2018 Harley-Davidson Flde

Recalls

2 recalls name the 2018 Harley-Davidson Flde. Newest first.

• Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber

  Jun 6, 2025NHTSA 25V37500082,117 vehicles

  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.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  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.

  Full recall details →

• Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber

  Aug 22, 2023NHTSA 23V59100065,224 vehicles

  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…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  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.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Power train2
2. Service brakes2
3. Exterior lighting1
4. Suspension1
5. Unknown or other1

Latest complaints

• Sep 2, 2025DE
  Suspension · Unknown or other
  My 2018 Harley Softail was repaired .The rear shock adjuster bolt was broken 11/1/2018 at 1500 mile this was before the recalls.Then it was repaired again with the recall 2/6/24 it was broken again.My bike was then repaired again on 7/29/25 for the recall .It was broken at the time again. On…

  My 2018 Harley Softail was repaired .The rear shock adjuster bolt was broken 11/1/2018 at 1500 mile this was before the recalls.Then it was repaired again with the recall 2/6/24 it was broken again.My bike was then repaired again on 7/29/25 for the recall .It was broken at the time again. On 8/25/25 I was riding home I felt a large bang to the rear and thought I had been hit.I was going slow I was able to handle the bike.I pulled to the shoulder and realized it was the shock adjuster again.I took my bike to Harley 8/30 with all my paperwork.Where it is now.I can visibly see my rear fender is pushed it to the tire.This is 4X the same defect.I could have been killed.Wondering how many have been killed or hurt for this very defect??? That is why I'm filing this report and calling Harley.

• Nov 1, 2022TX
  Exterior lighting · Service brakes

  Faulty front brake light switch causes the brake light to remain on all the time. Comon failure and the part is on back order for two months. Issue has been confirmed by dealer.

• Mar 21, 2019TX3,000 mi
  Power train

  My motorcycle was recalled for a potentially life threatening condition. Fluid could leak past the clutch reservoir and cause the drive train to stay engaged and you cant shift out of gear causing you to crash. This IS march 21, 2019 and I am 123 customers away from the harley dealership from having parts to fix my bike.

• Feb 23, 2019FL2,400 mi
  Service brakes
  2018 harley davidson softail deluxe 2400 miles. was riding at lunch heading back to work, on a city street came to a intersection the lights were turning red went to apply my front brakes and they went from working with no issues or signs of issues to complete fail of the front brakes pulled off…

  2018 harley davidson softail deluxe 2400 miles. was riding at lunch heading back to work, on a city street came to a intersection the lights were turning red went to apply my front brakes and they went from working with no issues or signs of issues to complete fail of the front brakes pulled off the road into a ditch while applying my rear brakes to avoid from going out into traffic. note: bike was manufactured in november of 2018 from harley they tried to claim the issue was my fault that the brakes failed due to improper care of the unit. harley said I should have bleed my brakes that it IS recommended every two years... the bike IS 15 months old well under the 24 month recommendation for the brake flush and IS never left outside or driven in the rain and IS always in a garage or ware house while at home or work. they will cover under warranty but I do not feel safe on this bike!

• Jan 9, 2019LA1,600 mi
  Power train

  I received a recall notice on november 5TH 2018 and still cannot get the dealer to fix the recall issue, it IS now january 9TH 2019

