2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2016 Electric Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS…
What could happen: When the engine is running and the motorcycle is in gear, if the clutch cannot be fully disengaged, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the clutch master cylinder for the presence of gas in the fluid, if so, the dealer will flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2016. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-…
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 2016 FLHXS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 16V471000 (manufacturer code 0169).
- 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: POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2016 Electric Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS), Softail Slim S (FLSS), and CVO Softail Pro Street Breakout (FXSE) motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch, especially if the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period of time.
Consequence: When the engine is running and the motorcycle is in gear, if the clutch cannot be fully disengaged, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the clutch master cylinder for the presence of gas in the fluid, if so, the dealer will flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2016. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0169.
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.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (2), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Body / structure (1), Unknown Or Other (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
03/17/2022 · Fuel system
I bought a 2016 Harley Street Glide Special in Dec. of 2021. The 2nd time I rode it, I was driving to work on a busy highway and with no warning, I lost the throttle (it went into what appears to be called Limp Mode. When you're on the highway doing 70 with cars doing the same or more, it's not safe to instantly have no throttle. I've read that it is sup…
06/13/2017 · Body / structure
PRIOR TO RIDING, I ALWAYS TIGHTEN THE SADDLEBAGS, AS ANOTHER FRIEND LOST THEIR SADDLE BAG ON THE HIGHWAY MONTHS PRIOR (SAME MODEL). WHEN EXITING THE INTERSTATE, THE RIGHT SADDLEBAG FELL TO THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE SADDLEBAG. THE BOLTS AUTOMATICALLY BACK THEMSELVES OUT, NO MATTER HOW FREQUENTLY YOU TIGHTEN THEM. I HAD ONLY GONE APPROX. 20 MILES ON…
09/21/2016 · Transmission / drivetrain
AT TIMES AT A DEAD STOP WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED ALL THE WAY IN, THE BIKE CREEPS FORWARD. THE CLUTCH DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. THIS HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT CAN CAUSE A INJURY OR WORSE. SOMETIMES THE CLUTCH WORKS CORRECTLY, SOMETIMES NOT.
09/02/2016 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHXS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, IT BECAME STUCK IN SECOND GEAR. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V471000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIA…
08/10/2016 · Unknown Or Other
HARLEY DAVIDSON 2016 FLHXS, MOTORCYCLE SAT IDLE FOR 12 DAYS, CLUTCH FAILED TO PROPERLY ENGAGE BOTH AT IDLE, WHILE STOPPED AND SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I WAS IN TRAFFIC ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND ALSO CHECKED NHTSA DATA BASE AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF CURRENT RECALL, BUT I HAVE ENCOUNTERE…
08/02/2016 · Fuel system
GAS CAP SWELLS UP TO A POINT WHERE IT CANNOT BE SCREWED BACK IN. I HAD FILED A COMPLAINT WITH HARLEY DAVISON AND NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT IT. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A NATIONWIDE PROBLEM BUT MY PROBLEM IS IF I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THERE COULD EITHER BE AN EXPLOSION OR A FIERY CRASH.