RoadVitals

2017 Harley-Davidson Fltrxs

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.
8
Latest Oct 29, 2019
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Harley-Davidson Fltrxs, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 74 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)550.0%
  • Engine220.0%
  • Electrical110.0%
  • Fuel system110.0%
  • Transmission110.0%

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
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

Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 29, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL (FLTRXS) MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS VERY LOW AND FLUID WAS ERRONEOUSLY TRANSFERRED FROM THE TRANSMISSION INTO THE PRIMARY CHAIN CASE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. RED ROCK HARLEY-DAVIDSON (2260 S RAINBOW BLVD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89146) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ID
11271769
Incident
Oct 1, 2019
Mileage
30,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Feb 25, 2019

2017 HARLEY DAVIDSON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM. *LD *TR

NHTSA ID
11175534
Incident
Nov 5, 2018
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 6, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL (FLTRXS). THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V734000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. ROMMEL HARLEY-DAVIDSON DELMARVA (22586 SUSSEX HWY, SEAFORD, DE 19973) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 3608893. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11174682
Incident
Nov 19, 2018
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 16, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL (FLTRXS). 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 DALLAS HARLEY-DAVIDSON (334 W CENTERVILLE RD, GARLAND, TX 75041, (972) 270-3962) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11151999
Incident
Nov 5, 2018
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 30, 2018

FINALLY GOT THE BIKE BACK AFTER 7 DAYS IN THE SHOP. I WAS ENTERING THE HIGHWAY UNDER ACCELERATION AND THE BIKE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I MANAGED TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT GETTING RUN OVER. CALLED THE LOCAL HD DEALER FROM THE SHOULDER. WHEN I GOT OFF THE PHONE THE BIKE STARTED NORMALLY, SO I RODE IT DIRECTLY THERE WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THEY KEPT IT ALL WEEK TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR. IT WAS DELIVERED TO MY HOUSE 7 DAYS LATER AND ROLLED INTO THE GARAGE. STARTED TO TAKE IT OUT THE NEXT MORNING. GOT ABOUT 1 MI AWAY BEFORE IT WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT, TURNING LEFT. MADE IT TO THE GAS STATION ON THE CORNER WITHOUT GETTING HIT. CALLED HD. AGAIN BIKE STARTED NORMALLY WITH SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON. RODE IT TO THE SHOP. NOW THEY SAID ANOTHER CODE HAS BEEN REPORTED FOR THE TWIST GRIP SENSOR WHICH WAS ALREADY REPLACED AT ANOTHER HD DEALER ABOUT 1 HOUR FROM HERE. NOW THEY HAVE HAD IT 4 DAYS AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG IT WILL BE THIS TIME. THIS IS AT LEAST THE 5TH TIME I HAVE HAD THE BIKE IN FOR SERVICE DUE TO IT GOING INTO LIMP MODE PRIMARILY UPON ACCELERATION. EACH TIME THERE IS A DIFFERENT CODE. ONE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. AT THIS POINT I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG, BUT I DO THINK THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS MY PRIMARY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION, AND LATELY THE BIKE HAS SPENT MORE TIME IN THE SHOP THAN AT HOME.

NHTSA ID
11091079
Incident
Apr 27, 2018
Mileage
9,500 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLTRXS ROAD GLIDE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, AN OBJECT STRUCK THE VEHICLE AND FRACTURED THE OIL COOLER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HARLEY DAVIDSON (4000 N HWY 75, SHERMAN, TX 75090) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL COOLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE, BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124.

NHTSA ID
11041938
Incident
Oct 21, 2017
Mileage
124 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 20, 2017

ON 7/19/17, WHILE RIDING IN 85+ DEGREE HEAT, THE CLUTCH ON THE BIKE BEGAN TO OPERATE DIFFERENTLY THAN NORMAL, ENGAGING EARLIER AND EARLIER. (NORMALLY THE CLUTCH WILL NOT ENGAGE UNTIL THE LAST FEW DEGREES OF TRAVEL AT THE HAND LEVER.) AS TRAFFIC GREW AND BECAME MORE STOP AND GO, THIS BECAME WORSE AND WORSE UNTIL FINALLY, WITH THE CLUTCH LEVER PULLED ALL THE WAY BACK, THE BIKE CONTINUED TO MOVE UNDER ITS OWN POWER, EVEN WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. ONLY SWITCHING THE ENGINE OFF KEPT ME FROM HITTING THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. AFTER I GOT THE BIKE OFF TO THE SHOULDER, I STARTED IT AGAIN. THE CLUTCH LEVER FELT A LITTLE BETTER, BUT THE FIRST TIME I STARTED TO HAVE TO SLIP IT TO CONTROL MY MOVEMENT IN TRAFFIC, IT IMMEDIATELY FAILED AGAIN. BEING CLOSE TO HOME AT THIS POINT, I MERELY RODE HOME ON THE SHOULDER IN FIRST GEAR. THE BIKE WAS PICKED UP TODAY BY THE SELLING DEALERSHIP, SO WE WILL HAVE TO SEE WHAT THEY FIND. IT SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE THE TWO PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR CLUTCH ISSUES. AS A SIDE NOTE, I HAVE BEEN RIDING FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS, WITH OVER 200,000 MILES TO MY CREDIT, WITH NO ACCIDENTS OR ISSUES. THIS IS THE CLOSEST I HAVE EVER COME TO CRASHING A BIKE.

NHTSA ID
11006574
Incident
Jul 19, 2017
Mileage
1,550 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 18, 2017

THIS APPLIES TO HARLEY DAVIDSON 2017 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW M8 ENGINE. GEAR LUBRICANT WILL TRANSFER FROM THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION TO THE PRIMARY CASE OF THE ENGINE RESULTING IN THE OVERFILLING OF THE PRIMARY CASE AND ZERO LUBRICANT IN THE TRANSMISSION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING UP AND SLIDING THE REAR WHEEL DUE TO NO LUBRICATION IN THE TRANSMISSION. IF THIS HAPPENS DEATH OR SEVERE INJURY COULD OCCUR. IT ALSO IS A HUGE RELIABILITY ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION HAVING LESS GEAR LUBE THAN WHAT IT WAS DESIGNED FOR.

NHTSA ID
10995751
Incident
Apr 1, 2017
Mileage
2,500 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 Fltrxs by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023100—
2022310—
2021110—
2020210—
2019200—
2018610—
2017Viewing820—
2016121039.7
2015720—

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.