2009 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Harley-Davidson › Soft Tail › 2009
These records cover every 2009 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
23 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
While getting off of the bike passenger noticed fuel leaking from the fuel line at the gas tank connection. Upon closer inspection found that the quick connect fitting at the fuel tank was leaking.upon closer inspection of the quick connect it appears to have two internal "o" rings. Prior to this…
While getting off of the bike passenger noticed fuel leaking from the fuel line at the gas tank connection. Upon closer inspection found that the quick connect fitting at the fuel tank was leaking.upon closer inspection of the quick connect it appears to have two internal "o" rings. Prior to this issue I have never disconnected the fuel line, bike has never been dropped and there has been no other adverse events to this area. With the extremely low mileage (less than 3,000), meticulous care and running the fuel tank dry before storage there should not be a failure of this nature. Fuel leaking from this fitting drips directly on the engine. On-line research shows this to be somewhat common. You tube video and self help mechanical sites have many discussions on this problem. Ironically, when I contacted my local H-D dealer I was told the replacement part IS listed "discontinued" as "obsolete". Really, it's a 2009. Fuel leaking on an engine due to mechanical failure by engineered design should be covered by the manufacturer without any debate. Note that the fuel cap also leaks but at least I can see the fuel running down the tank before it gets to the engine. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Motorcycle died in intersection. when I went to restart it, it took several tries and each time I tried I got a grinding noise. finally started but light had already turned and I was in intersection past red. this has become more frequent. only happens when motor IS warmed up. Starter? Compensator? I have read on line the bikes of that time period have this problem. could have been hit by a car. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Applied the rear brake to stop, pedal went all the way down, fire started by rear brake lite switch by brake fluid on hot exhaust. *tr
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
Clutch lever seemed far to reach, took in for inspection and/or possible adjustment. Came back with clutch lever sticking or ratcheting, no longer smooth to operate. This made it very hard to operate in the friction zone needed for slow operation and turning around. Clutch would pop and jump…
Clutch lever seemed far to reach, took in for inspection and/or possible adjustment. Came back with clutch lever sticking or ratcheting, no longer smooth to operate. This made it very hard to operate in the friction zone needed for slow operation and turning around. Clutch would pop and jump forward almost causing to fall over many times. Took in for repair.....lubed and ground out the inside of wear area on lever and unit that the clutch cable comes into. was told that it would wear down in time and become smooth, that this IS typical of this model of motorcycle. Problem not fixed and dealer does not know of any way to repair this problem. I have dumped the bike several times due to the lack of a smooth clutch, it IS hard to control and must be able to control for turning around or parking, etc. There IS no known recall or service bulletins on this kind of problem and I feel it IS a safety issue. I would not have bought this bike if it had this problem when I test rode it. *tr
- Tires
I own a 2009 harley davidson softail custom fxstc with 5,800 miles on it and the front tire IS showing notable cupping and excessive wear. This model of tire dunlop d407f IS no longer being sold and IS superseded by the d408f. Service bulletin m-1258a covers other harley models with a similar tire…
I own a 2009 harley davidson softail custom fxstc with 5,800 miles on it and the front tire IS showing notable cupping and excessive wear. This model of tire dunlop d407f IS no longer being sold and IS superseded by the d408f. Service bulletin m-1258a covers other harley models with a similar tire and issue. Since a motorcycle only has two wheels the cupping and premature wear are a hazard that needs to be addressed as a safety concern. Reported as case #[xxx] to harley davidson. This issue IS mentioned on several harley davidson rider forums. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6) *kb
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Turn signals fail to flash after the application of the service brakes on harley-davidson motorcycle. *tr
- Power train
Harley davidson 2009 flhtcu (placed here as vehicle section only lists 5 models and not this one) audible loud knock coming from the primary chain case on each engine startup. Knock appears to originate from the compensator sprocket assembly which cushions the drive side crankshaft sprocket and…
Harley davidson 2009 flhtcu (placed here as vehicle section only lists 5 models and not this one) audible loud knock coming from the primary chain case on each engine startup. Knock appears to originate from the compensator sprocket assembly which cushions the drive side crankshaft sprocket and the primary drive assembly when striking each other at engine startup. many compensator sprocket assemblies have been found in failure mode and have been replaced with a more robust unit (factory installed on 2010 and later models) under warranty. failure in service could be catastrophic and operator injury or death could result. manufacturer IS aware of issues but have not recalled any units for refit of upgraded component. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 harley davidson soft tail. after refueling he was able to start the vehicle. once the vehicle was started he noticed fuel began to leak from the fuel tank near the cap. the failure recurred whenever the fuel tank was approximately half full. he also mentioned fuel…
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 harley davidson soft tail. after refueling he was able to start the vehicle. once the vehicle was started he noticed fuel began to leak from the fuel tank near the cap. the failure recurred whenever the fuel tank was approximately half full. he also mentioned fuel would intermittently spray out of the fuel tank while driving. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure and it was not repaired. the failure continues. the failure and current mileages were 1,300.
