2018 Harley-Davidson FLHC: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
3 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
7,300 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pump is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 3 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 1 | 33.3% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pump | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pump: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Unknown Or Other: 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 | 1 |
| 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: 1; 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 (1). 2 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 |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pump leads the component reports. Engine operation 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11432710 · 2021-09-13 (September 13, 2021)
Failed: Clutch cable. Internal lining (yellow in attached photo) came loose and pulled out at the clutch hand control end. Cable saved. Safety: Occurred while riding. Caused difficulty disengaging the clutch making stopping difficult. Confirmed by dealer: Showed cable to local Harley Davidson dealer owner. He took photo to contact Harley Davidson. Dealer not aware of this as a problem and has not seen before. Vehicle Inspected: No. Additional Info: Cable has been maintained by using recommended lubricant (Harley Lube) at prescribed intervals.…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11432710 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11477147 · 2022-08-02 (August 2, 2022)
The contact owns a 2018 Harley-Davidson FLHC Heritage Classic. The contact stated while riding approximately 75 miles at 3500rpm at approximately 3,500 RPM, there was an oil pump defect in the sump. There also was unusual metal-on-metal sound. Additionally, there was oil leaking onto exhaust. The oil warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that there was a loss of power while riding at a lower speed. The motorcycle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that after removing the the pump, there w…
Owner-reported narrative. 7,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11477147 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11752016 · 2026-07-22 (July 22, 2026)
While idle fuel pushes out of overflow tube. The tank is usually not even half full when this happens. This has been a known issue with the manufacturer but haven't sent a recall out for it. They said they know that the pressure regulator was installed incorrectly from the factory.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11752016 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
23V591000 · Suspension:Rear:Shock Absorber
Reported: 2023-08-22 (August 22, 2023)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2019 FLDE, 2018-2021 FLHC, 2018-2023 FLHCS, 2018 and 2023 FLHCS ANV, 2020-2023 FXLRS, 2022-2023 FXLRST, and 2022 FXRST Softail motorcycles. A fastener securing the rear shock absorber may break and allow the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
Consequence: A loss of tire pressure can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the shock absorber fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0181.
NHTSA campaign record ↗25V375000 · Suspension:Rear:Shock Absorber
Reported: 2025-06-06 (June 6, 2025)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Softail motorcycles. The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
Consequence: A sudden loss of tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0188. Some of the vehicles included in this recall were previously repaired under recall 23V591, and will need to have the new remedy completed.
NHTSA campaign record ↗