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Harley-Davidson · NHTSA safety record

2014 Harley-Davidson FLHTK

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 37 safety complaints about the 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHTK with the US government. Of those, 1 describes a crash, 1 mentions a fire and no death is recorded. 5 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 12 complaints, 32% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 1,700 miles, the median across the 33 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers September 2013 to November 2023 · How this is counted

What is on file

37 complaints on file

37

Complaints

1

Describe a crash

1

Mention fire

0

People injured

0

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 12 · 32%
SERVICE BRAKES 8 · 22%
POWER TRAIN 7 · 19%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6 · 16%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 4 · 11%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 3 · 8%
EQUIPMENT 2 · 5%
STEERING 2 · 5%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2 · 5%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 1 · 3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1 · 3%
STRUCTURE 1 · 3%
0 8 15

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 37.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2014 at 12.

16 12 8 4
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 23

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2013 to 2023.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA has not crash tested the 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHTK. Its New Car Assessment Program tests a selection of each year's vehicles and does not reach motorcycles, heavy trucks, motorhomes or most low-volume models, so an absence here says nothing about how the vehicle would perform. It is not a low score.

What owners have reported about this vehicle is below, and it is a different question: a crash test measures what happens to the people inside in a controlled impact, while a complaint records what broke during ordinary use.

Recall campaigns

5 on file

EQUIPMENT

15V427000 · July 6, 2015

The defect
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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company · up to 185,272 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

15V216000 · April 13, 2015

The defect
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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company · up to 106,966 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

14V537000 · September 5, 2014

The defect
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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company · up to 105,746 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

14V319000 · June 12, 2014

The defect
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.
The risk
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.
The 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.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company · up to 66,421 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

13V515000 · October 17, 2013

The defect
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.
The risk
If the clutch does not disengage, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company · up to 19,597 vehicles across all model years covered

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fire · 1,700 miles

AFTER A BRIEF RIDE OF ONLY 5 MILES, I PARKED THE ABOVE VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE. WHILE I WAS UPSTAIRS THE SMOKE ALARMS WENT OFF AT MY RESIDENCE AND WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR TO THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE SEAT. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10615114. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

crash · 90 miles

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 AFTER SERVICE; IT'S APPARENT THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS LEADING TO THE CRASH RESULTED FROM THE OTHER DRIVER'S ACTIONS, BUT AT THIS POINT IT'S UNKNOWN IF THE

NHTSA complaint 10548377, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS module has failed on my HD FLHTK causing the rear brake to stop working with no warning. The dealer has my bike but said the module is out of stock and is back ordered until April of 2024. Doing an internet search reveals this is a known problem, sometimes causing both front and rear brakes to fail without warning. They said the brake fluid should have been replaced every two years to avoid this problem. I did not know this. The risk is obvious. The diagnosis was done by Henderson Harley-Davidson, in Henderson, Nevada. My bike remains there. There was no warning before the failure.

NHTSA complaint 11553453. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY

34,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA (FLHTK). WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE SADDLE BAG FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RETRIEVE THE SADDLE BAG AND DROVE HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

NHTSA complaint 11240428. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

44,261 miles

THE 2014 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SERVICE MANUAL TOURING MODELS (99483-14) CONTAINS A PROCEDURE FOR BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT WHICH DOES NOT REQUIRE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER UNLESS AIR IS INTRODUCED INTO THE BRAKE SYSTEM. SUBSEQUENT TO THE PUBLICATION OF THIS MANUAL, SOME 2008-2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE MODELS WERE INVOLVED IN AN NHTSA RECALL FOR ABS BRAKE ISSUES. AFTER THE RECALL WAS ISSUED, HARLEY-DAVIDSON NOW REQUIRES THAT ALL YEAR MODEL MOTORCYCLES WITH ABS HAVE THE BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT PERFORMED USING THE DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (HD-48650), WHICH IS NOT AVAILABLE TO OWNERS. THE DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II ACTIVATES THE ABS MODULE DURING A BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT TO ENSURE ALL CONTIMANATED

NHTSA complaint 11217354, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

24,000 miles

FAULTY ABS SYSTEM. MYSELF AND MANY OF MY FRIENDS ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE ABS SYSTEMS ON OUR HARLEYS. THE RECALL COVERS FROM 2008-2011. WE ARE NOT QUITE SURE OF WHY YOU WOULD LET HARLEY CONTINUE TO MANUFACTURE MOTORCYCLES WITH A FAULTY SYSTEM THAT WOULD ALLOW BRAKES TO LOCK UP INSTEAD OF THE SYSTEM MOST EVERYONE ELSE USES WHERE THE ABS IS JUST DISABLED BUT STILL HAVE NORMAL BRAKE FUNCTIONS EXCEPT FOR THE ABS. I WAS A MECHANIC FOR MANY YEARS AND WAS AROUND WHEN THE FIRST ABS SYSTEMS CAME ABOUT. I NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE HURT.

NHTSA complaint 11083826. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

10,500 miles

TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OVERHEAT LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. AFTER CONSULTING WITH LOCAL HD DEALER BY PHONE WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE BIKE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR (PER HD MEMO). PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAULTY WATER PUMP WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. DEALER STATED, AND CONFIRMED AT OTHER HD DEALERS, THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO KEEP THESE WATER PUMPS IN STOCK DUE TO THE HIGH FAILURE RATE. NECESSITY TO SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE DUE TO OVERHEATING CAUSED AN UNSAFE CONDITION DUE TO REMAINING ALONGSIDE THE HIGHWAY UNTIL A TOW VEHICLE COULD MOVE BIKE. THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE ON 2014 HD MOTORCYCLES WITH "TWIN

NHTSA complaint 11030849, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

20,000 miles

WATER PUMP FAILURE, IN MOTION ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY AT SPEED.

NHTSA complaint 11012255. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Harley-Davidson FLHTK

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2017 8 2 —
2016 10 1 —
2015 10 2 —
2012 19 1 —
2011 20 2 —
2010 29 3 —

Other 2014 Harley-Davidson models

FLHXS 17 Flhtcu 9 FLHX 8

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Harley-Davidson on this site — 33 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst