2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTK recalls and problems

The 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTK has 2 safety recalls and 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Harley-Davidson dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
20
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

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

2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTK 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 Owner’s 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 FLHTK problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Wheels2
Power Train2
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Steering1
Suspension1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Exterior Lighting1
Structure1
Electrical System1

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 22,000 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 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTK complaints

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 22,000 miles · reported Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide Ultra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V076000 (Services Brakes, Hydraulic) was performed; however, while riding and coming to a complete stop, the front brake was engaged but failed to respond. The contact was able to stop the motorcycle by engaging the rear brake. The contact stated that the front brake was inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for the repair. The motorcycle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…
Service Brakes · at 12,167 miles · reported May 4, 2020
When I went to apply the rear brake the pedal was solid and brakes would not engage. I narrowly avoided crashing but not my bike is not safe to ride. After research I have found that harley has been aware of ABS failure for many years that was caused by poor design of their ABS system. However it is up to the consumer to replace the part. Their recall states to change brake fluid every two years. However other vehicles with th esame brake fluid have no issues.
Electrical System · at 48,000 miles · reported Mar 4, 2020
I had just pulled out onto the highway in high traffic area and my motorcycle started producing a clanking noise from the primary case and after doing extensive research, come to the conclusion that the primary compensator was failing. At the time this happened, my cycle also dropped voltage from 14.8 volts DC down to 8 or 9 volts DC and caused the cycle to bog, and lost mechanical power on a hill with high traffic from both directions on a heavily trafficked main U.S. Highway. Had it been daylight, the issue could have costed my life had it not been from the glow of my emergency flashers…
Service Brakes · at 32,000 miles · reported Jul 6, 2018
Had brake recall done for brake flushing but intermittently the brake pedal get hard and will not stop the vehicle with the rear brake. Harley dealer flushed the fluid but there is a problem with the ABS controller and they say that's not part of the recall. I have flushed the fluid every year by myself so it is not a fluid problem although harley won't admit it. They have since changed to another sublet manufacturer (Bosch) to make their new controllers. I think mine should be replaced by the factory at no charge for their defective controler.
Service Brakes · at 31,000 miles · reported Apr 6, 2018
Loss of braking- after service of brake fluid recall- brakes failed at 70 MPH on freeway. The front brake handle became stiff and had no movement or braking.

Other Harley-Davidson FLHTK years

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTK have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHTK: 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 FLHTK?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (11 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 22,000 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.