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
Rear brake light switch failure < than 8000 miles (no brake lights) harley davidson knows about the problem but will not fix. *Tr
- Power train · Power train › Driveline
Purchased a 2009 harley davidson ( new ) in june of 2010. At 1700 miles the bolts that hold the rear sprocket to the wheel have backed out causing what could have been a catastrophic failure ie: rear wheel locking up at a highway speed and causing a crash. Harley davidson mechanics stated to me…
Purchased a 2009 harley davidson ( new ) in june of 2010. At 1700 miles the bolts that hold the rear sprocket to the wheel have backed out causing what could have been a catastrophic failure ie: rear wheel locking up at a highway speed and causing a crash. Harley davidson mechanics stated to me this IS not the first one they have seen. I cannot believe that HD has not instituted a recall, they have to be aware of problem through feedbacks from shops. This IS not something to mess around with, this can be life threatening, something needs to be done immediately to correct this "defect" and I mean " now " this minute you receive this. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Fuel system, other
The fuel gauge on my new harley davidson 2009 vrod muscle constantly malfunctions. I was nearly stranded twice because the gauge changes from empty to full and vice a versa. Truly poor technology. Accuracy changes on the move. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
2009 harley deluxe gas cap under pressure sprays fuel onto the gas tank engine and rider. If bike IS tipped on its side gas leaks from gas cap. We took this to a dealer for this problem previously. Problem still exist. We will take it back tomorrow. This IS a major safety issue. *Tr
- Electrical system
2009 harley davidson vrsc v-rod muscle. have been reading of numerous muscles going dead from an electrical issue to include issues with gas gauge failing. I recently purchased new 2009 muscle approximately 3 months ago, and just had this happen to me tonight. bike started and then immediately…
2009 harley davidson vrsc v-rod muscle. have been reading of numerous muscles going dead from an electrical issue to include issues with gas gauge failing. I recently purchased new 2009 muscle approximately 3 months ago, and just had this happen to me tonight. bike started and then immediately went dead as I started to pull away. bike had to be towed to my home and IS awaiting dealership pick-up. this can be a very dangerous issue and cause a crash, and at very least leave one stranded in a very unsafe environment. *tr
- Electrical system
I have a 2009 harley davidson street glide,backed out of garage started engine, and then check engine light came on and had no throttle, but idles, fly-by-wire throttle,shut off and restarted a couple times it started working properly, started out on two day trip, about 30 miles on four lane up…
I have a 2009 harley davidson street glide,backed out of garage started engine, and then check engine light came on and had no throttle, but idles, fly-by-wire throttle,shut off and restarted a couple times it started working properly, started out on two day trip, about 30 miles on four lane up hill check engine light came on and no throttle but had idle, had to coast off road, unplugged computer and plugged back in and went on our trip, ran ok to destination, after stop at motel and eat supper it happened again,check engine light on and no throttle but had idle,turned off and on a couple of times and we went to the motel, next day ran ok until late afternoon when we were coming out of a city and it happened in traffic, you never know when it IS going to happen could be in traffic and if it happens you could get hit in the rear or worse. When we got home we took the motorcycle to a dealership they recorded the codes then erased them worked ok for 3 weeks and it happened again going up a hill in traffic, have another appointment with dealership to check again. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I have a 2009 harleydavidson ultra that runs so hot it IS sometimes unbearable to sit on at long traffic lights. I know that if I had shorts on my right leg would get burned,it IS that hot. I know that this heat has to affect the longevity of the motor and after paying $20,000 for a motorcycle I…
