2012 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU103
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Harley-Davidson › FLHTCU103 › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU103. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU103. Newest first.
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.
Owner complaints
15 complaints3 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
2012 road glide ultra. ABS module has gone bad at 48000 miles. This seems to becoming a common problem. It IS very expensive to replace and the brakes do not function now. Motorcycle IS not road worth and now parked.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2012 harley davidson flhtcu. The contact stated that while driving about 30 mph, the vehicle lost brake power without warning. The vehicle was taken to the savannah harley-davidson dealer (912-925-0005, located at 1 fort argyle rd, savannah, ga 31419) where it was diagnosed…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 harley davidson flhtcu. The contact stated that while driving about 30 mph, the vehicle lost brake power without warning. The vehicle was taken to the savannah harley-davidson dealer (912-925-0005, located at 1 fort argyle rd, savannah, ga 31419) where it was diagnosed that the brake model needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. And issued a case number: 3936516. The dealer stated that the failure was not covered by the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2012 harley-davidson flhtcu electra glide ultra motorcycle. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal was applied, but was stiff and difficult to depress. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 14,172.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Kickstand spring broke causing bike to jump ninto 180 degree crash
- Electrical system
Start vehicle and no charging. Less than 12V on dash gauge. 2ND time in two weeks this has happened. Check engine and battery light come on. 3 miles down the road, and voltage IS now 14V. Check engine and battery light switch off. Suspect a faulty voltage regulator. Had this happen on the 05 flhtcu I owned previously. $200+ for new voltage regulator. Will troubleshoot charging circuit prior to buying new regulator.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2012 harley-davidson electra glide ultra flhtcu. While riding the motorcycle, the voltage fluctuated and the motorcycle began to sputter. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that there was a technical service bulletin, which had expired. The failure mileage was not available.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2012 harley-davidson flhtcu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, the rear of the motorcycle started to wobble. The contact decreased in speed to approximately 30 mph when the failure stopped. The contact drove the motorcycle to the dealer no…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 harley-davidson flhtcu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, the rear of the motorcycle started to wobble. The contact decreased in speed to approximately 30 mph when the failure stopped. The contact drove the motorcycle to the dealer no diagnosis was rendered. The contact stated that the same failure occurred approximately three times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The motorcycle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
- Service brakes
ABS hydraulic control unit (hcu) failure. Front brake lever and rear pedal locked out. No braking abaility. Component failure mode leaves vehicle with no braking ability causing accident w/o fatality. Harley davidson mo co notified with no response. Contacted 800-258-2464.
- Electrical system › Horn
TL* the contact owns a 2012 harley-davidson flhtcu. While driving at 5 mph, the contact attempted to use the horn of the motorcycle and an abnormal noise emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer stated that the horn was not properly sealed and needed to be replaced to operate in a working manor. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
- Wheels
While taking my harley davidson for a ride, about 30 miles into the ride, I noticed abnormal sounds coming from my front wheel area. It sounded as if I hit a rock, or that my tire was going flat. I slowed down and as I pulling into a gas station, I could hear more noises and feel vibrations. It…
While taking my harley davidson for a ride, about 30 miles into the ride, I noticed abnormal sounds coming from my front wheel area. It sounded as if I hit a rock, or that my tire was going flat. I slowed down and as I pulling into a gas station, I could hear more noises and feel vibrations. It sounded like worn brake pads. I parked the bike and got off to inspect the front end. I noticed that the right front wheel bearing seal had been pushed outward, and the bearing were exposed, grease was all over the wheel as well. The end result, after the bike was taken to the closest harley dealer, was the right front wheel bearing had failed. The dealer replaced the wheel with new bearings and IS now operating normal. This could have been a bad situation, if it had failed before I pulled over. Harley davidson needs to address this safety concern with their bikes. *Jb
- Engine
I was traveling in the commuter lane on I-10 west in phoenix arizona. my 2012 harley davidson engines light came on and the bike went into a safety mode. I was traveling at 65 mph and the motorcycle engine died and would not go over 1500 rpm's. I had the bike towed to the dealer and they were…
