2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Harley-Davidson › Flhtc › 2009
These records cover every 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc. Newest first.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling all 2008-2011 Touring, CVO Touring and VSRC motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), including Road King (FLHR), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHP), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHPE), Electra Glide Standard Police (EFI) (FLHTP), Electra Glide Classic (EFI) (FLHTC), Electra Glide Ultra Classic…
Risk and remedy
Risk
These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0171.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Harley-davidson IS recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 touring family motorcycles, including cvo touring and trike products, manufactured from june 6, 2008 through november 19, 2009. the front fuel tank mounts may distort in reaction to severe frame damage from a frontal collision. this condition may cause a fuel leak at the weld of the front…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, which could lead to injury or death to the rider.
Remedy
Dealers will install a left and right brace, which are intended to reduce front mount distortion during certain crash conditions. this repair will be performed free of charge. the safety recall began on december 11, 2009. owners may contact harley-davidson at 1-414-343-4056.
Owner complaints
19 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Bought the HD new in 2008 and used all warranty plans for 1st 10 years of ownership. They performed all work per their guidelines. Never once did they flush the system as this recall mentions every 2 years? While riding down my driveway the rear brake failed to engage on a gravel road and I loss…
Bought the HD new in 2008 and used all warranty plans for 1st 10 years of ownership. They performed all work per their guidelines. Never once did they flush the system as this recall mentions every 2 years? While riding down my driveway the rear brake failed to engage on a gravel road and I loss control using my front brake to stop before entering a 2 lane road with traffic at 45 MPH. Loss of control caused the bike to crash on the road. 2 months after the crash I get a recall notice on this issue. My ABS failure was directly related to this crash yet HD claims it is not? Really, the ABS freezes due to moisture in the fluid and its my fault that 10 years of preventive MX by my dealership failed to change the fluid? Can someone light the fire under HD and get this recall expanded to cover this part. Maybe use one of the 87,000 IRS agents the Biden Admin is hiring to work on this. I followed the rules and ALL MX required yet only now its an owner issue to replace the ABS module at a cost of $1,000.00. Hold HD accountable for selling an ABS system in 2008 that was not vetted properly on a first year run model.
- Steering
The handlebars broke whial driving, the left side weld gave. Resulting in that the bar droped into my left lap. yes it IS available for inspection. Have video.
- Service brakes
After starting bike and leaving driveway, bike has been sitting for the winter, approached first stop sign no brakes on rear. Brake pedal hard no movement. Lights come on, no brake response..... Front brakes work.... ABS module problem according to HD forums.
- Service brakes
While riding the motorcycle on city streets the front brake lever became very hard a loss of front brakes occurred. Thank god the rear still worked. They kept me from crashing into car ahead of me. Now the motorcycle has no front brakes at all. Motorcycle was maintained until 9/2017 by a prepaid maintenance program and esp warranty.
- Electrical system
I was accelerating and merging onto the freeway when I lost all throttle response ( throttle by wire - electrical). my motorcycle immediately lost speed in front of vehicles coming up quickly behind me. I was luckily able to get over and off the freeway.
- Service brakes
The owner of 2009 harley davidson flhtc in may 2017 the rear brake failed to operate suddenly and without warning. The peddle was locked and could not be pushed down with any amount of force. Fortunately the front brake was still functional and I was able to slow my speed with out crashing. This…
The owner of 2009 harley davidson flhtc in may 2017 the rear brake failed to operate suddenly and without warning. The peddle was locked and could not be pushed down with any amount of force. Fortunately the front brake was still functional and I was able to slow my speed with out crashing. This first occurred going out my 1/4 mile gravel driveway with a 90 degree turn at the end of the driveway. After the incident I was able to get the rear brake peddle to slowly move downward with a great amount of force and with multiple pushes it began to function normally for the rest of my 60 mile ride. The frozen rear brake peddle problem continued to occur after the bike was parked overnight. Before I would ride the bike I would need to put great pressure on the peddle and pump it several times to get it to function normally. Eventually I could not get the peddle to function normally and the bike IS in for repairs. The front brake continued to function normally over the entire time period. The bike has ABS brakes and apparently a control module has failed that will cost $1,100 to replace. Copy
- Service brakes
In may 2017 the rear brake failed to operate suddenly and without warning. the peddle was locked and could not be pushed down with any amount of force. fortunately the front brake was still functional and I was able to slow my speed with out crashing. this first occurred going out my 1/4 mile…
In may 2017 the rear brake failed to operate suddenly and without warning. the peddle was locked and could not be pushed down with any amount of force. fortunately the front brake was still functional and I was able to slow my speed with out crashing. this first occurred going out my 1/4 mile gravel driveway with a 90 degree turn at the end of the driveway. after the incident I was able to get the rear brake peddle to slowly move downward with a great amount of force and with multiple pushes it began to function normally for the rest of my 60 mile ride. the frozen rear brake peddle problem continued to occur after the bike was parked overnight. before I would ride the bike I would need to put great pressure on the peddle and pump it several times to get it to function normally. eventually I could not get the peddle to function normally and the bike IS in for repairs. the front brake continued to function normally over the entire time period. The bike has ABS brakes and apparently a control module has failed that will cost $1,100 to replace.
