2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU recalls and problems

The 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU has 2 safety recalls and 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Harley-Davidson dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

6 / 1

Injuries / deaths

8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU recalls

Recall 18V-076: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jan 29, 2018 · 174,636 vehicles affected · Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Problem: 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) (FLHTC), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (EFI) (FLHTCU) and Street Glide (EFI) (FLHX), 2008 VROD (VRSCAWA), CVO Road King 4 (FLHRSE4), Night Rod (VRSCDA), CVO Ultra Classic 3 (FLHTCUSE3), Night Rod Special (VRSCDXA), 2008-2010 Road King Classic (EFI) (FLHRC), 2008-2009 Road Glide (EFI) (FLTR) and Electra Glide Standard (EFI) (FLHT), 2009-2010 V-Rod (VRSCAW), 2009 CVO Ultra Classic (FLHTCUSE4) and CVO Road Glide 3 (FLTRSE3), 2009-2011 Night Rod Special (VRSCDX) and V-Rod Muscle (VRSCF), 2010 CVO Ultra Classic 5 (FLHTCUSE5) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2010-2011 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (FLHTK) and Road Glide Custom (FLTRX), 2011 Road Glide Ultra 103 (FLTRU103), Street Glide 103 (FLHX103), Road King Classic 103 (FLHRC103), CVO Ultra Classic 6 (FLHTCUSE6), CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE), Road Glide Custom 103 (FLTRX103), and CVO Street Glide 2 (FLHXSE2) motorcycles. Deposits may form on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period of time beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule specified in the OwnerÂs Manual.

Risk: These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 08V-357: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 30, 2008 · 47,579 vehicles affected · HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Harley davidson is recalling 47,579 my 2008 flhp, flhpe, flhr, flhrc, flhrse4, flht, flhtc, flhtcu, flhtcuse3, flhtp, flhx, and fltr motorcycles. These motorcycles may experience a cracking of the fuel filter shell leading to loss of fuel pressure. This loss of fuel pressure can cause diminished performance and, in some cases, may cause an engine stall or a no-start condition.

Risk: This condition could lead to a crash which could cause injury or death to the rider.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel filter shell free of charge. The recall began on july 31, 2008. Owners may contact harley davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes	30
Power Train	9
Fuel System, Gasoline	7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	6
Engine and Engine Cooling	6
Electrical System	6
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Unknown or Other	3
Tires	3
Wheels	3
Engine	3
Suspension	3

Most reported parts

Structure › Frame and Members — 2
Electrical System › Wiring — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 1
Seats › Motorcycle — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 26,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Aug 8, 2021

I was riding my motorcycle with a group of bikes and had to make an emergency stop. When the brakes were applied, as directed in the owners manual, the ABS failed and caused the rear tire to lock and skid. The resulting skid caused a loss of control of the motorcycle and ultimately laying the bike down on the asphalt highway. This resulted in the rider and passenger sustaining injuries. The passenger received a Tramatic Brain Injury which a month and a half later she is still in recovery. The motorcycle has not yet been repaired or looked at by any Police or Technical personnel. There were no…

Service Brakes · at 51,080 miles · reported Apr 25, 2020

I was traveling about 35mph and approaching an intersection near my home. I had to stop quickly as a car turned into my lane just a head of me. I applied the front and rear brakes of my motorcycle but the front brake lever did not move at all. It was as if it was frozen in place. I had no control of the front brakes. I was able to slow using the rear brake and avoided a collision by steering out of the way. After arriving home and investigating, I found the ABS module had failed. I also found this is an issue known by harley davidson of their 2008-2014 motorcycles with ABS. Their solution, is…

Service Brakes · at 21,000 miles · reported Sep 17, 2019

The contact owns a 2008 harley-davidson flhtcu. While riding and attempting to stop, the rear brakes malfunctioned and were inoperable. Moments later, both the rear and front brakes malfunctioned and the motorcycle did not immediately stop, nearly causing a crash. The motorcycle was taken to centennial park harley-davidson (12477 e. Broad st sw, pataskala, oh) where it was diagnosed that the brake hydraulic unit and master cylinder needed to be replaced. The owner was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 18v016000 (Service brakes) without replacing the…

Vehicle Speed Control · at 22,500 miles · reported Jul 26, 2018

Known defect in throttle position sensor wiring is not being corrected by local dealers when problem vehicles are presented for service. I believe a recall is warranted to ensure corrective actions already identified by the manufacturer are implemented before more operators/riders are placed in danger. This defect can be extremely hazardous as the motorcycle instantly reduces the engine power available without previous notice to the rider, which can result in the motorcycle failing to maintain adequate speed to maintain stability in a turn. This so-called "limp mode" continues until the…

Service Brakes · at 40,000 miles · reported Mar 19, 2018

I received a recall on hd ultra classic 2008 ABS system. However about 2 months before the front brake froze up and became non-functional resulting in a very unsafe experience. Will this recall cover this or AM I on my own to pay for this failure? I have owned many vehicles in my life and have never had this happen.

Other Harley-Davidson FLHTCU years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2011 2010 200920082007

Compare all Harley-Davidson FLHTCU years · All Harley-Davidson models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU: 18V-076 (service brakes, hydraulic), 08V-357 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (30 reports), followed by power train (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 26,000 miles.

Are Harley-Davidson recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Harley-Davidson dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.