2021 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. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. Please refer to Addendum A for specific vehicle model details. Due to a software error, the brake lights may illuminate without the rider applying the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
What could happen: Unintended illumination of the brake lights may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software on Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. On Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles, a new pressure switch will also be installed. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2022. 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 2021 FLHXS.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 22V781000 (manufacturer code 0635).
- 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: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Trike and CVO Trike and 2020-2022 Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. Please refer to Addendum A for specific vehicle model details. Due to a software error, the brake lights may illuminate without the rider applying the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Unintended illumination of the brake lights may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software on Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. On Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles, a new pressure switch will also be installed. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0635.
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.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2021 Harley-Davidson Flhxs owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (1), Electrical system (1), Brakes (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
04/18/2025 · Vehicle Speed Control
This is my second report on 2021 street glide special. Bike goes into limp mode whenever it wants to. This has happened at idle at a light, driving 25 MPH in town and running at 65 MPH on the freeway. Bike was at the dealer for a month in 2022 and they claimed nothing was wrong. The first time was at 13,000 miles, Bike is currently at 28,000 and problem st…
08/31/2023 · Electrical system
The bike randomly goes into limp mode. When codes are pulled they are always the same ECM and ABS codes. Took the bike to Harley Dealer they said they couldn't find anything wrong and couldn't duplicate it. It's happened four times now. Leaving a stoplight and entering a freeway are two examples. There is no warning before going into limp mode.