2001 Harley-Davidson Flhr recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE CLIPS THAT RETAIN THE WIRING FOR THE FRONT FENDER TIP LIGHT CAN BECOME DETACHED FROM THE FENDER, CAUSING THE WIRES TO FRAY AND SHORT.
What could happen: THIS COULD CAUSE THE LIGHTING SYSTEM FUSE TO BLOW, LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN OPERATIONAL FRONT FENDER TIP LIGHT, HEADLIGHT, TAILLIGHT, RUNNING LIGHTS, AND PASSING LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED).
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FENDER TIP LIGHT WIRING HARNESS RETENTION CLIPS, AND INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, ANY DAMAGED WIRING HARNESSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A R…
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 2001 FLHR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V002000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-414-342-4680.
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE CLIPS THAT RETAIN THE WIRING FOR THE FRONT FENDER TIP LIGHT CAN BECOME DETACHED FROM THE FENDER, CAUSING THE WIRES TO FRAY AND SHORT.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE LIGHTING SYSTEM FUSE TO BLOW, LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN OPERATIONAL FRONT FENDER TIP LIGHT, HEADLIGHT, TAILLIGHT, RUNNING LIGHTS, AND PASSING LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED).
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FENDER TIP LIGHT WIRING HARNESS RETENTION CLIPS, AND INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, ANY DAMAGED WIRING HARNESSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680.
Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Steering (1), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
12/17/2008 · Engine
2001 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHR ROAD KING MOTORCYCLE WITH 15,500 MILES ON MOTOR HAD EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE OIL PUMP AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN EXPENSE OF OVER $500.00. THERE WAS EXCESSIVE SCORING ON THE PUMP CAMS WHICH MEANS METALS WITHIN THE ENGINE LOWER END HAVE CAUSED THE SCORING OF THE METAL PARTS OF THE OIL PUMP. *TR
10/01/2004 · Steering
I OWN A 2001 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHR, I HAD JUST TAKEN A TRIP FROM NORTH CAROLIN TO OHIO,WITH A FRIEND WHO WAS RIDING ALSO. HIS BIKE , A 2004 HALREY DAVIDSON FLHR. UPON OUR TRAVEL THROUGH THE WEST VIRGINIA TURNPIKE ON A COUPLE OF LONG SWEEPING CURVES, BOTH HE AN I EXPERIANCED A HIGH SPEED WOBBLE(TANK SLAPPER) NEEDLESS TO SAY THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I A…
04/13/2004 · Electrical system
WHILE RIDING MY 2001 HARLEY ROAD KING (FLHR) ON TWO SEPARATE TIMES AS WE WERE RIDING DOWN THE MOTOR DIED. PRIOR TO THAT ON THE FIRST TIME BEFORE WE STARTED OFF THE BIKE WOULD NOT START, I ONLY HEARD THE SOUND OF A RELAY CLICKING SO I PUT IN A NEW BATTERY AND IT STARTED, THEN WE TOOK OFF AND IT QUIT IN TRAFFIC. IT DID START AND WE RODE HOME. THEN A WEEK LAT…
08/07/2002 · Engine
DRIVE BELT SUDDENLY BROKE WHEN ACCELERATING IN 2ND GEAR. HAD RIDER PASSENGER IN MODERATE TRAFFIC.*AK