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11010221WARRANTY BULLETIN W146 (REV B): TIRE TREAD DEPTH GUIDE-UPDATE. PURPOSE: [Revision B. Updated: Tire Tread Depth Guide. Add tire part numbers 43200063 and 43200038A.] To provide tire tread depth specifications for the dealership network to consult when filling warranty claims on used tires. Please see the Warranty Manual of your region for tire policy guidelines. Updated: Tire Tread Guide. Add tire part number 43100038B. Update tire tread depth, adjustment and reimbursement.
• 11010215SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV F): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: [Revision F. Added: Added video link for the DCA-8000 Battery Tester. Added: Supplemental Procedure Video.] This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines for battery warranty.
• 11010212SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV F): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: [Revision F. Added: Added video link for the DCA-8000 Battery Tester. Added: Supplemental Procedure Video.] This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines for battery warranty.
• 11008736SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV E): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: Revision E. Added: Added procedures for the DCA-8000 E Battery Tester.* Updated: All sections. This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines for battery warranty.
• 11007544SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.8.8): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 24.8.8. Release Date: Week of August 5, 2024. New Features for Harley-Davidson vehicles: Advanced Module Replace for 2021 and later Revolution Max; 2023 and later CVO Touring; and 2024 Street Glide (FLHX), Road Glide (FLTRX). New Features for LiveWire vehicles: Updated calibrations for 2024 S2DM EV1/ EV6; 2024 S2MH EV1; and 2024 S2DM, S2MH. Changes: Added Hand Control Module (HCM) (Part No. 71500522A and 71500536A) for reflash support.
• 11005514GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1158: OIL FILTER PACKAGING AND CASE QUANTITY UPDATE. PURPOSE: To inform dealerships that Harley-Davidson has made updates to oil filters including new part numbers, packaging design, and bulk case quantity changes.
• 11001293SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.6.4): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has made a software update to Digital Technician II (DT II). DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650). Version 24.6.4. Release Date: Week of May 1, 2024. New Features for LiveWire S2DM and S2MH, 2024 Revolution Max, and 2024 Touring.
• 10254115SERVICE BULLETIN M1612 (REV A): MILWAUKEE-EIGHT AND TWIN CAM TRANSMISSION GEAR PACKS. Purpose: Revision. Update: Notes for Table 3 and 4. * Updated: Part Numbers. This bulletin informs dealers that all: Twin Cam gear packs on CVO, Dyna, Police, Softail, Touring & Trike models and Milwaukee-Eight gear packs on CVO, Police, Softail, Touring & Trike models ordered after December 04, 2023 will not come with the shift drum, forks, shafts and related hardware. Models Affected: 2006-2017 Twin Cams: Dyna models 2007-2016 Twin Cams: CVO, Police, Touring and Trike models 2007-2017 Twin Cams: Softail models 2017-2024 Milwaukee-Eight: CVO, Police, Touring and Trike models 2018-2024 Milwaukee-Eight: Softail models
• 10248400GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1144: 2021-2022 SCREAMIN' EAGLE STAGE I (CARB) EO APPROVALS. PURPOSE: Revision. To inform California dealers about the new California Air Resources Board (CARB) approvals for select 2021-2022 Harley-Davidson vehicles. Summary: Various Screamin' Eagle Air Cleaner Kits and Stage I calibrations have been approved for sale on select 2021 and 2022 Harley-Davidson models. Please see the table below that indicates which part numbers should be ordered for what models. Revision: Refer to Summary. Update non-Bluetooth calibrations availability.
• 10248398SERVICE BULLETIN M1612: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT AND TWIN CAM TRANSMISSION GEAR PACKS. Purpose: This bulletin informs dealers that all: Twin Cam gear packs on CVO, Dyna, Police, Softail, Touring & Trike models and Milwaukee-Eight gear packs on CVO, Police, Softail, Touring & Trike models ordered after December 04, 2023 will not come with the shift drum, forks, shafts and related hardware. Note: Resubmission is a correction to Selected Products Section of Transaction ID 24MC44619, NHTSA ID 10248397. Models Affected by M1612 to include only: 2006-2017 Twin Cams: Dyna models 2007-2016 Twin Cams: CVO, Police, Touring and Trike models 2007-2017 Twin Cams: Softail models 2017-2024 Milwaukee-Eight: CVO, Police, Touring and Trike models 2018-2024 Milwaukee-Eight: Softail models
