The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·11V506000·Announced 2011-10-19

Harley-Davidson Recalls Touring Models Due to Rear Brake Light Switch Heat Exposure

Harley-Davidson is recalling certain 2009-2012 Touring, CVO Touring, and Trike vehicles because the rear brake light switch may be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect affecting brake performance and explicitly states that the condition may increase the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Touring, CVO Touring, and Trike vehicles manufactured between June 6, 2008, and September 16, 2011. The recall affects specific models including the FLHRC, FLHTCUSE6, FLTRU, and FLHTCUSE5, among others listed in the official notice.

The defect involves the rear brake light switch, which may be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system. This heat exposure can cause the switch to fail to activate the brake lamp, activate the brake lamp when the brake is not applied, or cause a brake fluid leak at the switch. These conditions can affect rear brake performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a rear brake light switch kit free of charge. The safety recall was expected to begin during October 31, 2011. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHRC, FLHTCUSE6, FLTRU, FLHTCUSE5
Brand
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Manufacturer
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY
Category
Vehicle — Motorcycle
Hazard
Affected units
250,757

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (26)

  • FLHRC
  • FLHTCUSE6
  • FLTRU
  • FLHTCUSE5
  • FLHT
  • FLTRXSE
  • FLHTP
  • FLHTCUSE7
  • FLHP
  • FLTRX
  • FLTRSE3
  • FLHTCUTG
  • FLHTCU
  • FLHX
  • FLHTC
  • FLHR
  • FLHXSE3
  • FLTR
  • FLHXSE2
  • FLTRUSE
  • FLHTK
  • FLHTCU103
  • FLHPE
  • FLHXXX
  • FLHTCUSE4
  • FLHXSE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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