Harley-Davidson Flhtk Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 147 consumer complaints across the 8 model years of the Harley-Davidson Flhtk (2010–2017) that have at least 5 complaints. 2014 has the most, with 37. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (63 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Flhtk model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 8 | 2,300 | 2 | 78 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 10 | 14,620 | 1 | 54 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 10 | 11,000 | 2 | 42 | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 37 | 1,700 | 5 | 42 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Rising |
| 2013 | 14 | 13,000 | 0 | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 19 | 8,900 | 1 | 20 | — | Falling |
| 2011 | 20 | 21,960 | 2 | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 29 | 21,455 | 3 | 19 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Brakes63 39%
- Transmission and drivetrain23 14%
- Engine23 14%
- Electrical system15 9.3%
- Wheels13 8.1%
- Steering9 5.6%
- Fuel system8 5.0%
- Vehicle speed control7 4.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2011: “When I went to apply the rear brake the pedal was solid and brakes would not engage. I narrowly avoided crashing but not my bike is not safe to ride. After research I have found that harley has been aware of ABS failure for many years that was caused by poor design of their ABS system. However it is up to the consumer to replace the part. Their recall states to change brake fluid every two years. However other vehicles with th esame brake fluid have no issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11323169, filed 2020-05, 12,167 miles2014: “I received a letter of recall for this motorcycle. In the letter it states that the front wheel may lock up. Harley will not provide transportation of this motorcycle to the nearest harley davidson dealer. I am expected to ride this dangerous motorcycle to the dealer for repairs or cover the cost of a wrecker service.”
NHTSA complaint #10607168, filed 2014-06, 5,000 miles2010: “Could not stop the bike. The front brake lever was frozen, took both hands to bring the lever in far enough to activate the front brake calipers. Then the brakes were so touchy that the lightest pressure applied the brakes full on. After pulling the lever in multiple times it softened up to the point of being able to ride it home. As soon as I turned into my driveway the brake lever was again frozen.”
NHTSA complaint #10703439, filed 2015-04, 36,123 milesOther Harley-Davidson models
263 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhx
174 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtcui
100 complaintsHarley-Davidson XG750
85 complaintsHarley-Davidson Harley Davidson
84 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtc
82 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhtcutg
76 complaintsHarley-Davidson Flhr
52 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology