Harley-Davidson Flhxs Recalls

The Harley-Davidson FLHXS has 7 recalls spanning 2014 through 2022, with the most serious being a clutch that cannot fully disengage on 2017-2018 models, leaving the motorcycle in gear when the rider expects it to be neutral and creating a loss of control risk.

Clutch problems run through much of this model's history and account for four separate recalls. On 2017-2018 models, the clutch can fail to disengage entirely, preventing the rider from controlling the motorcycle's movement. The 2016 model year has a related issue where the clutch may not fully release while the engine is running and the bike is in gear, causing unexpected forward movement. The same clutch disengagement problem affects 2014-2015 models, where air entering the clutch master cylinder or an incorrect clutch release plate can prevent the clutch from releasing properly. An earlier 2014-only recall covers a narrower version of the same underlying problem, where certain manufacturing dates produced bikes with clutch components that could prevent the rider from slowing or stopping.

The 2017 model year also has an engine oil cooler line that can detach due to an incorrectly installed clamp, spilling oil suddenly onto the rear tire and reducing traction. On 2014-2015 models, saddlebag latches can fail to hold the bags securely, allowing them to separate from the motorcycle at speed and become a hazard for other vehicles. On 2020-2022 models, a software error can cause the brake lights to illuminate without the rider touching the brake, which can confuse following traffic.