Year: 2015 •Make: Harley-Davidson •Model: V-Rod Muscle (VRSCF) •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 5000 ⸻ Complaint Description: While riding my 2015 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle (VRSCF), the ABS warning light illuminated, and braking became erratic—soft one moment, abrupt the next. Diagnostics revealed a failure in the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), part number 40664-08A. This component is used across multiple V-Rod models from 2009–2015, including the Night Rod and VRSCDX, suggesting a widespread vulnerability. Similar owner-reported incidents highlight this isn’t isolated: •A V-Rod Muscle owner posted on Facebook: “the ABS is frozen!!!… front brake handle hard as a rock!!!” indicating a seized hydraulic unit.  •In a 2012 Night Rod, repeated ABS light faults were traced to a short sensor harness that caused an open circuit when the rear suspension compressed—highlighting potential design or routing flaws in the system.  Why this matters: A failing ABS HCU can severely impair braking safety, especially in emergencies or poor weather. Repair costs are steep—estimated over $1,000—and there is currently no recall addressing this known issue. I urge NHTSA to investigate whether a safety defect exists and determine if a recall is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11679791
- Incident
- Aug 3, 2025