2021 Harley-Davidson Flhtk 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. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. Please refer to Addendum A for specific vehicle model details. Due to a software error, the brake lights may illuminate without the rider applying the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
What could happen: Unintended illumination of the brake lights may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software on Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. On Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles, a new pressure switch will also be installed. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-…
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 2021 FLHTK.
- Book a repair at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 22V781000 (manufacturer code 0635).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-258-2464.
- 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
Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Trike and CVO Trike and 2020-2022 Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. Please refer to Addendum A for specific vehicle model details. Due to a software error, the brake lights may illuminate without the rider applying the brakes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Unintended illumination of the brake lights may confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software on Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. On Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles, a new pressure switch will also be installed. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0635.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2021 Harley-Davidson Flhtk owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
08/09/2024 · Vehicle Speed Control
A redesign in the left and right handle controls of the Harley 2014 model’s, the Press to Talk (PTT) button and Cruise Control buttons were switched from the left hand grip to the right throttle/brake hand grip. The PTT button is used for the Citizens Band (CB) radio. The PTT button had always been located on the left hand grip and the Cruise Control butto…
02/14/2024 · Transmission / drivetrain
Recently while riding my motorcycle, I experienced a near total loss of clutch control. Fortunately, was able to safely limp it back to the garage. What I found when checking components, my clutch lever lost most of its tension. I thought it might be a stripped plastic tensioner that others have experienced. Instead, it was partially the plastic push butt…