2014 Harley-Davidson FLHTK: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
37 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
1,700 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2014 model year. Data snapshot: . 33 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 12 of 37 complaints (32.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 9 | 24.3% |
| Fuel system concerns | 3 | 8.1% |
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 5.4% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 5.4% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 5.4% |
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 | 12 |
| Service Brakes | 8 |
| Power Train | 7 |
| Electrical System | 6 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
Engine: 12; Service Brakes: 8; Power Train: 7; Electrical System: 6; Vehicle Speed Control: 4; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Steering: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 30 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 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: 30; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 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 (30). 4 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 |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
2013: 11; 2014: 12; 2015: 1; 2016: 5; 2017: 4; 2018: 1; 2019: 2; 2023: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 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 10542906 · 2013-09-10 (September 10, 2013)
I EXPERIENCED COOLANT LEAKAGE AFTER COMING TO A STOP. THE DEALERSHIP SPENT A FEW DAYS TESTING AND MAKING THE REPAIR. AT APPROX.. 300 MILES IT DID IT AGAIN. COOLANT IS VERY SLIPPERY, IF COOLANT GETS ON A MOTORCYCLES TIRES IT WOULD BE ALL BAD. FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN HEARING, HARLEY IS HAVING ISSUES WITH COOLANT LEAKS ON SELECTED NEW BIKES. THIS IS A WHOLE NEW DESIGN FOR HARLEY DAVIDSON, USED ON 3 2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON MODELS. I REALLY THINK THE ISSUE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 84 miles reported. Look up ODI 10542906 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10543071 · 2013-09-11 (September 11, 2013)
NEW ENGINE OVERHEATING DUMPING COOLANT OUT OF OVERFLOW TUBE UNDERNEATH MOTORCYCLE AND ON TO REAR TIRE CREATING A SAFETY RISK. FOUR OVERHEATING INCIDENTS WITHIN THE FIRST 400 MILES OF ENGINE LIFE. ENGINE BREAK IN WITH MALFUNCTIONING COOLING SYSTEM CREATING EXCESSIVE ENGINE HEAT AND RISK OF IMPROPER BREAK IN OR ENGINE DAMAGE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 80 miles reported. Look up ODI 10543071 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10546618 · 2013-10-03 (October 3, 2013)
THIS IS A BRAND NEW 2014 HD FLHTK LIMITED. NEW WITH THIS MODEL YEAR, HARLEY-DAVIDSON INTRODUCED THEIR NEW TWIN-COOLED TECHNOLOGY. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A COOLANT SYSTEM, WHEREBY THE EXHAUST PORTS INSIDE EACH OF THE TWO ENGINE CYLINDER HEADS ARE COOL WITH ANTIFREEZE. AFTER RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE FOR THE FIRST TIME, I PARKED IT IN MY GARAGE AND SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE. COOLANT LIQUID (ANTIFREEZE) BEGAN TO POUR OUT OF THE COOLANT RESERVOIR BOTTLE FROM THE OVERFLOW TUBE AND ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR. THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT BUT IT HAS SINCE OCCURRED …
Owner-reported narrative. 120 miles reported. Look up ODI 10546618 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10547418 · 2013-10-09 (October 9, 2013)
OCTOBER 6, 2013, AFTER RIDING 98 MILES (ODOMETER) ON A NEWLY PURCHASED MOTORCYCLE, MOTORCYCLE COOLANT WAS NOTICED ON THE GARAGE FLOORS SHORTLY AFTER SHUTTING DOWN THE MOTORCYCLE (30 MIN). RIGHT LOWER FARING COVER WAS REMOVED TO INSPECT COOLANT RESERVOIR WITH NO APPARENT SIGNS OF COOLANT LEAKAGE. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR OVERFLOW TUBE APPEARED TO BE DRY, HOWEVER, THE RESERVOIR COOLANT WAS BELOW THE COLD FLUID LEVEL LINE.WATER PUMP COVER WAS REMOVED AND SHOWED ACCUMULATION OF COOLANT, BUT I WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHERE LEAKAGE WAS COMING FROM. AR…
Owner-reported narrative. 98 miles reported. Look up ODI 10547418 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10548377 · 2013-10-18 (October 18, 2013)
AFTER DELIVERY, I DISCOVERED WHILE PARKED THERE WAS A COOLING SYSTEM LEAK NEAR THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE (~90 MILES); IF IT WERE NOT ADDRESSED, SUCH A LEAK HAS POTENTIAL TO DEPOSIT COOLANT ON THE REAR TIRE AND COULD CONTRIBUTE TO A CRASH AND ENSUING INJURY. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE LEAK, IT HAS SUBSEQUENTLY RETURNED AND BECOME MORE SERIOUS (DISCOVERED AT 975 MILES). THE SELLING DEALER ADVISED ME NOT TO OPERATE THE MOTORCYCLE AND RETRIEVED IT BY TRAILER FROM MY HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, THE TECHNICIAN SERVICING MY BIKE HAD A CRASH ON A TEST RIDE AFTE…
Owner-reported narrative. 90 miles reported. Look up ODI 10548377 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10549425 · 2013-10-24 (October 24, 2013)
HARLEY DAVIDSON MODEL FLTHK MOTORCYCLE. BOUGHT NEW MOTORCYCLE ON 9-13-13 COOLANT LEAKING AROUND THE THERMOSTAT ONTO GROUND & ON REAR TIRE ON 9-17-13 WITH 450 MILES. TOOK TO DEALER THEY REPLACED THERMOSTAT HOUSING & HAD MOTORCYCLE UNTIL 9-26-13. RODE MOTORCYCLE & COOLANT BOTTLE OVERFLOWED IN PARKING LOT AT LOWE'S ON 9-27-13. WE TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER ON 9-29-13 FOR THE COOLANT LEAK & COOLANT GETTING ON REAR TIRE. DEALER CLEANED BIKE & THEY TOPPED OFF COOLANT & GAVE ME A WATER BOTTLE FULL OF COOLANT TO ADD TO THE LEVEL IF I HAVE ANY MORE PROBLEM…
Owner-reported narrative. 450 miles reported. Look up ODI 10549425 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10549772 · 2013-10-28 (October 28, 2013)
