2018 Harley-Davidson Flhcs recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. A fastener securing the rear shock absorber may break and allow the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
What could happen: A loss of tire pressure can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the shock absorber fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0181.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 FLHCS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V591000 (manufacturer code 0181).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-258-2464.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2019 FLDE, 2018-2021 FLHC, 2018-2023 FLHCS, 2018 and 2023 FLHCS ANV, 2020-2023 FXLRS, 2022-2023 FXLRST, and 2022 FXRST Softail motorcycles. A fastener securing the rear shock absorber may break and allow the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
Consequence: A loss of tire pressure can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the shock absorber fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0181.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
2. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
What could happen: A sudden loss of tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0188. Some of the vehicles included in this recall were previously repaired under re…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 FLHCS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 25V375000 (manufacturer code 0188).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-258-2464.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Softail motorcycles. The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
Consequence: A sudden loss of tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0188. Some of the vehicles included in this recall were previously repaired under recall 23V591, and will need to have the new remedy completed.
Notes:
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhcs owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
06/19/2018 · Brakes
REAR BRAKES SQUEAL LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD ACROSS THE STREET. HAVE HAD COMPLETE BACK END REPLACED AND STILL SQUEALS. ALSO, OIL DRIBBLES OUT OF THE AIR FILTER. 2ND FLHCS WITH THESE PROBLEMS BOTH AT 1000 MILES.