I was traveling in the commuter lane on I-10 west in phoenix arizona. my 2012 harley davidson engines light came on and the bike went into a safety mode. I was traveling at 65 mph and the motorcycle engine died and would not go over 1500 rpm's. I had the bike towed to the dealer and they were unable to duplicate the code. I was told the motorcycle was good to ride and started my ride home and the bike failed yet again. this IS a big safety hazard. I had to limp to the side of the road in heavy traffic. the bike engine dies while in motion. I went online and this seems to be a pervasive problem. harley davidson IS aware of the problem and IS unable to provide a permanent fix. harley calls it a safe mode or limp mode. *tr
- Engine
During operation, upon initial delivery, I noted heat coming up the right side of the motorcycle. both driver and passenger noted heat uncomfortable. I contacted the dealer with my complaint, I was told the location of the catalytic converter causes heat to rise causing discomfort to the rider…
During operation, upon initial delivery, I noted heat coming up the right side of the motorcycle. both driver and passenger noted heat uncomfortable. I contacted the dealer with my complaint, I was told the location of the catalytic converter causes heat to rise causing discomfort to the rider and passenger. I was told this IS common. And the only option to correct IS to install aftermarket exhaust. This eliminates the catalytic converter. the aftermarket exhaust causes a need to have an aftermarket computer which can compensate for the alterations, which will cause the motorcycle to use more fuel. I am expected to change the factory exhaust, at my expense, making the vehicle non compliant with the federal standard. There IS a defect with the exhaust set up. the heat makes it unbearable at times, causing distraction, and having to pull over and "cool off". I am concerned of burns from the excessive heat on the driver and passenger. I understand most riders feel it IS acceptable to alter the exhaust, I feel it IS unacceptable to change any vehicle which would change the emission from the set federal standard. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact rented a 2012 harley davidson electra glide motorcycle. The contact stated that while decreasing speed to attempt a left turn, the throttle control failed and caused the motorcycle to go into overspeed. The contact was unable to control the motorcycle and crashed into a fence. The…
TL* the contact rented a 2012 harley davidson electra glide motorcycle. The contact stated that while decreasing speed to attempt a left turn, the throttle control failed and caused the motorcycle to go into overspeed. The contact was unable to control the motorcycle and crashed into a fence. The contact sustained minor bruises. A police report was not filed. The vin was not available. The current and failure mileage was 2,494.
- Service brakes
While braking for a stop light I noticed that the motorcycle slowed very quickly and the front brake lever was very stiff (very little movement). when light changed it took an excess of power to get moving. after turning into a side street I noticed that it required more than usual power to…
While braking for a stop light I noticed that the motorcycle slowed very quickly and the front brake lever was very stiff (very little movement). when light changed it took an excess of power to get moving. after turning into a side street I noticed that it required more than usual power to continue moving. after coming to a complete I was unable to move the motorcycle manually and only after applying excessive power and riding the clutch was I able to get the motorcycle off the street into a drive. at this time the front wheel was completely locked and would not move. after letter the motorcycle sit for about 45 minutes the front wheel was free to move again until I applied the front brake again anf the wheel locked up again. the rear brake was not affected at any time and worked normal. had motorcycle trailed to the local harley dealer. they stated they had not seen this problem before and would have to troubleshoot the brake system to find out what was wrong. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Rear brake pedal hard and rotors get hot seems like the caliper IS not releasing all the way I went to the harley dealer in erie pa. Twice the first time the tech took down the road about an mile and said there was no problem my rotors has already turned blue from the heat and I took it back today…
Rear brake pedal hard and rotors get hot seems like the caliper IS not releasing all the way I went to the harley dealer in erie pa. Twice the first time the tech took down the road about an mile and said there was no problem my rotors has already turned blue from the heat and I took it back today because it getting worse the tech said nothing was wrong but he said if I would had bought the bike there he would have put a caliper and rotor on it but I did not buy it there so there was nothing he could do I hope all harley dealer aint like that I have a 2 year factory warranty and a 3 year extended but it didn't seem to matter. *js
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.
- 10193480The purpose of this service bulletin is to communicate updates and corrections to certain 2008-2016 service literature.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10090241The purpose of this bulletin IS to create dealer awareness of a change in registered accessory labor codes and associated times.
Every Harley-Davidson FLHTCU103 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.