2012 Harley-Davidson Fltru 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. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. SEE THE ABOVE LIST FOR THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
What could happen: THE EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE THE SWITCH TO NOT ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP OR ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP WHEN NO BRAKE IS APPLIED AND/OR CAUSE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK AT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AFFECTING REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE. EITHER CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: HARLEY-DAVIDSON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL A INSTALL A REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KIT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
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 2012 FLTRU.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 11V506000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-414-343-4056.
- 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:SWITCH
Summary: HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 TOURING, CVO TOURING AND TRIKE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. SEE THE ABOVE LIST FOR THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Consequence: THE EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE THE SWITCH TO NOT ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP OR ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP WHEN NO BRAKE IS APPLIED AND/OR CAUSE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK AT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AFFECTING REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE. EITHER CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: HARLEY-DAVIDSON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL A INSTALL A REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KIT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Notes: HARLEY-DAVIDSON SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 0145. CUSTOMERS OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2012 Harley-Davidson Fltru owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Steering (2), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Wheels / tires (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)
09/12/2014 · Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU MOTORCYCLE. WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT END VIBRATED AND THE MOTORCYCLE WOBBLED. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER W…
08/12/2014 · Wheels / tires
MY DUNLOP FRONT TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO "DRY ROT" ON THE SIDE WALL. IT IS ON A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE FLHX WITH ONLY 11800 MILES ON IT. MY DEALER SAID THAT IT IS THE SECOND ONE THAT HE HAS SEEN ON A STREET GLIDE IN THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. I WAS ADVISED BY MY MECHANIC NOT TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT COULD BE REPLACED. *TR
10/03/2012 · Engine
COMPENSATOR SHOWED SEVERE WEAR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
08/13/2012 · Steering
COMING TO A SLOW CONTROLLED STOP AT A RED LIGHT. AS THE BIKE DECELERATED THROUGH 40 MILES PER HOUR THE HANDLES BARS SHOOK, SIDE TO SIDE, OUT OF MY HANDS. MY BIKE IS A US MODEL NOW IMPORTED TO CANADA. HARLEY SAYS THEY HAVE NO WARRANTY COVERAGE BECAUSE OF THIS AND WILL NOT ADDRESS ANY WARRANTY OR SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR
08/01/2012 · Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST WAS OVERHEATED AND THE ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE OVERHEATED AS WELL. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ALSO OFFER…
10/22/2011 · Steering
AT APPROXIMATELY 45-35MPH, WHEN DECELERATING, THE FRONT END WOBBLES VIOLENTLY, TO THE POINT WHERE YOU MUST HAVE YOUR HANDS FIRMLY ON THE BARS TO CONTROL IT. FIRST NOTICED WHEN BIKE WAS IN 3RD GEAR, LET OFF THROTTLE WHILE CRUISING TO STOP AND USED BOTH HANDS TO ZIP UP JACKET; NEARLY CRASHED AS IT WOBBLED ME TOWARDS CENTER LANE. WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE NEARLY E…