2001 Harley-Davidson Flht recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE CLIPS THAT RETAIN THE WIRING FOR THE FRONT FENDER TIP LIGHT CAN BECOME DETACHED FROM THE FENDER, CAUSING THE WIRES TO FRAY AND SHORT.
What could happen: THIS COULD CAUSE THE LIGHTING SYSTEM FUSE TO BLOW, LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN OPERATIONAL FRONT FENDER TIP LIGHT, HEADLIGHT, TAILLIGHT, RUNNING LIGHTS, AND PASSING LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED).
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FENDER TIP LIGHT WIRING HARNESS RETENTION CLIPS, AND INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, ANY DAMAGED WIRING HARNESSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A R…
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 2001 FLHT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02V002000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-414-342-4680.
- 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
Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE CLIPS THAT RETAIN THE WIRING FOR THE FRONT FENDER TIP LIGHT CAN BECOME DETACHED FROM THE FENDER, CAUSING THE WIRES TO FRAY AND SHORT.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE LIGHTING SYSTEM FUSE TO BLOW, LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN OPERATIONAL FRONT FENDER TIP LIGHT, HEADLIGHT, TAILLIGHT, RUNNING LIGHTS, AND PASSING LAMPS (IF EQUIPPED).
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FENDER TIP LIGHT WIRING HARNESS RETENTION CLIPS, AND INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, ANY DAMAGED WIRING HARNESSES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680.
Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (2), Hydraulic (2), Suspension (1), Electrical system (1), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
10/27/2022 · Suspension
There is a crack in the rear swing arm from top to bottom. Have been reading on line forums. Apparently this has been going on for years. Why no recall ?
09/22/2005 · Electrical system
I OWN A HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THE HORNS ON THESE BIKES ARE A HAZARD. MY BIKES HORN SOUNDS LIKE A DEAD DUCK WHEN IT DOES MAKE NOISE, AND THERE ARE 1000'S OF OTHERS WHO MAKE THIS SAME COMPLAINT ON NUMEROUS INTERNET HARLEY FORUMS. THESE HORNS ARE A SAFETY ISSUE AND HARLEY DAVIDSON KNOWS THAT THESE HORN QUIT WORKING ON EVEN THEIR NEW BIKES. MY BIKE IS A 2001 E…
02/08/2005 · Brakes
FRONT BRAKES MAKING A SWOOSH TYPE NOISE WHEN BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED. FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES WITHIN 15000 MILES. REAR TIRE HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 15000 MILES DUE TO WEAR. WAS TOLD BY 3 HARLEY DAVIDON DEALERS THIS WAS COMMON DUE TO WEIGHT OF MOTORCYCLE. *AK
12/02/2002 · Body / structure
MANUFACTURER'S POWDER COATING FLAKING AWAY AND FRAME SEVERELY RUSTING. DT
08/31/2001 · Engine
WHILE RIDING MOTORCYCLE AT 70 MPH IT STARTED TO BLOW OUT OIL THROUGH CARBURETOR ONTO CONSUMER'S LEGS. WHILE OIL WAS BURNING, CONSUMER HAD TO KEEP FOCUS ON ROAD TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *AK CONSUMER WAS BURNED DUE TO INCIDENT AND THERE WAS SOME PROPERTY DAMAGE. *SLC
05/26/2001 · Brakes
FRONT BRAKES STARTED SQUELLING AT THE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP. HAS BEEN REPORTED WITH NO RESPONSE. RETURNED TO DEALER TWO TIMES. REFUSED TO REPAIR SAID THEY HAVE TRIED TO REPAIR IN PAST WITH NO SUCCESS.