• 10248397SERVICE BULLETIN M1612: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT AND TWIN CAM TRANSMISSION GEAR PACKS. Purpose: This bulletin informs dealers that all: Twin Cam gear packs on CVO, Dyna, Police, Softail, Touring & Trike models and Milwaukee-Eight gear packs on CVO, Police, Softail, Touring & Trike models ordered after December 04, 2023 will not come with the shift drum, forks, shafts and related hardware.
• 10245706GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1144: 2021-2022 SCREAMIN' EAGLE STAGE I (CARB) EO APPROVALS. PURPOSE: To inform California dealers about the new California Air Resources Board (CARB) approvals for select 2021-2022 Harley-Davidson vehicles. Summary: Various Screamin' Eagle Air Cleaner Kits and Stage I calibrations have been approved for sale on select 2021 and 2022 Harley-Davidson models. Please see the table that indicates which part numbers should be ordered for what models.
• 10244933GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1143: SCREAMIN EAGLE CARB APPROVALS. PURPOSE: To inform California dealers about the new California Air Resources Board (CARB) approvals. Screamin' Eagle Quickshifter and Screamin' Eagle Extreme Flow 55mm Intake Manifold.
• 10244929SERVICE BULLETIN M1611: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT TRANSMISSION SHIFT DRUM UPDATE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers of a transmission shift drum running change to all variants of the Milwaukee-Eight powertrain. Starting on October 4, 2023 all Milwaukee-Eight CVO, Police, Softail, Touring and Trike models will be assembled using a common shift drum. The new shift drum (Part No. 33900265) is replacing the old shift drum (Part No. 33900172). The new shift drum was developed to include the "D" shaft on the end to interface with the Gear Position Sensor on 2023 CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE) and Road Glide (FLTRXSE). For all other Milwaukee-Eight models, the bearing door has been modified by adding a pocket to accept the "D" shaft of the new shift drum.
• 10242146GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1142 (REV A): SCREAMIN EAGLE X OHLINS SPECIALTY TOOLS FOR SOFTAIL FORK KIT(S). PURPOSE: To inform dealerships about the hlins specialty tools that are required for the installation of the Front Fork Kit(s) on 2018-later Softail models.
• 10242096SERVICE BULLETIN M1600: 2023 MILWAUKEE EIGHT OIL PAN FASTENER CHANGE. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that there is a running change for the oil pan fastener on all Milwaukee-Eight powered Softail and Touring models. As of Monday July 31, 2023, Powertrain Operations (PTO) in Menomonee Falls, WI is building all Milwaukee-Eight Softail and Touring powertrain models with new oil pan fasteners (Part No. 12600369). The old fasteners (Part No. 4741A) will still remain available for dealer purchase. The oil pans for the Softail and Touring models were updated to accept the new fastener geometry. Their Part Numbers have been superseded to (-A). Touring will be (Part No. 24400180A) and Softail will be (Part No. 24400208A). The new fastener will not fit with an old oil pan but the old hardware will still be available for dealer purchase. The old fastener CAN be used with a new (-A) oil pans. The fastener torque has not been changed.
• 10235272SERVICE BULLETIN M1586: SCREAMIN' EAGLE OIL PUMP INCORRECTLY MACHINED. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has found a quality issue with the Screamin' Eagle Oil Pump and how to check inventory for this condition. Markets Affected: Worldwide
• 10228742SERVICE BULLETIN M1507: LOW/NO CHARGING DIAGNOSTICS. Revision. PURPOSE: To inform the dealers of updated and new symptom-based diagnostics for the low or no charging symptom. Motorcycles Affected: 2017-2023 Touring and Trike platform; 2018-2023 Softail platform. Required Dealer Action: Use the new diagnostics on all affected platforms. View current electronic version of the Electrical Diagnostic Manual (EDM) at https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com.
