2012 Harley-Davidson Softail recalls and problems

The 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail has 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Harley-Davidson dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Harley-Davidson Softail recalls

Recall 14V-794: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Dec 16, 2014 · 19,015 vehicles affected · Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Problem: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2012 FXST103, FLSTC, FLSTC103, FLSTF, FLSTF103, FXDL, FXDWG, FXDWG103, FXDC, FXDB, FLSTN, FLSTN103, FLSTC103Shrine, FLSTFB, FLSTFB103, FXS, FXS103, FLS, FLS103, FLD, FLD103, FXDF, and FXDF103 Dyna and Softail motorcycles manufactured August 22, 2011, through February 24, 2012. In the affected motorcycles, the threads for the brake line banjo bolt in the front brake master cylinder may corrode.

Risk: If the threads corrode, a sudden loss of brake fluid could result, causing a loss of the front brakes, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush and inspect the front brake master cylinder and, if necessary, replace the master cylinder, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 22, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0163 and 0164.

2012 Harley-Davidson Softail problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Wheels	1

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 1
Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 1,200 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 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail complaints

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

Wheels · at 3,000 miles · reported Jun 25, 2015

Upon deceleration, a wobble occurs in the rear tire. This problem has occurred 3 times now. The dealership has given the same answer all three times that the rear spokes have backed loose.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 1,200 miles · reported Oct 27, 2014

The contact owns a 2012 harley davidson softail. While driving various speeds, the clutch failed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the master cylinder and the clutch plates needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who replaced the master cylinder and the clutch plates, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,200.

Power Train · at 2 miles · reported Jun 11, 2013

The contact owns a 2012 harley davidson fls slim motorcycle. The contact stated that the clutch cable was too long for the motorcycle and routed improperly. The contact added an accessory windshield, which pushed the cable to the bottom of the fender. The contact was concerned that the cable would become caught in it. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the length and routing of the cable was how it was designed. The problem was reported to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 2. The current mileage was 4,200.

Other Harley-Davidson Softail years

20122011 2007 2005 2004 2003 2002 2000

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

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail: 14V-794 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail?

Owners report power train problems most often (2 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 1,200 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.