The 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhx has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 425,393 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC18V0760002018-01-29174,636 affected
Defect
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling all 2008-2011 Touring, CVO Touring and VSRC motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), including Road King (FLHR), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHP), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHPE), Electra Glide Standard Police (EFI) (FLHTP), Electra Glide Classic (EFI)…
Consequence
These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0171.
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.
Complaints by component
SERVICE BRAKES
8
1crashes1fires6injuries
TIRES
3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2
1crashes
WHEELS
2
ENGINE
1
1injuries
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
1
STEERING
1
SUSPENSION:FRONT
1
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1
Total complaints20
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“Front brake lever is frozen in open position making stopping more dangerous.”
“Front break lever completely stiff. Was about to go for a ride when I noticed it. . Luckily I was not riding the bike when this happened. From what I've read and understand this is a ongoing issue with the abs modules on these bikes. Instead of issuing a recall harley has opted to replace brake…”
“While riding my hd motorcycle, I turn onto an off ramp from I-95. As I approached the intersection, I eased into the rear brake. I was going to make a right turn at the intersection, and as I approached I ran over a rough spot in the road, this made the rear tire lock up very briefly and I could…”
“I have a 2011 harley davidson street glide. The anti-lock brake system (abs) failed last week and I almost collided with a car that had stopped in front of me. The front brake froze and was unusable. Harley requires you change the brake fluid every 2 years which I do, actually at about every $10k…”
“September 2, 2016 the rear brakes (anti-lock) locked up for the second time leaving me stranded on the side of the highway. May 27, 2016 was the first time they locked up and caused a fire. Ultimately costing $3500.00 in damages geico covered. Biloxi harley davidson repaired the bike in may of…”
“Leg burns due to excessive heat from rear engine cylinder. Measure radiant heat at 340 degrees. This has caused red burn on the back of the right leg. Heat is felt while in motion on 80 degree days. Increases during stops for lights. Have brought to dealer and manufacturers attention over the past…”
“Rear brakes caught fire. Due to brake drag”
“Rear brake pedal bottomed, resulting in sudden loss of rear braking. Driving on highway.”
Defect investigations
InvestigationPE16009 Opened 2016-07-06 · closed 2018-04-23
Sudden Brake Failure - Motorcycle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation in July 2016 based on forty-three (43) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).During the course of this investigation ODI received a total of 145 VOQs related to the alleged defect on the subject motorcycles.Owners allege they experience a sudden and…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhx as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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