- Vehicle speed control
Loss of throttle control, engine runs at idle only. Only when moving
- Service brakes
Hard brake pedal, could not apply rear brake when trying to stop at a intersection. Had to use front brake to stop. harley dealer says it's the ABS module and that they are on back order, for there are many that have the same problem.
- Service brakes
My front brake lever froze not allowing application of the front brake. I went into my garage and did my normal pre ride check which includes testing the brake lever/pedal feel, everything was normal. I started the bike checked the lights and turned it off after I was through. I then went to back…
My front brake lever froze not allowing application of the front brake. I went into my garage and did my normal pre ride check which includes testing the brake lever/pedal feel, everything was normal. I started the bike checked the lights and turned it off after I was through. I then went to back my motorcycle out of the garage which IS on a slight decline and went to apply my front brake lever to stop the bike...it would not move. Thankfully the rear brake was still functional and I got the bike stopped before any damage could be caused. I called my local dealership and they said it sounded like an ABS hcu failure and that they would be glad to check it out for me. I went into the house and looked up harley ABS failure and found out there were several cases like mine. This IS a very dangerous situation and needs to be dealt with.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2009 harley-davidson flhpe electra. The contact stated that the anti lock brake system malfunctioned, resulting in the front brake system not working. The dealer diagnosed that the hydraulic control unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure the failure mileage was 34,000. updated 04/18/17 lj
- Service brakes
Front hand brake failed without warning when exiting the freeway on an off ramp and approaching red light. Stopped using rear brake. lever was froze in position which would not allow brake to be applied. had bike trailered to harley davidson shop and they reported a failure of the antilock brake system (which they stated on recipt). unit was replaced at my cost. I kept and still have the failed unit.
- Power train
My harley compensator has failed twice now, I replaced at my own cost. Now this one IS failing. Harley knows they have a problem with this part. I don't think the consumer should be paying for their research and development. It clunks when it starts, vibrates severely and I am afraid it could break and lock the rear wheel causing injury or death.
- Service brakes · Unknown or other
ABS elec controller (modulator) failed. Bike started up and indicator light showed ABS was working, pulled out of driveway and light went out...(all normal). Then I had to make an emergency stop and applied both brakes and the rear locked up instead of pulsing to a stop, I knew something was wrong…
ABS elec controller (modulator) failed. Bike started up and indicator light showed ABS was working, pulled out of driveway and light went out...(all normal). Then I had to make an emergency stop and applied both brakes and the rear locked up instead of pulsing to a stop, I knew something was wrong and brought the bike in for service and I was informed that the ABS mod. Had failed and needed replacing. At no time did the indicator light ever come on and stay on to indicate that there was a problem with the ABS.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
This motorcycle, with no warning will go into "limp mode". Limp mode IS when the ecm shuts the engine down to 1000 rpm and will not let it exceed this rpm. twice this has happened while in heavy traffic and only by the grace of god was I not run over from behind. the bike register three check…
This motorcycle, with no warning will go into "limp mode". Limp mode IS when the ecm shuts the engine down to 1000 rpm and will not let it exceed this rpm. twice this has happened while in heavy traffic and only by the grace of god was I not run over from behind. the bike register three check engine light codes, p1511, p2135 and u1097. All codes are associated with the throttle by wire system losing communication with the control module. twice this problem has been addressed by two different HD dealers and both dealers replaced connectors in the wiring harness. both dealers have stated that it IS a common problem with 2009 models and that HD offers o pin upgrade kit to address this problem, but that the kit seldom cures the problem. It certainly did not fix mine. in my humble opinion HD needs to fix this problem, it IS a serious safety issue. thank you. *tr
- Power train
The compensator sprocket has gone out twice on this bike , this can cause a very serious accident if it fails at hwy speeds , they know they have a problem with this part , its been redone 3 times since 2009 ! This IS serious guys! *tr
- Wheels
