2018 Harley-Davidson Fxfbs

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system4
2. Vehicle speed control3
3. Engine1
4. Service brakes1
5. Unknown or other1
6. Visibility/wiper1

Latest complaints

• Apr 15, 2020NJ2,300 mi
  Engine

  Oil sumping, oil pump failure. Cylinder seized. 2300 total miles. *tr

• Mar 23, 2020MD2,000 mi
  Vehicle speed control · Visibility/wiper

  Moisture IS collecting under the speedometer, forcing me not to know my speed, rpm, etc. This IS very dangerous. I am on my second factory replacement of the unit.

• Apr 2, 2019SC5,000 mi
  Electrical system

  The speedometer fills with condensation rendering it unreadable. harley davidson corporate IS replacing defective speedometers with another defective speedometer and refuses to replace it more than once.

• Mar 29, 2019CA
  Electrical system
  Condensation forms inside the instrument cluster while driving, rendering the speed indicator unreadable. This IS a very serious safety hazard because the driver can become distracted trying to read the instrument cluster through the condensation. It's also a safety hazard because the driver…

  Condensation forms inside the instrument cluster while driving, rendering the speed indicator unreadable. This IS a very serious safety hazard because the driver can become distracted trying to read the instrument cluster through the condensation. It's also a safety hazard because the driver can't determine their speed when the speedometer IS unreadable. The condensation may also cause the instrument cluster to fail over time. Harley davidson IS aware of the issue, but has advised that they will only fix it once, and won't guarantee that the replacement cluster won't have the same issue with condensation.

• Feb 28, 2019FL4,000 mi
  Vehicle speed control
  After taking my '18 HD out for lunch, the speedometer fogged up while I was inside the building (about thirty minutes - ~75 degrees outside). The entire ride home the speedometer was fogged up and I was unable to see the speed of my motorcycle or gear that the bike was in. Since the unit only has…

  After taking my '18 HD out for lunch, the speedometer fogged up while I was inside the building (about thirty minutes - ~75 degrees outside). The entire ride home the speedometer was fogged up and I was unable to see the speed of my motorcycle or gear that the bike was in. Since the unit only has an analog tach I am out of luck when it comes to determining my speed to keep safe / lawful vehicle operation on the road. I phoned HD to ask about possible warranty options and I was told "this IS normal behavior" and that they would / could do nothing about it - knowing that their users are unable to see their current speed while driving.

• Feb 28, 2019CA15 mi
  Electrical system
  After the motorcycle warms up (about 15 minutes of riding), condensation begins to form inside the speedometer on the inside of the glass. This condensation blocks the view of the speed reading and other indicators. At night, visibility IS even worse when this occurs. Harley says that this IS just…

  After the motorcycle warms up (about 15 minutes of riding), condensation begins to form inside the speedometer on the inside of the glass. This condensation blocks the view of the speed reading and other indicators. At night, visibility IS even worse when this occurs. Harley says that this IS just the way it IS, but that cannot be the case. The gauge should be completely sealed so moisture cannot get in. This IS a widely reported problem and should be addressed because it IS dangerous. The picture I attached shows the condensation forming on the bottom. It gets even worse than the photo I provided.

• Dec 29, 2018TX2,200 miCrash1 injury
  Service brakes · Unknown or other

  'Takata recall' rear brake locks up in hard breaking situations and pulls back wheel left. Also speedometer constantly fills with condensation no matter what the temperature or weather IS like outside. This IS an extreme safety issue and a constant problem

• Aug 28, 2018SC1,500 mi
  Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
  Condensation forms inside the instrument cluster while driving, rendering the speed indicator unreadable. this IS a very serious safety hazard because the driver can become distracted trying to read the instrument cluster through the condensation. it's also a safety hazard because the driver…

  Condensation forms inside the instrument cluster while driving, rendering the speed indicator unreadable. this IS a very serious safety hazard because the driver can become distracted trying to read the instrument cluster through the condensation. it's also a safety hazard because the driver can't determine their speed when the speedometer IS unreadable. the condensation may also cause the instrument cluster to fail over time. harley davidson IS aware of the issue, but has advised that they will only fix it once, and won't guarantee that the replacement cluster won't have the same issue with condensation.

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).
• 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.
• 10188353SERVICE BULLETIN M1514: 2020 SOFTAIL - CLUTCH RAMP RUNNING CHANGE. PURPOSE: Revision. 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. Harley-Davidson is creating a kit (Part No. 37000376) for this change.
• 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.
• 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.
• 10172233SERVICE BULLETIN M1510: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT ENGINE - NEW OIL FILTER. PURPOSE: To inform dealers of an improved oil filter for the MKE-8 (Milwaukee-Eight) 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. See Figure 1. Fitment, clearance and performance testing has only been performed on MKE-8 vehicles. All Twin Cam vehicles continue to use the current oil filter.
• 10172231SERVICE BULLETIN M1509: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT CYLINDER FLANGE NUT USAGE. To Inform dealers of a service manual change. This change affects the flange nut attaching the cylinder/cylinder head assembly to the cylinder stud in all MKE-8 (Milwaukee-Eight) engines. The flange nut is one-time use and is replaced after removing. An additional change is the lubrication of the flange nut. Verify that only the bottom of the flange nut receives lubrication. Do not allow lubrication on the cylinder stud or on the internal threads of the flange nut. Motorcycles Affected: Vehicles with the MKE-8 engine From 2017 - 2020.
• 10158168SERVICE BULLETIN M1450: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT EQUIPPED VEHICLES - LOSS OF POWER OR HIGH ENGINE BRAKING. REVISION. Purpose: 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. Sumping is when an excessive amount of oil is suspended in the engine crankcase and the flywheel must travel through the oil, resulting in loss of power or a high degree of engine braking and potential engine component damage with extended use under these conditions. This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for determining if sumping is occurring.

Every Harley-Davidson Fxfbs model year

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