2011 Harley-Davidson Flhx
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Harley-Davidson › Flhx › 2011
These records cover every 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhx. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhx. 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.
Owner complaints
18 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Front brake lever IS frozen in open position making stopping more dangerous.
- Service brakes
Front break lever completely stiff. Was about to go for a ride when I noticed it. . luckily I was not riding the bike when this happened. From what I've read and understand this IS a ongoing issue with the ABS modules on these bikes. Instead of issuing a recall harley has opted to replace brake…
Front break lever completely stiff. Was about to go for a ride when I noticed it. . luckily I was not riding the bike when this happened. From what I've read and understand this IS a ongoing issue with the ABS modules on these bikes. Instead of issuing a recall harley has opted to replace brake fluid at no charge and recommend changing fluid every two years after. This seems to be a engineering problem and not a fluid problem. There are plenty of other vehicles with ABS and dot 4 fluid that are not having this issue. I had road the bike two weeks before and had no problems. It seems to be something that happens very quickly with no warning. This could be deadly on the road!
- Service brakes
While riding my HD motorcycle, I turn onto an off ramp from I-95. As I approached the intersection, I eased into the rear brake. I was going to make a right turn at the intersection, and as I approached I ran over a rough spot in the road, this made the rear tire lock up very briefly and I could…
While riding my HD motorcycle, I turn onto an off ramp from I-95. As I approached the intersection, I eased into the rear brake. I was going to make a right turn at the intersection, and as I approached I ran over a rough spot in the road, this made the rear tire lock up very briefly and I could feel the ABS at work. I then went to pull in the front brakes for more aggressive stopping and the brake lever was completely frozen in place. I could not pull it in, I was fortunate that I was not in an emergency stop otherwise I would have been doomed. After a split second of "thinking this through" I immediately had to brake very aggressively with my rear brake to keep from running into cross traffic. I pulled to the side of the road and tried to pull the lever again and it would not pull not matter how much I tried. I had never had any issue with this before. This problem IS very dangerous and all the talk by HD that it IS because of neglected maintenance IS bull!! I have now heard of people having the same problem with bikes that have received the regular 2 yr interval service. This IS a design flaw!!! I now have my motorcycle at the dealership being repaired for this problem and was supposed to pick it up today but the said they have received a bad hcu unit and had to order another. To my knowledge they haven't changed anything about the module so now I have a $20000 death trap! It IS despicable how harley has handled this. I good analogy would be to have a car that has a chronic problem with blowing engines and the manufacturer says "oh bring it in, we know the engine IS blown but we're going to change the oil for free". The difference IS, a blown engine usually won't get you killed! Nhtsa should put their foot down on this one!
- Service brakes
I have a 2011 harley davidson street glide. the anti-lock brake system (ABS) failed last week and I almost collided with a car that had stopped in front of me. the front brake froze and was unusable. harley requires you change the brake fluid every 2 years which I do, actually at about every…
I have a 2011 harley davidson street glide. the anti-lock brake system (ABS) failed last week and I almost collided with a car that had stopped in front of me. the front brake froze and was unusable. harley requires you change the brake fluid every 2 years which I do, actually at about every $10K miles. I'm adamant about fluid changes. I change engine oil every 5K miles (amsoil) and replace engine, transmission, primary and brake fluid every $10K miles. this IS a huge safety issue. nhtsa IS currently investigating 2008 - 2011 models with ABS and has received 43 complaints and at least 3 crashes. This seems to be a bid problem reading harley forums. harley claims that the moisture found in old, contaminated brake fluid can damage the actuator valves found in the anti-lock braking system. Nthsa states ABS failure which could lead to a safety recall in the us, possibly followed by worldwide recalls of up to 430,000 motorcycles. after the above incident I had a local motorcycle shop check it out, they flushed the brake system, took it out for a ride and the front brake failed again. I called harley, they stated it had to be confirmed by a harley dealer and provided me with a harley ABS case file number: 2951309. the local harley dealer picked it up today and confirmed the ABS module need to be replaced. They called harley corporate and was told: moisture in the brake fluid caused the problem and they wouldn't pay for it. I asked the local harley dealer how corporate could claim that and the answer was I had no service records with the harley dealer. I called corporate and stated I've been doing as stated above. basically I was told I can't provide info to substantiate my claim. complaint has been filed with the bbb as well: bbb complaint ID 11933554
- Service brakes
September 2, 2016 the rear brakes (anti-lock) locked up for the second time leaving me stranded on the side of the highway. May 27, 2016 was the first time they locked up and caused a fire. Ultimately costing $3500.00 in damages geico covered. Biloxi harley davidson repaired the bike in may of 2016 and IS now in possession of the bike.
- Service brakes
Rear brake pedal bottomed, resulting in sudden loss of rear braking. Driving on highway.