I have a 2009 harleydavidson ultra that runs so hot it IS sometimes unbearable to sit on at long traffic lights. I know that if I had shorts on my right leg would get burned,it IS that hot. I know that this heat has to affect the longevity of the motor and after paying $20,000 for a motorcycle I don't believe that I should have to spend another $2,000 to try to correct the problem while voiding the factory warranty. I also know that it IS an air cooled motor since I have two others a1986, and a 1996 both run much cooler than this 2009. I removed the lower fairings which allow more air to flow to the motor when moving but it IS still hotter than any other motorcycle that I have ever ridden. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
While driving my 2009 flhstn softtail deluxe on a two week road trip, I experienced leakage from the gas cap after filling up with gas approximately 10 times. this leakage consisted of several ounces of gasoline running down the gas tank and onto both myself and the hot engine. this required me…
While driving my 2009 flhstn softtail deluxe on a two week road trip, I experienced leakage from the gas cap after filling up with gas approximately 10 times. this leakage consisted of several ounces of gasoline running down the gas tank and onto both myself and the hot engine. this required me to stop the bike and clean the gas off with rags or risk a fire. after the first time, I double checked after every fill up to ensure that I had tightened the gas cap properly, however the leakage continued. after this occurred approximately ten times I decided to press down on the gas cap with extreme pressure with the palm of my hand (the gas cap clicks or free spins if I didn't) while turning it. this appeared to stop the leakage after filling up with gas, however, this IS difficult to accomplish due to the free spinning gas cap. *tr
- Tires
2009 harley-davidson fxstsse3 HD oem dunlop D407 tires showing wear at 5,000 miles, local dealer & email to dunlop would not cover them. later, provided local dealer service manager printed copies of HD bulletins & internet comments from HD forums on problem and he got approval to replace front…
2009 harley-davidson fxstsse3 HD oem dunlop D407 tires showing wear at 5,000 miles, local dealer & email to dunlop would not cover them. later, provided local dealer service manager printed copies of HD bulletins & internet comments from HD forums on problem and he got approval to replace front tire with D408 at no charge because it had signs of cupping. would not cover rear D407 240/40r18 tire even though at 6,000 miles showing early wear. dunlop web site advertises the D407 & D408 tires have mt for longer life, yet many 2008 - 2009 HD owners wit this brand tire are having problems. On their website http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=107 : "the new D407 tire IS made for 2009 fl touring models, and therear tires feature dunlop's advanced mt multi-tread technology. mt multi-tread rear tire incorporates a tough tread compound in the center that runs cooler to provide stability, excellent traction under braking and long life, and to each side IS a section of lateral-grip compound that enhances traction at higher lean angles for great grip while cornering.". HD & dunlop will not do anything about the rear d407's. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Harley davidson fxstc softail custom 2009 fuel cap leak under pressure. whenever fuel tank IS filled to at or above the tab in the tank fuel IS coming out under pressure through the cap and spraying on the riders leg and running down the tank dripping onto the engine. *tr
- Electrical system
Battery cover does not stay closed during the operation of the motorcycle. the cover will fall open while riding causing it to hit the riders leg. although the cover it's self does not weigh enough to cause injury, it IS a signifcant distraction which could result in the loss of control. both…
Battery cover does not stay closed during the operation of the motorcycle. the cover will fall open while riding causing it to hit the riders leg. although the cover it's self does not weigh enough to cause injury, it IS a signifcant distraction which could result in the loss of control. both bikes have been to the dealer several times for repairs, unfortinatly the repair parts are on back order. continued difficulty in getting the cover to stay closed on the 08 bike caused the dealer to remove the cover as a temporary fix until the repair parts can be had. this modification has resulted in the electrical components being exposed. the 09 bike IS now getting to the point where the cover won't stay closed for more than 15 minutes at a time. *Tr
- Electrical system