• 10210131SERVICE BULLETIN M1535: SERVICE MANUAL AND ISHEET HANDLEBAR INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS UPDATE: MODULAR BRAKE LINE KITS. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has identified incorrect information in the 2018-2021 Softail Service Manuals. These errors have been corrected and are visible on Service Information Portal (SIP).
• 10210129SERVICE BULLETIN M1507: LOW/NO CHARGING DIAGNOSTICS. Revision. PURPOSE: To inform the dealers of updated and new symptom-based diagnostics for the low or no charging symptom on affected platforms. Required Dealer Action: Use the new diagnostics on all affected platforms. Replace the LOW OR NO CHARGING symptom based diagnostic in the electrical diagnostic manual with the updated and new sections.
• 10202127SERVICE BULLETIN M1535: SERVICE MANUAL UPDATES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has identified incorrect information in the 2018- 2021 Softail Service Manuals. These errors have been corrected and are visible on Service Information Portal (SIP). Update 3 sections of the Softail Service Manuals. Each correction specifies which model year is needed for the update. Follow the updated service procedures available in SIP and replace printed Softail Service Manual content: 3.15 Brake Line: Front Master Cylinder (ABS) 2018 - 2021 Softail Service Manuals; 3.21 Steering Head/Fork Stem and Bracket Assembly - 2021 Service Manual; 3.20 Front Fork - FXLRS 2021 Service Manual.
• 10195169Harley-Davidson is aware of conditions that may result in a streaking appearance or film residue on the inside of some instrument gauges including speedometer and tachometers. This may occur after exposure of the vehicle to humid conditions. This condition may remain even after the moisture has evaporated.
• 10193488Harley-Davidson is aware of conditions that may result in a streaking appearance or film residue on the inside of some instrument gauges including speedometer and tachometers. This may occur after exposure of the vehicle to humid conditions. This condition may remain even after the moisture has evaporated.
• 10180723GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1105: SCREAMIN' EAGLE CALIBRATIONS & SMART TUNE UPDATES. PURPOSE: To inform dealers, that new Screamin Eagle calibrations are now available for 49 State application. These calibrations are for the launched Touring (119/122 ci) Stage III Kits and Softail (128/131ci) Stage IV Kits/Crate. Smart Tune software program enhancements within latest software release. Screamin' Eagle Smart Tune software program has been enhanced to allow for more advanced data acquisition over a broader range.
• 10180722GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1103: SCREAMIN' EAGLE - NEW STAGE KIT CALIBRATION AVAILABILITY. PURPOSE: Revision. To inform dealers of Screamin Eagle calibrations delayed availability. This delay covers the new Touring (119/122 ci) Stage III Kits and Softail (128/131 ci) Stage IV Kits/Crate. The Screamin Eagle team expects to have all necessary 49-State calibrations by September 14, 2020.
• 10180720SERVICE BULLETIN M1450: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT EQUIPPED VEHICLES - LOSS OF POWER OR HIGH ENGINE BRAKING. PURPOSE: Revision. 2017 - 2019 model motorcycles equipped with a Milwaukee-Eight engine can experience a condition known as sumping during extended periods at high rpm or under heavy engine load. This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for determining if sumping is occurring.
• 10179456GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1104: HIGH-FLOW EXHAUST SYSTEM FITMENT UPDATE. PURPOSE: To inform dealers of Screamin Eagle Touring High-Flow Exhaust System is now a 49-State compliant fitment for the 128/131 ci Stage IV Kit and 131ci Crate Engine. This exhaust system was designed in parallel with the 131 ci Crate engine for optimal performance while maintaining legal on-road use.
• 10179454GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1093: NEW 2020.5 SCREAMIN' EAGLE PRODUCT UPDATES. PURPOSE: Revision. To inform dealers of additional Screamin Eagle 128/131 Stage IV Kit and 131 Crate Engine information.
• 10179451GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1103: SCREAMIN' EAGLE - NEW STAGE KIT CALIBRATION AVAILABILITY. PURPOSE: To inform dealers of Screamin Eagle calibrations delayed availability. This delay covers the new Touring (119/122 ci) Stage III Kits and Softail (128/131 ci) Stage IV Kits/Crate. The Screamin Eagle team expects to have all necessary 49-State calibrations by September 07, 2020.
