2021 Harley-Davidson FXLRS: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
3 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 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 |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Service Brakes: 1; Suspension: 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 | 0 |
| 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: 0; 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
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 3 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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2023: 1; 2025: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Service Brakes leads the component reports. 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11544508 · 2023-09-14 (September 14, 2023)
The contact owns a 2021 Harley-Davidson FXLRS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V591000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11544508 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11668784 · 2025-06-23 (June 23, 2025)
The rear brakes will not and do not stop the bike. The ABS rear brakes do not engage yet when checking the error codes on the bike it shows the brakes are engaging. This is very dangerous. You need both brakes on a motorcycle
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11668784 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11727575 · 2026-03-27 (March 27, 2026)
NHTSA Complaint Description , This complaint concerns two unrepaired safety recalls (23V591 and 25V375) on a 2021 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S (FXLRS) Softail motorcycle that were never remedied prior to a fatal crash on April 12, 2023. Recall 23V591 (issued August 2023) involves a fastener that may fracture, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to contact the rear tire, creating a groove and causing sudden loss of tire pressure , increasing crash risk. Recall 25V375 (issued June 2025) involves the rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting tab…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11727575 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 ↗