Battery cover does not stay closed during the operation of the motorcycle. the cover will fall open while riding causing it to hit the riders leg. although the cover it's self does not weigh enough to cause injury, it IS a significant distraction which could result in the loss of control. both…
Battery cover does not stay closed during the operation of the motorcycle. the cover will fall open while riding causing it to hit the riders leg. although the cover it's self does not weigh enough to cause injury, it IS a significant distraction which could result in the loss of control. both bikes have been to the dealer several times for repairs, unfortunately the repair parts are on back order. continued difficulty in getting the cover to stay closed on the 08 bike caused the dealer to remove the cover as a temporary fix until the repair parts can be had. this modification has resulted in the electrical components being exposed. the 09 bike IS now getting to the point where the cover won't stay closed for more than 15 minutes at a time. *Tr
- Seats › Motorcycle
Improper seat fitment (sizing) caused seat to become unattached during normal riding. after hitting a bump on the highway, the front portion of my seat became unhooked causing a very dangerous condition. had I not been going in a straight line, the seat could have slid off the bike. *Tr
- Seats
While riding the motorcycle, the seat got detached from the motorcycle. The motorcycle seat IS attached at two points. There IS a tab at the rear of the seat which attaches to the fender. The other attachment point IS under the seat, where a frame mounted tab slides into a hole in the seat. The…
While riding the motorcycle, the seat got detached from the motorcycle. The motorcycle seat IS attached at two points. There IS a tab at the rear of the seat which attaches to the fender. The other attachment point IS under the seat, where a frame mounted tab slides into a hole in the seat. The attachment point under the seat IS where the seat detached. the seat pan for this model bike (fltrse3) IS quite flexible. When a rider sits on the seat, it allows the seat to flex. The flexion of the seat causes the seat to pull away from the frame mounted seat tang. I hit a sharp bump at about 60 mph and the seat flexed enough to allow it to detach from the under seat mount point. This failure has the potential to occur at any time while riding seated on the motorcycle. It occurred twice in one day (perhaps two to three hours riding). I am able to reattach the seat. I contacted the dealer where I bought the seat the day this occurred. There IS no resolution at this point. I am fairly certain harley will replace the seat but I feel this IS a safety issue on all fltrse3 models and that the seats should be recalled. it IS extremely dangerous and could cause a rider to lose control if the motorcycle seat detaches while riding. This defect has the potential to cause serious injury or death. the motorcycle in question IS a 2009 harley-davidson fltrse3. This information IS not available to select in the complaint type section. *Tr
- Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Turn signal
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 harley davidson soft tail. while driving 70 mph, the contact activated the passenger side turn signal and was almost struck by another driver. the other driver informed him that the passenger side signal did not illuminate. the contact checked the signal and noticed…
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 harley davidson soft tail. while driving 70 mph, the contact activated the passenger side turn signal and was almost struck by another driver. the other driver informed him that the passenger side signal did not illuminate. the contact checked the signal and noticed that the indicator did not illuminate and the signal light was blown. the dealer confirmed the failures. the contact feels that the defect IS unsafe because when the light bulb IS blown and the signal indicator still illuminates, there IS no way to determine that the signal IS not illuminating in the rear of the vehicle. the manufacturer stated that there were no current recalls; therefore, no compensation would be provided. the failure mileage was 2,900 and current mileage IS 3,000. updated 03-06-09 *bf updated 03/09/09. *Jb
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.
- 10030773Harley davidson motorcycle: flywheel end play specifications were changed from 0.003-0.010 in. (0.076-0.254Mm) to 0.003-0.013 in. (0.076-0.330Mm). Spoke torque has changed to 55 in-lbs (6.2 nm) on all spoke wheels. Use spoke torque wrench (hd-48985) when checking spoke tension.