VehicleVerdict

2012 Harley-Davidson FLHR problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHR — 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 FLHR years?

FLHR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted17 complaints1995: 6 complaints1997: 1 complaints1999: 9 complaints2001: 4 complaints2002: 2 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 2 complaints2007: 5 complaints2008: 17 complaints2009: 15 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 10 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 4 complaints2015: 2 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 4 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 0 complaints
FLHR NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all FLHR years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2100%

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHR have recalls?

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

11V506000LightingOctober 19, 2011 · 250,757 units

Defect

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 TOURING, CVO TOURING AND TRIKE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. SEE THE ABOVE LIST FOR THE MODELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.

Consequence

THE EXCESSIVE HEAT MAY CAUSE THE SWITCH TO NOT ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP OR ACTIVATE THE BRAKE LAMP WHEN NO BRAKE IS APPLIED AND/OR CAUSE A BRAKE FLUID LEAK AT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AFFECTING REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE. EITHER CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

HARLEY-DAVIDSON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL A INSTALL A REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KIT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The other day the front brake lever became very hard to pull. It is normally easy to use. The brakes still work and release as usual, but it is very hard to pull the lever and I have no "feel" for braking due to the effort needed to pull the lever. My search for information points to the ABS. Thank…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 8, 2021

2012 Harley-Davidson FLHR — common questions

Is the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHR 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 FLHR have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHR. 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.