2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU recalls and problems

The 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU has 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Harley-Davidson dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 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 11V-506: Exterior Lighting

Reported Oct 19, 2011 · 250,757 vehicles affected · HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Wheels	1
Forward Collision Avoidance	1

Most reported parts

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 6,444 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 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU complaints

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

Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Apr 28, 2025

the recall remedy to flush the system does not address the concern that the ABS unit still has the potential for failure. Millions of ABS systems in cars do not have such issues that require a hydraulic flush every 2 years. Failure is the ABS control module; it should not be due to moisture in a sealed hydraulic system. Failure of the ABS control module can cause complete loss of braking function or a complete lockup of the brake with resultant severe injury. A one-time system flush does not address the primary fault - replacement of the ABS module. I had front brake system completely fail…

Service Brakes · at 42,000 miles · reported Mar 17, 2017

Bike parked in garage for about 3 weeks because of cold weather. Fired it up to let it warm up for a few min's. Climbed on to back it out and the front brake lever would not budge or stop the bike when I needed to stop. Fortunately before I lost control, I was able to lean to the right while using rear brake and simultaneously hit the kill switch and pop it in 1st gear to stop it. Checked calipers. They were fine. Started breaking lines and found that on the inlet to ABS unit there was fluid and brake movement. Retightened and then broke the ABS output line and no fluid escaped and no movement…

Service Brakes · at 10 miles · reported Jan 7, 2016

I own and operate a harley davidson flhtcu ultra classic. While riding on the highway I tried to use my front brakes to stop at a red light and the brake lever was hard as a rock and was not able to make it function to stop the bike, had to rely on my rear brakes which put me in an slide because of the hard breaking to compensate for the front brakes malfunction. I managed to return home using my rear brakes only. The malfunction of the front ABS brakes occurred without notice and it is a hazardous condition. When I contacted the local hd dealership I was informed that they were not aware of…

Wheels · at 11,720 miles · reported Aug 13, 2015

Noticed increasing wobble in turns, handle bars shake at occasion, took to dealer, he test rode and said it was the front wheel bearings were shot, and that this is a common occurrence on 09-12 harleys, he said harley has since been using a different bearing, and that the replacement wheel bearings were an upgraded product.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 356 miles · reported Jun 24, 2011

Harley davidson tri glide 2011 motorcycle excessive heat blowing from right side of engine while riding over 55 MPH for 25 minutes at a time over 2 hour period caused 2nd degree burns, blisters, scabbing and scarring to back of right leg. 356 total miles on motorcycle purchased new. Hd inspection post injury states the motorcycle is operating per specifications to meet epa standard. No alterations and under warranty.

Other Harley-Davidson FLHTCU years

2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 201320112010 2009 2008 2007

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU: 18V-076 (service brakes, hydraulic), 11V-506 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (3 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 6,444 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.