RoadVitals

2018 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.
6
Latest Jun 15, 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.
1
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 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrxs, most frequently naming the engine and powertrain (other) categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 84 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

  • Engine457.1%
  • Powertrain (other)342.9%

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
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

Recent owner complaints

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

EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 15, 2019

I WAS RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON A RURAL ROAD AND WAS TRYING TO SPEED UP. NOTICED BIKE HAD LOST ALL POWER AND FELT LIKE I WAS RUNNING INTO A 100MPH WIND AT 60 MPH. CHECK INGINE LIGHT CAME ON INFO BUTTON SAID LOW OIL. IT WAS FULL OF OIL 20 MILES PRIOR WHEN I TOOK OFF. I PULLED OVER IN A VERY UNSAFE AREA WITH 18 WHEELERS FLYING BY AT 60+ MPH AND CHECKED THE OIL THERE WAS BARELY ANY ON THE DIPSTICK. ALL THE OIL WAS PUMPED INTO THE CRANK CASE AND NOT BACK TO THE OIL PAN BOGGING DOWN THE MOTOR POTENTIALLY BURNING UP THE ENGINE AND ABSOLUTELY PUTTING MY LIFE IN HARM'S WAY, ESPECIALLY IN AN UNSAFE AREA. THIS PROBLEM CALLED "SUMPING" IS ABSOLUTELY AN UNSAFE CONDITION TO THE RIDER, THE ENGINE OF A $30,000 MOTORCYCLE AND POTENTIALLY A PASSENGER AS WELL. HARLEY DAVIDSON IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT CHOOSES TO ONLY FIX THE BIKES ON AN "AS NEEDED" BASIS INSTEAD OF A PREVENTATIVE FIX TO TRY AND KEEP PEOPLES LIVES SAFE. PLEASE HELP US, THE RIDERS, OUR PASSENGERS AND PROPERTY SAFE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

NHTSA ID
11220266
Incident
Jun 6, 2019
Mileage
5,008 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jan 30, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 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. INDIANAPOLIS SOUTHSIDE HARLEY-DAVIDSON (4930 SOUTHPORT CROSSING PL, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46237, (317) 885-5180) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE CONTACT WAS BEHIND 400 OTHER CONSUMERS WAITING FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. VIN PROVIDED HAS NO DISPLAYABLE RECORDS. VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE SHOULD BE ON OR BEFORE INCIDENT DATE.*JB

NHTSA ID
11173116
Incident
Oct 18, 2018
Mileage
1,985 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 7, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE SPECIAL (FLTRXS). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V734000 (POWER TRAIN) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED TOP ROCKET HARLEY-DAVIDSON (22107 SHERMAN WAY, CANOGA PARK, CA 91303, (818) 999-3355) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND WAS ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11156828
Incident
Oct 18, 2018
Engine
Filed Oct 25, 2018

I WAS DRIVING MY BIKE WHEN IT JUST CUT OFF AND I HEARD SOMETHING RATTLE. HARLEY PICKED UP MY BIKE BECAUSE I WAS STRANDED AND THEY SAID I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THEN A WEEK LATER AFTER PICKING THE BIKE UP THE BIKE CUT OFF AGAIN WHILE DRIVING AND NOW THEY SAID I NEED A NEW ENGINE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY WOULD I NEED A NEW ENGINE IF MY BIKE IS BRAND NEW OR A TRANSMISSION. THIS IS HORRIBLE AND EXTREMLY DANGEROS BECASUE I WAS ON A HIGHWAY BOTH TIMES.

NHTSA ID
11142630
Incident
Oct 21, 2018
Mileage
2 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 18, 2018

WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLE WENT TO PULL OUT IN TRAFFIC AND THE BIKE HAD NO ACCELERATION HAD JUST ENOUGH TO GET BIKE MOVING AND IN WAY OF OTHER VEHICLES. I WAS ABLE TO NARROWLY GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT GETTING HIT OTHER CAR MISSED US BY JUST A COUPLE OF FEET .WHILE TALKING WITH THE DEALER THEY STATED THEY HAVE 3 OTHER BIKES DOING THE SAME AND DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG.

NHTSA ID
11141185
Incident
Oct 14, 2018
Mileage
2,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 21, 2018

NOTHING HAS HAPPENED TO ME, HOWEVER , HARLEY HAS BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THEIR NEW MILWAUKEE EIGHT ENGINES" ( SERVICE BULLETIN , 1450 ) THE PROBLEM CENTERS AROUND AN ISSUE CALLED OIL SUMPING. THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO MIS-DIRECT THE OIL INTO THE CRANKCASE ,MAKING THE FLYWHEEL HAVE TO TURN THROUGH THE OIL ,CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SLOW DOWN, AND/OR STALL . THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT WOULD HAPPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED. IT HAS BEEN SHOWN TO HAPPEN ON STOCK MOTORCYCLES, AS WELL AS THOSE EQUIPPED WITH PERFORMANCE KITS FROM HARLEY. AGAIN, I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM, BUT ALSO DON'T WANT TO! HARLEY HAS NOW TRIED A FEW NEW DIFFERENT OIL PUMPS, SO THERE'S PROOF THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM, AND KNOW ABOUT IT ! THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US SAFE.

NHTSA ID
11089192
Incident
Apr 15, 2018

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.

M1490

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.4.3): 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 26.4.3 Release Date: Week of February 25, 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). Refer to bulletin M1713 for instructions. New Features: Support for 2026 LiveWire Vehicles, LiveWire S2 Vehicle Status: Display notification when vehicle has unconfigured Electro Hydraulic Control Unit (EHCU) module, Vehicle Setup: New operation to support Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) / EHCU Correction, Reflash: Enabled EHCU calibrations for vehicles previously ineligible for update, requiring ABS / EHCU Correction to be performed. 2021–2025 Pan America (RA1250), Pan America S (RA1250S), Pan America ST (RA1250ST), CVO Pan America (RA1250SE): Reflash – Updated Electronic Control Module (ECM) software calibration to improve quick shifter performance. Changes: Infotainment Control Unit (IFCU) Customization – Correct issue where speakers were improperly configured.

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—
2018Viewing610—
2017820—
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.