- Engine
Leg burns due to excessive heat from rear engine cylinder. measure radiant heat at 340 degrees. this has caused red burn on the back of the right leg. heat IS felt while in motion on 80 degree days. Increases during stops for lights. have brought to dealer and manufacturers attention over the past 5 years.
- Service brakes
I had a crash with injuries back on march 15 2016 where as I ran into the right rear corner of a SUV that stopped for a car that was turning left suddenly in front of me as we traveled down a rural two lane road and I couldn't stop in time because, I feel that the antilock brakes didn't react in…
I had a crash with injuries back on march 15 2016 where as I ran into the right rear corner of a SUV that stopped for a car that was turning left suddenly in front of me as we traveled down a rural two lane road and I couldn't stop in time because, I feel that the antilock brakes didn't react in time or fast enough, if at all. I had just left the house going to work when this happened not even a mile from the house. ..Updated 02/10/17 *bf *js
- Service brakes
Rear brakes caught fire. Due to brake drag
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Steering
2011 harley-davidson street glide flhx motorcycle. Consumer writes in regards to issue with vehicle handlebars. *Tgw the consumer stated while riding the bike, he noticed the fairing was slightly crooked. When he took the bike to the repair shop, for a radio problem, he requested that the technician inspect the fairing. The technican stated the handlebars were bent. *Jb
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2011 harley davidson flhx equipped with dunlop d408f tires, size 130/70/r18, dot DA4Y. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, he noticed that the front tire was cracking. The tire was taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the tire, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was contacted and advised to replace the tire. The failure mileage was 3,000.
- Tires · Wheels
Front tire on motorcycle sidewall cracking and splitting dunlop d408f I have had one replaced now the 2ND tire IS doing the same thing. I do not have the date codes for these tires but they were less then a year old. This IS a newer line of tires. *tr
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 2011 harley davidson flhx motorcycle. The vehicle was equipped with dunlop d408f tires, tire size 130/70/18. The dot number was da4y4b1m1712. The contact noticed the front tire was severely defective with numerous cracks on the sidewall. The front tire was replaced with a new…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 harley davidson flhx motorcycle. The vehicle was equipped with dunlop d408f tires, tire size 130/70/18. The dot number was da4y4b1m1712. The contact noticed the front tire was severely defective with numerous cracks on the sidewall. The front tire was replaced with a new tire on three separate occasions each time. The original tire was included in one of the replacements. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 1,400.
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2011 harley davidson flhx motorcycle. The contact stated that the windshield was fractured. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the failure was a stress fracture. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they would not repair the windshield…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 harley davidson flhx motorcycle. The contact stated that the windshield was fractured. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the failure was a stress fracture. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they would not repair the windshield despite the vehicle being under warranty. The contact stated the vehicle was less than one year old. The failure and current mileage was 6,327.
- Exterior lighting
I have a 2011 harley-davidson street glide (model flhx). I realized after I purchased it that it does not have a separate rear brake light. the turn signals function as turn signals, running lights and brake lights. it IS difficult for those behind me to determine when I am braking since the…
I have a 2011 harley-davidson street glide (model flhx). I realized after I purchased it that it does not have a separate rear brake light. the turn signals function as turn signals, running lights and brake lights. it IS difficult for those behind me to determine when I am braking since the turn signals only change in intensity - they do not turn off and on. although I have not been involved in an accident, I believe the lack of a brake light contributed to an accident involving another motorcyclist who was riding behind me. he did not realize I was braking to avoid an animal in the road until it was too late for him to completely stop, he hit the animal and suffered $4500 in damage to his motorcycle. I understand this bike cannot be sold in canada because it does not have a separate brake light. *tr
- Suspension › Front
TL* the contact owns a 2011 harley davidson flhx motorcycle. the contact was driving 70 mph when the vehicle became very unstable. the contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and noticed that the front wheel bearing was fracturing. the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 harley davidson flhx motorcycle. the contact was driving 70 mph when the vehicle became very unstable. the contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and noticed that the front wheel bearing was fracturing. the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. the dealer replaced the wheel bearing. the contact was concerned that the vehicle could have potentially caused a life threatening crash. the failure mileage was 15,279.
- Wheels
Front wheel bearing failure. bearing came apart while traveling at highway speeds (70 mph). *tr
- Exterior lighting
Visual safety issue with tail lights. tail/brake/turn signals can not be seen in daytime. the rear end lighting on the harley davidson street glide and road glide custom IS useless. I can not see how it can possibly meet dot standards. there are two small lights for tail/brake/turn signals, and…
Visual safety issue with tail lights. tail/brake/turn signals can not be seen in daytime. the rear end lighting on the harley davidson street glide and road glide custom IS useless. I can not see how it can possibly meet dot standards. there are two small lights for tail/brake/turn signals, and one led module low on the fender. I waited until the 2012 model year to see if harley davidson was going to address this safety issue. they did not. I don't feel that the consumer should have to modify their motorcycle to make it safe to ride. *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.
- 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.
Every Harley-Davidson Flhx model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.