2011 Harley-Davidson Flhrc recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 FLHRC.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 11V506000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-414-343-4056.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: HARLEY-DAVIDSON SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 0145. CUSTOMERS OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhrc owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (4), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
06/18/2021 · Electrical system
ABS warning light comes on. The ABS system had a recall in 2018/19 to change fluid. It supposedly could create an issue if not done every 2 years. This light came on and part needs to be ordered. The service that was done did not even have 1000 miles on it if it even had 500. I believe this module issue should have been part of the recall
09/25/2017 · Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHRC. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE REAR BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE WHEN PRESSING THE REAR BRAKE LEVER. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (ADAMEC HARLEY-DAVIDSON IN JACKSON, FL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ABS WAS REPLACED AND THE…
07/09/2016 · Brakes
FRONT BRAKE IS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE ABS MODULE IS BAD ACCORDING TO THE HARLEY SHOP. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS RIDING ON A HIGHWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN I'M UNABLE TO PULL THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER. I JUST READ AN ARTICLE THAT YOU GUYS ARE LOOKING INTO THIS AND ISSUE AND IT IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED. I WAS CONSIDERING LEAVING A REPORT B…
09/21/2015 · Brakes
FRONT BRAKE LEVER WILL NOT MOVE MUCH AND TAKES A LOT OF FORCE TO GET IT TO MOVE. FRONT BRAKE WILL NOT WORK. THIS IS A BIG AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM!! AFTER RESEARCHING, I FOUND IT TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH HARLEY DAVIDSON ABS EQUIPPED BIKES.