RoadVitals

2017 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.
7
Latest Nov 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.
2
Latest Oct 18, 2018
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

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhxs, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and suspension categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 76 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)342.9%
  • Engine228.6%
  • Suspension228.6%

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
18V734000

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Oct 18, 2018
177,636 units potentially affected
The defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Police Road King (FLHP), Road King (FLHR), Road King Special (FLHRXS), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited Shrine (FLHTK SHRINE), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Freewheeler (FLRT), Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG), CVO Limited (FLHTKSE) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE) motorcycles, 2017 Softail Slim S (FLSS), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS) and CVO Pro Street Breakout (FXSE) motorcycles, 2018 115th Anniversary Ultra Limited (FLHTK ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide (FLHX ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide Special (FLHXS ANX), 115th Anniversary Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG ANV), 115th Anniversary CVO Limited (FLHTKSE ANV) and CVO Road Glide (FLTRXSE) motorcycles. The secondary clutch actuator cylinder may leak fluid internally and the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch.
The risk: If the clutch cannot be disengaged it can result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a new secondary clutch actuator piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0173.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0173View on NHTSA.gov
17V333000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

May 22, 2017
45,589 units potentially affected
The defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2017 Electric Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Police Road King (FLHP), Road King (FLHR), Road King Special (FLHRXS), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), and Road Glide Special (FLTRXS) motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, a clamp used to secure an engine oil cooler line may have been improperly installed.
The risk: The incorrectly installed clamp may result in the engine oil cooler line detaching, causing a sudden loss of oil, potentially into the path of the rear tire, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the oil cooler line clamps, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2017. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0170.
Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyManufacturer number 0170View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Nov 17, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Harley Davidson Street Glide FLHXS. The contact stated that while riding at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a high RPM and then lost motive power. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: M1450 (Milwaukee-Eight Equipped Vehicles - Loss of Power or High Engine Braking). The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

NHTSA ID
11493945
Incident
Jan 1, 2017
Mileage
5,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 11, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE SPECIAL (FLHXS). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V734000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED SUPERSTITION HARLEY-DAVIDSON (5208, 2910 APACHE TRAIL, APACHE JUNCTION, AZ 85120, (480) 346-0600) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
11185911
Incident
Dec 11, 2018
Engine
Filed Feb 25, 2019

2017 HD ROAD GLIDE ULTRA MOTORCYCLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO HARLEY "NO DRIVE" RECALL 0173. *AS *TR

NHTSA ID
11175510
Incident
Oct 1, 2018
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 31, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE SPECIAL (FLHXS). THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V734000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED ROMMEL HARLEY-DAVIDSON DELMARVA (22586 SUSSEX HWY, SEAFORD, DE 19973, (302) 262-9152) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11164165
Incident
Nov 6, 2018
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 13, 2018
Crash reported

ON AUGUST 25TH, 2018, I LOST CONTROL OF MY HARLEY STREET GLIDE, WHILE STOPPED (CLUTCH ENGAGED). MOTORCYCLE FELL ON RIGHT SIDE CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH FAIRING AND SADDLE BAG. TWO MONTHS LATER, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM HARLEY (NOVEMBER 2018, MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER 0173) REGARDING THE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM WHICH ACCORDING TO THE RECALL COULD LEAD TO FAILURE "IF THIS CONDITION REMAINS UNDETECTED, IT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN STARTED IN GEAR, FIRST SHIFTED INTO GEAR, OR COMING TO A STOP." THIS DESCRIBE EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED IN MY INCIDENT (AS DESCRIBED ABOVE). ONCE I RECEIVED THIS RECALL INFO, I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED MY HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALERSHIP (ON NOVEMBER 15TH, 2018) WHERE I HAD PURCHASED IT. THEY CONFIRMED MY HARLEY STREET GLIDE WAS PART OF THE RECALL AND ON "THEIR LIST" BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART(S) TO FIX THIS (NEW SECONDARY ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY FROM THE RECALL KIT, P/N 91500093). I INQUIRED WHEN THIS PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE AND WHEN MY HARLEY WOULD BE REPAIRED, BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE A DATE TO GIVE ME. I ALSO CONTACTED HARLEY DAVIDSON'S HARLEY-DAVIDSON CUSTOMER CARE # 1-800-258-2464 AND WAS ADVISED THE SAME THING. IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION, THIS HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE IS IN UNSAFE CONDITION TO RIDE AND COULD CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE TO BOTH MOTORCYCLE AND RIDER/PASSENGER IF RIDDEN. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE BOTH CLUTCH (COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL) AS WELL AS THE DAMAGE IT HAS CAUSED TO BE REPAIRED IN A TIMELY AND PROMPT MANNER.

NHTSA ID
11161205
Incident
Aug 25, 2018
Mileage
4,300 mi
Suspension
Filed Sep 7, 2017

LEFT REAR SHOCK BLEW OUT LEAKING FLUID ALL OVER MY REAR TIRE AND DRIVE BELT. MY FATHER IN LAW HAS THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL AND BOTH REAR SHOCKS BLEW OUT ON HIM. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE HARLEYS PREMIUM SHOCK. I WAS RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED I NOTICED THE REAR END GOT VERY LOOSE PULLED OVER AND FOUND A SHOCK LEAKING

NHTSA ID
11022233
Incident
Sep 3, 2017
Mileage
4,450 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 6, 2017

TOOKA NEW 2017 STREET GLIDE SPECIAL BIKE IN FOR 1K SERVICE AND I WAS TOLD THE LEFT REAR SHOCK WAS LEAKING AND IT WOULD BE AVAL. IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. SO I HAD TO RIDE IT 25 MILES TO MY HOME. SEVERAL DAY LATER I CALLED AND SPOKE W/ CHIP THE SERVICE ADVISOR AND HE STATED THAT IS WAS STILL ON HAD NOT COME IN. CALLED THIS MORNING NOW I BEING TOLD 10 JULY. I ASKED TO SEE IF THEY COULD GET IT SOONER. BECAUSE I HAVE A ROAD TRIP ON THE 12 JULY AND THE MONIES ARE NONREFUNDABLE. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WAIT A WEEK OR MORE FOR PARTS FOR A BRAND NEW MOTORCYCLE.

NHTSA ID
11003427
Incident
Jun 6, 2017
Mileage
1,340 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.

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.

M1713

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1713 (REV C): DTII UPDATE PROCEDURE FOR SOFTWARE VERSION (26.4.3). PURPOSE: Revision C. This bulletin informs dealers that an issue was discovered in the Digital Technician II (DT II) software version (26.0.2), released on November 18, 2025. The issue prevents automatic software updates to be installed on your DT II computer. A manual installation of the latest DT II software version (26.4.3) will need to be performed if current DT II software version is (26.0.2), to allow future automatic updates. If a manual update to (26.1.5) or (26.3.2) has previously been completed, DT II will automatically update to (26.4.3) and no additional action is needed.. Revision C. Updated: Purpose for Service Bulletin and Required Dealer Action. Updated to Software Version (26.4.3).

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—
2017Viewing720—
2016610—
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.