RoadVitals

2011 Harley-Davidson Fltru

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.
22
Latest Aug 7, 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 Oct 19, 2011
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 22 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Harley-Davidson Fltru, most frequently naming the steering, brakes and suspension categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 19 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

  • Steering726.9%
  • Brakes623.1%
  • Suspension311.5%
  • Other / unspecified27.7%
  • Tires & wheels27.7%
  • Electrical27.7%
  • Engine27.7%
  • Fuel system13.8%

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
11V506000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Oct 19, 2011
250,757 units potentially affected
The defect: HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 TOURING, CVO TOURING AND TRIKE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. SEE THE ABOVE LIST FOR THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
The risk: THE EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE THE SWITCH TO NOT ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP OR ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP WHEN NO BRAKE IS APPLIED AND/OR CAUSE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK AT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AFFECTING REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE. EITHER CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: HARLEY-DAVIDSON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL A INSTALL A REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KIT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 0145View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 22
Brakes
Filed Aug 7, 2022

riding down a hill i applied the brakes and come across some dirt on the road the anti lock brake activated so i did not skid about a half mile down the road was a stop sign when i applied therear brake again they did not work. There were no warning of the failure until i needed brakes,there were no warning lights before or after the failure . the ABS had to be replaced at a total cost of 1417.59 dollars . the brake system is now working fine after repair.

NHTSA ID
11477993
Incident
Jun 25, 2022
Brakes
Filed Mar 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU). The contact stated while riding at undisclosed speeds and attempting to apply the front brakes, the motorcycle failed to respond. The contact stated that the brake lever seized during the failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V076000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact was informed that the brake fluid needed to be flushed. While the mechanic was flushing the brake fluid, the contact was informed that the brake module needed to be replaced as well for the vehicle to operate as designed. The contact was informed that replacing the brake module was not included in the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

NHTSA ID
11456802
Incident
Jan 1, 2022
Mileage
31,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 18, 2021

ABS Module goes bad and completely disables brakes Very dangerous. Got on my bike only to have a rock hard pedal with no brakes. Harley should fix this for free.

NHTSA ID
11433448
Incident
Sep 8, 2021
Electrical
Filed Apr 16, 2018

THROTTLE BY WIRE IS NOT DEPENDABLE AND EXTREMELY UNSAFE . MY WIFE PURCHASED THE BIKE FOR ME IN 2011. I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH NO THROTTLE RESPONSE WHILE NEGOTIATING INTERSECTIONS AND WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I HAVE ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH UNCOMMANDED FULL THROTTLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON TEN DIFFERENT OCCASIONS . BIKE HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR OF THE TBW FIVE TIMES. IT IS CURRENTLY BACK IN SHOP FOR TBW ISSUES. TO DATE ECM, BATTTERY, TPS, ABS SENSORS, THROTTLE BODY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. OTHER RIDERS HAV HAD THE SAME ISSUES. I LOVE THE BIKE BUT NO LONGER FEEL SAFE RIDING IT NOT KNOWING HOW THE THROTTLE WILL RESPOND WITH THE NEXT TWIST. THE UNCOMMANDED FULL THROTTLE ISSUES WERE LUCKILY ALL WHILE NEGOTIATING LOW SPEED MANUEVERS IN PARKING AREAS AND WHILE PARKING IN THE GARAGE. LUCKILY AS WELL THE BIKES ARE STILL MANUAL SHIFT, WHICH SAVED ME FROM INJURY DURING THE UNCOMMANDED FULL THROTTLE EPISODES.

NHTSA ID
11088332
Incident
Apr 10, 2018
Brakes
Filed Sep 23, 2017

LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF FRONT BRAKES. BRAKE LEVER IS FROZEN OPEN AND IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DEPRESS TO SLOW OR STOP THE MOTORCYCLE. AFTER MUCH TROUBLESHOOTING, REPLACING BRAKE PARTS AND BLEEDING BRAKES, I WAS INFORMED OF A HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT PATTERN OF FAILURE, THE SYMPTOMS OF WHICH EXACTLY DESCRIBE MY SITUATION. THE REAR BRAKES OPERATE NORMALLY. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN USED FOR RECREATIONAL RIDING AND OWNED BY ME SINCE NEW. I DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE WHEN PREPARING FOR THE 2017 RIDING SEASON AND HAVE NOT HAD A SAFE, FUNCTIONAL MOTORCYCLE THIS YEAR.

NHTSA ID
11025189
Incident
May 12, 2017
Mileage
41,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 21, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLTRU MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT OF THE MOTORCYCLE EMITTED A TICKING NOISE AND VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT WHEEL COVER SEPARATED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,500.

NHTSA ID
11016547
Incident
Aug 20, 2017
Mileage
15,500 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 12, 2017

SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT.

NHTSA ID
10994390
Incident
Jun 10, 2017
Mileage
60,000 mi
Brakes
Filed May 16, 2016

WHILE LEAVING A PUBLIC PARKING GARAGE I ATTEMPTED TO STOP FOR THE CAR IN FRONT. FRONT BRAKE LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE NEARLY CAUSING ME TO RUN INTO THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE ABS MODULATOR. ..UPDATED 02/10/17 *BF *CN

NHTSA ID
10865252
Incident
May 2, 2016
Mileage
1 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.0.2): 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). New Software Update Version 26.0.2. Release Date: Week of November 18, 2025. New Features, Changes. 2026 Vehicles, 2025 Softail and LiveWire S2DM/MH/AP EV3. 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 (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 Fltru by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019110—
2018020—
2017320—
2016810—
2013100044.0
2012610—
2011Viewing221031.0
2010010—
2009600—

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.