Harley-Davidson Flhtk years to avoid (and the best years)
139 NHTSA owner complaints and 9 recalls across 7 model years, 2010 to 2016. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 139complaints
- 9recalls
- 7reported crashes
- 1reported fires
- 4reported injuries
Which Harley-Davidson Flhtk years should you avoid?
No Harley-Davidson Flhtk model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Harley-Davidson Flhtk year has 19 complaints on file.
What are the best Harley-Davidson Flhtk years?
The Harley-Davidson Flhtk years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2016 (10), 2015 (10) and 2013 (14). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 10 | 0.5× | 1 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2015 | 10 | 0.5× | 2 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2014 | 37 | 1.9× | 5 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2013 | 14 | 0.7× | 0 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2012 | 19 | 1.0× | 1 | 2 | 2 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2011 | 20 | 1.1× | 2 | 2 | 0 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2010 | 29 | 1.5× | 3 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Brakes |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 49 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Brakes28 (57%)
- Other systems8 (16%)
- Engine & powertrain7 (14%)
- Steering, suspension & tires4 (8%)
- Electrical & infotainment2 (4%)
Recalls (9)
Brakes · 18V076000 · Jan 2018 · model years 2010, 2011
These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 16V471000 · Jun 2016 · model year 2016
When the engine is running and the motorcycle is in gear, if the clutch cannot be fully disengaged, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 15V427000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
If a saddlebag is not adequately secured, it may separate from the motorcycle while riding, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 15V216000 · Apr 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
When the engine is running and the motorcycle is in gear, if the clutch cannot be fully disengaged, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 14V537000 · Sep 2014 · model year 2014
If the clutch does not remain disengaged, the motorcycle may creep forward while the rider intends to be stopped, increasing the risk of a crash.
Brakes · 14V319000 · Jun 2014 · model year 2014
A pinched brake line will increase the front brake fluid pressure, possibly resulting in a front wheel lock-up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Transmission · 13V515000 · Oct 2013 · model year 2014
If the clutch does not disengage, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 11V506000 · Oct 2011 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
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.
Fuel system · 09V457000 · Dec 2009 · model year 2010
A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.