• 10179447GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1104: HIGH-FLOW EXHAUST SYSTEM FITMENT UPDATE. PURPOSE: To inform dealers of Screamin Eagle Touring High-Flow Exhaust System is now a 49-State compliant fitment for the 128/131 ci Stage IV Kit and 131ci Crate Engine. This exhaust system was designed in parallel with the 131 ci Crate engine for optimal performance while maintaining legal on-road use.
• 10177089SERVICE BULLETIN M1517: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT ENGINE - CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. PURPOSE: To notify dealers of a Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor change for 2017-2020 vehicles equipped with a Milwaukee-Eight (MKE-8) powertrain.
• 10173477SERVICE BULLETIN M1510: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT ENGINE - NEW OIL FILTER. REVISION. PURPOSE: To inform dealers of an improved oil filter for the Milwaukee-Eight (MKE-8) engine. The new oil filter uses the same synthetic 5-micron media as the current filter, however, the new oil filter effective media surface area was increased by 25%. The increased media supports the higher oil flow rate of MKE-8 engines. Fitment, clearance and performance testing has only been performed on MKE-8 vehicles. All Twin Cam vehicles continue to use the current oil filter.
• 10173473SERVICE BULLETIN M1514: 2020 SOFTAIL - CLUTCH RAMP RUNNING CHANGE. PURPOSE: To inform dealers of a running change to the inner and outer ramp of the clutch actuation system in all 2020 Softails built on and after March 15, 2020. Changing to the new inner and outer ramp from the previous design is not a warrantable event. Motorcycles Affected: 2018-2020 Softail - Built before March 15, 2020.
• 10173463SERVICE BULLETIN M1510: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT ENGINE - NEW OIL FILTER. REVISION. PURPOSE: To inform dealers of an improved oil filter for the Milwaukee-Eight (MKE-8) engine. The new oil filter uses the same synthetic 5-micron media as the current filter, however, the new oil filter effective media surface area was increased by 25%. The increased media supports the higher oil flow rate of MKE-8 engines. Fitment, clearance and performance testing has only been performed on MKE-8 vehicles. All Twin Cam vehicles continue to use the current oil filter.
• 10139399TECH ARTICLE TA0023: TA0023: Crankshaft Rod Bearing. Purpose: Technicians have been falsely identifying connecting rod bearings as failed due to a perception of resistance as the rods are rotated. The clearance of the Twin Cam and Milwaukee-Eight crank pin bearings are maintained to a very tight range. This optimizes performance and maintains low mechanical noise in operation. The connecting rod bore can also distort slightly in operation due to stress relaxation. As a result, bearing clearance decreases due to the contact zone broadening and the load being distributed over more rollers. The combination of a bore being slightly out of round and reduced bearing clearance can result in varying degrees of resistance through the range of motion. Axial clearance is also tightly controlled for proper alignment. For these reasons, zones of resistance can be found when the connecting rods are rotated by hand through their range of motion. Resistance during rod motion, by itself, is not an indication of a performance or durability concern.
• 10117897TECH ARTICLE TA0020: Oil Tinted Orange or Pink. Description: Some vehicles arriving from the factory have an orange or pink tint to the oil. Reason: Vehicles are selected at the plant at random times to perform an audit inspection. During these audit inspections, a fluorescent dye is added to the oil which can be orange or pink. This dye is used to check for leaks, seeps, and weeps after the vehicle is put through a test ride. This dye is oil soluble and does not effect the performance of the oil or the vehicle. The dye may be found in any oil cavity on the vehicle. Action: No action is required if there is dye identified in the oil.
• 10117896PARTS & ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1067: SCREAMIN? EAGLE SMART TUNE PRO RELEASED FOR SHIPMENT. Purpose is to notify dealers that the Smart Tune PRO ? Automatic Tuning Module is 50-state U.S. EPA approved and released for shipment.

Every Harley-Davidson Flde model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.