The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·18V076000·Announced 2018-01-29

Harley-Davidson Recalls ABS Motorcycles Due to Brake Fluid Deposits

Harley-Davidson is recalling 2008-2011 ABS-equipped motorcycles because brake fluid deposits may cause the ABS valve to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing crash risk.

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 in the braking system that reduces braking ability and increases the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury risk.

Plain-English summary

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is recalling approximately 174,636 motorcycles from model years 2008 through 2011. The recall covers specific Touring, CVO Touring, and V-Rod models equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), including the Road King, Electra Glide, Street Glide, Night Rod, and V-Rod Muscle.

The defect involves the formation of deposits on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule specified in the Owner's Manual. These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, which reduces braking ability and increases the risk of a crash.

Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTP, VRSCF, VRSCDXA, VRSCDX
Brand
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Manufacturer
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Motorcycle
Hazard
Affected units
174,636

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 (31)

  • FLHTP
  • VRSCF
  • VRSCDXA
  • VRSCDX
  • VRSCDA
  • FLTRX103
  • FLTRX
  • FLTRU103
  • FLTRSE3
  • FLHX103
  • FLHTCUSE6
  • FLHTC
  • FLHTCU
  • FLHTCUSE5
  • FLHT
  • FLHRSE4
  • FLHRC
  • FLHR
  • FLHPE
  • FLHP
  • FLHX
  • FLHRC103
  • FLTR
  • FLHTCUSE3
  • FLHTCUSE4
  • FLHTK
  • FLHXSE
  • FLTRUSE
  • VRSCAW
  • VRSCAWA
  • FLHXSE2

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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