Harley-Davidson is undertaking a massive recall affecting 308,000 motorcycles worldwide to fix a potential rear brake-light switch problem that could lead to a rear brake malfunction. The rear brake-light switch could fail from overheating, due to its close proximity to the exhaust, says Harley, which could further lead to brake fluid leaks and loss of rear brake function. The problem affects Touring, CVO Touring and Trike motorcycles from the 2009 through 2012 model years. The recall affects an estimated 250,000 motorcycles in the U.S. and, according to Transport Canada, 17,368 Canadian owned units. Full details from Transport Canada, including affected models, below.
Transport Canada Recall # 2011379
Manufacturer Recall Number # 0145
Recall Details
On certain motorcycles, the proximity of the rear brake lamp switch to the exhaust system may induce heat into the brake switch that is beyond its temperature design limit. This could affect brake lamp function and/or cause a brake fluid leak through the switch. Failure of the brake lamp to illuminate when the brakes are applied may result in the following road users being unaware of the rider’s intentions, increasing the risk of a crash. Brake fluid leakage could result in the loss of rear brake function which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the rider’s reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear brake lamp switch with an updated version.
Models and Model Years Affected
CVO ROAD GLIDE – FLTRSE3 2009 2010 2011 2012
CVO ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM – FLTRXSE 2009 2010 2011 2012
CVO ROAD GLIDE ULTRA – FLTRUSE 2009 2010 2011 2012
CVO STREET GLIDE – FLHXSE 2009 2010 2011 2012
CVO STREET GLIDE – FLHXSE2 2009 2010 2011 2012
CVO STREET GLIDE – FLHXSE3 2009 2010 2011 2012
CVO ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE – FLHTCUSE4 2009 2010 2011 2012
CVO ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE – FLHTCUSE5 2009 2010 2011 2012
CVO ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE – FLHTCUSE6 2009 2010 2011 2012
CVO ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE – FLHTCUSE7 2009 2010 2011 2012
ELECTRA GLIDE CLASSIC – FLHTC 2009 2010 2011 2012
ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD – FLHT 2009 2010 2011 2012
ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED – FLHTK 2009 2010 2011 2012
POLICE ELECTRA GLIDE – FLHTP 2009 2010 2011 2012
POLICE ROAD KING – FLHP 2009 2010 2011 2012
ROAD GLIDE – FLTR 2009 2010 2011 2012
ROAD GLIDE CUSTOM – FLTRX 2009 2010 2011 2012
ROAD GLIDE ULTRA – FLTRU 2009 2010 2011 2012
ROAD KING – FLHR 2009 2010 2011 2012
ROAD KING CLASSIC – FLHRC 2009 2010 2011 2012
STREET GLIDE – FLHX 2009 2010 2011 2012
STREET GLIDE TRIKE – FLHXXX 2009 2010 2011 2012
TRI-GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC – FLHTCUTG 2009 2010 2011 2012
ULTRA CLASSIC ELECTRA GLIDE – FLHTCU 2009 2010 2011 2012
