VehicleVerdict

2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Dyna years?

Dyna NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted7 complaints1996: 1 complaints1998: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 1 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 1 complaints2006: 7 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 1 complaints2012: 2 complaints2014: 1 complaints
Dyna NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Dyna years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other150%
Suspension150%

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V794000BrakesDecember 16, 2014 · 19,015 units

Defect

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2012 FXST103, FLSTC, FLSTC103, FLSTF, FLSTF103, FXDL, FXDWG, FXDWG103, FXDC, FXDB, FLSTN, FLSTN103, FLSTC103Shrine, FLSTFB, FLSTFB103, FXS, FXS103, FLS, FLS103, FLD, FLD103, FXDF, and FXDF103 Dyna and Softail motorcycles manufactured August 22, 2011, through February 24, 2012. In the affected motorcycles, the threads for the brake line banjo bolt in the front brake master cylinder may corrode.

Consequence

If the threads corrode, a sudden loss of brake fluid could result, causing a loss of the front brakes, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush and inspect the front brake master cylinder and, if necessary, replace the master cylinder, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 22, 2015. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0163 and 0164.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WAS RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AROUND A MILD CURVE AND IT BEGAN TO WOBBLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES AND DOESNT REQUIRE A SHARP TURN TO OCCUR. FEELS LIKE A STABILITY PROBLEM AND/AN ENGINEERING DEFECT. IVE RIDDIN MOTORCYCLES MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE AND THIS IS THE FIRST IVE EVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 9, 2015

“WAS RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE AROUND A MILD CURVE AND IT BEGAN TO WOBBLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES AND DOESNT REQUIRE A SHARP TURN TO OCCUR. FEELS LIKE A STABILITY PROBLEM AND/AN ENGINEERING DEFECT. IVE RIDDIN MOTORCYCLES MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE AND THIS IS THE FIRST IVE EVER EXPERIENCED THIS TYPE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 9, 2015

2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna — common questions

Is the 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.