FOR 12 DAYS, CLUTCH FAILED TO PROPERLY ENGAGE BOTH AT IDLE, WHILE STOPPED AND SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I WAS IN TRAFFIC ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND ALSO CHECKED NHTSA DATA BASE AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF CURRENT RECALL, BUT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED THE SAME ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. I THINK THIS ISSUE AFFECTS MORE THAN JUST THE VEHICLES IDENTIFIED IN THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
10894751
Incident
Aug 10, 2016
Mileage
720 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 2, 2016

GAS CAP SWELLS UP TO A POINT WHERE IT CANNOT BE SCREWED BACK IN. I HAD FILED A COMPLAINT WITH HARLEY DAVISON AND NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT IT. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A NATIONWIDE PROBLEM BUT MY PROBLEM IS IF I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THERE COULD EITHER BE AN EXPLOSION OR A FIERY CRASH.

NHTSA ID
10892449
Incident
May 5, 2016
Mileage
1,100 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 Flhxs by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023000—
2022110—
2021210—
2020210—
2019400—
2018610—
2017720—
2016Viewing610—
2015620—
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.