Harley-Davidson FLHCS problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
14 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
25 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 to 2024 model years. Data snapshot: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Suspension is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 14 complaints (28.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 14.3% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 7.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 4 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
Suspension: 4; Electrical System: 2; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Speedometer/Odometer: 1; Engine: 1; Other/I Am Not Sure: 1; Power Train: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 5 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 9 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 5 |
2018: 1; 2019: 2; 2021: 2; 2023: 3; 2024: 1; 2025: 5
Pattern summary
Suspension leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11230417 · 2019-07-09 (July 9, 2019)
SAFETY CONDITION EXISTS WHEREAS WHEN SHIFTING INTO 1ST GEAR FROM NEUTRAL, INTERMITTENTLY, THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE UNLESS MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS ARE MADE. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST DROP THE BIKE, MULTIPLE TIMES, DURING ATTEMPTING TO START OFF AFTER SHIFTING INTO FIRST. THIS HAS ALSO CAUSED A CLOSE CALL DURING A SITUATION WHERE I NEEDED TO MOVE QUICKLY TO AVOID AN ONCOMING VEHICLE AND COULDN'T ACCELERATE WHEN SHIFTING INTO FIRST. THIS ISSUE OCCURS MULTIPLE TIMES DURING EACH RIDE AND SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS S…
Owner-reported narrative. 25 miles reported. Look up ODI 11230417 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11432254 · 2021-09-09 (September 9, 2021)
The contact owns a 2019 Harley Davidson FLHCS Heritage Classic Motorcycle. The contact stated that the speedometer was fogging up during the daytime. The fuel gauge, RPM, transmission gear, and mileage were obstructed. The motorcycle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the speedometer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 17,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11432254 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11102693 · 2018-06-19 (June 19, 2018)
REAR BRAKES SQUEAL LOUD ENOUGH TO BE HEARD ACROSS THE STREET. HAVE HAD COMPLETE BACK END REPLACED AND STILL SQUEALS. ALSO, OIL DRIBBLES OUT OF THE AIR FILTER. 2ND FLHCS WITH THESE PROBLEMS BOTH AT 1000 MILES.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11102693 at NHTSA ↗
Recalls by model year
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Recall campaigns
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 |
2018: 2; 2019: 2; 2020: 2; 2021: 2; 2022: 2; 2023: 2; 2024: 1