A PUSH TO TALK BUTTON FOR THE CB COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ON ALL HARLEYS FOR WELL OVER 10 YEARS HAS BEEN ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HANDLE BAR BUTTON CLUSTER FOR BIKES WITH CB AND RADIO. ON THE NEW 2014 THE BUTTON WAS SWITCHED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON (WHICH WAS MOVED TO THE LEFT SIDE) AND MOVED TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE CONTROL CLUSTER. BECAUSE OF THIS AND THE NEED TO CONTINUALLY GRAB THE THROTTLE CONTROL, THE BUTTON IS NOT AS EASY TO REACH WHILE RIDING. THE ON/OFF SWITCH FOR THE BIKE IS DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE THROTTLE GRIP. BECAUSE OF THIS THE …
Owner-reported narrative. 1,025 miles reported. Look up ODI 10549772 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10551217 · 2013-11-06 (November 6, 2013)
WHILE LEADING A GROUP OF BIKES, USING THE CB RADIO PUSH TO TALK (PTT) CONTROL TO COMMUNICATE WITH GROUP RIDE LEADERS, MY GRIP ON THE THROTTLE CONTROL SLIPPED, CAUSING A SUDDEN & IMMEDIATE DECELERATION OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THIS RESULTED IN A NEAR MISS COLLISION FROM THE BIKE BEHIND ME IN THE GROUP (THERE WAS NO BRAKE LIGHT INDICATING I WAS DECELERATING). THIS ISSUE RELATES DIRECTLY TO THE 2014 MY VEHICLES. PREVIOUS YEAR HARLEY-DAVIDSON VEHICLES HAD THE CB RADIO PTT CONTROL LOCATED ON THE LEFT HANDLEBAR CONTROLS AND POSED NO DANGER TO LOSING …
Owner-reported narrative. 400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10551217 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
13V515000 · Power Train:Clutch Assembly
Reported: 2013-10-17 (October 17, 2013)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014 FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE, and FLHRSE motorcycles manufactured May 3, 2013, through October 14, 2013. The clutch master cylinder may allow air into the clutch system. Additionally, the motorcycles may have been assembled with an incorrect clutch release plate. Either condition may prevent the clutch from disengaging.
Consequence: If the clutch does not disengage, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson has already notified owners, and dealers will rebuild the clutch master cylinder and install the proper clutch release plate, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in late October 2013. Harley-Davidson's recall number is 0153. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-800-258-2464.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V319000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Reported: 2014-06-12 (June 12, 2014)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014 ABS-equipped Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles, models FLHTK, FLHTKSE, FLHTKSHRINE, FLHTCU, FLHTCUTC, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHXSHRINE, FLHR, FLHRC, FLHP, and FLHRSE, manufactured July 1, 2013, through May 7, 2014. The affected motorcycles may have been assembled with the front brake line positioned so that it can be pinched between the fuel tank and frame causing the front brake fluid pressure to increase.
Consequence: A pinched brake line will increase the front brake fluid pressure, possibly resulting in a front wheel lock-up, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycles for brake line damage and replace the damaged lines as necessary. Dealers will also install one or two cable straps to properly prevent the line from being pinched in the future, free of charge. The recall began on June 25, 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V537000 · Power Train:Clutch Assembly
Reported: 2014-09-05 (September 5, 2014)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Street Glide (FLHX), Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG), CVO Limited (FLHTKSE), CVO Road King (FLHRSE), CVO Breakout (FXSBSE), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Twin Cooled (FLHTCUTC), Ultra Limited Shrine (FLHTK SHRINE), Street Glide Shrine (FLHX SHRINE), and CVO Softail Deluxe (FLSTNSE). In the affected motorcycles, a component in the clutch master cylinder may fail, reducing the pressure available to keep the clutch disengaged.
Consequence: If the clutch does not remain disengaged, the motorcycle may creep forward while the rider intends to be stopped, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will rebuild the affected clutch master cylinders, free of charge. The recall began on September 17, 2014. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0159 & 0160.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V216000 · Power Train:Clutch Assembly
Reported: 2015-04-13 (April 13, 2015)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) notified the agency on April 9, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Electra Glide Ultra Classic - Twin Cooled (FLHTCU TC), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low - Twin Cooled (FLHTCUL TC), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), and 2014 CVO Road King (FLHRSE) motorcycles. On July 31, 2015, Harley-Davidson expanded the recall to cover an additional 61,065 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch, especially if the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period of time.
Consequence: When the engine is running and the motorcycle is in gear, if the clutch cannot be fully disengaged, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0165.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V427000 · Equipment
Reported: 2015-07-06 (July 6, 2015)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Road King (FLHR), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Police Road King (FLHP), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), CVO Ultra Limited (FLHTKSE), 2014 CVO Road King (FLHRSE), and 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), and CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE) motorcycles. The affected motorcycles have saddlebag mounting receptacles that may not adequately secure the saddlebags to the motorcycle.
Consequence: If a saddlebag is not adequately secured, it may separate from the motorcycle while riding, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected saddlebag mounting receptacles with updated receptacles, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0166.
NHTSA campaign record ↗