Premature wheel bearing failure, excessive play and rough movement. many others posting same problems on motorcycle forums. big safety issue!!! *tr
- Wheels
Front wheel bearing failure requiring replacement at 22000 miles. noticed condition during highway speed was front wheel wobble when crossing over bridge joints. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle randomly goes into "limp" mode under acceleration, has resulted in several near collisions. harley davidson IS aware of the issue (harley davidson tt418) but no recall has been made. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Sudden Brake Failure - Motorcycle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation in July 2016 based on forty-three (43) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).During the course of this investigation ODI received a total of 145 VOQs related to the alleged defect on the subject motorcycles.Owners allege they experience a sudden and…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation in July 2016 based on forty-three (43) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).During the course of this investigation ODI received a total of 145 VOQs related to the alleged defect on the subject motorcycles.Owners allege they experience a sudden and complete loss of brakes on one or both wheels.To better understand the cause of the braking issue on the subject motorcycles, ODI requested NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct inspections and testing of affected vehicle braking systems.Through its work, VRTC determined that deposits were forming on the valves in the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) of the Antilock Braking System (ABS). These deposits could prevent the proper function of the HCU and render the brakes ineffective.To understand why deposits were forming in the HCU, Harley Davidson completed an analysis of the Dow 460 brake fluid used as original equipment on the subject motorcycles and determined that it had stability issues if left in the brake system for an extended period of time.Harley Davidson found that if a brake fluid flush was not conducted as outlined in the owner?s manual for the motorcycles, and was left in the system for a period of time beyond their recommendation; deposits could form in the HCU.Through further testing, Harley Davidson identified an alternate, commercially available, brake fluid that did not have the same stability issues as the original fluid and could stop the proliferation of any current brake system deposits.ODI sent Information Request (IR) letters to Harley Davidson and Dow Chemical (the supplier of the brake fluid on the subject motorcycles) to collect information about the subject bikes and the alleged defect.Harley Davidson responded in full on Sept 30, 2016 and Dow responded with a confidential submission on October 25, 2017.ODI analyzed the information contained in both IR responses and concluded that motorcycles manufactured during Model Years (MY) 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 were failing at a rate greater than their peers.Based on this analysis and the brake fluid study conducted by Harley Davidson, a group of motorcycles was identified that were potentially affected by the instability of the original brake fluid.2008 marked the introduction of ABS on Harley Davidson motorcycles and a change in the Dow 460 brake fluid used in the 2012 MY vehicles provided the bases for the scope of the affected population.With recall action 18V-076 taken by Harley Davidson this investigation is closed as further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/ using the complaint identification numbers attached to this resume.
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.
- 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
- 10248401GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1146: 68193-95 BULB WEDGE, FENDER TIP LAMP. Purpose: To inform dealers of an issue with the bulb wire terminals not being to specification. The light bulbs were used in numerous front and rear fender tip light assemblies for domestic and international applications.
- 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.
- 10179446GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1100: TWIN CAM LONGBLOCK & WARRANTY ENGINE - PROGRAM UPDATES. PURPOSE: To inform dealers of certain twin cam longblock and twin cam warranty engines are no longer supported. Instead, shortblocks should be ordered where applicable.
- 10176926TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN TT413: 2009 - 2020 TOURING REAR FORK RUSTY WATER LEAKAGE. PURPOSE: Revision. Some 2009 - 2020 Touring, Touring CVO, Touring Police models exhibit drainage of rusty water from the rear fork (where the debris deflector mounts), which has raised customer concern. Updated Model Years. NOTE: This is a cosmetic concern and not an indication of an internal issue.
Every Harley-Davidson Flhtc model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.