VehicleVerdict

2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtc problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtc — 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Flhtc years?

Flhtc NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted23 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1989: 3 complaints1990: 2 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 2 complaints1994: 8 complaints1995: 6 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 8 complaints2002: 3 complaints2003: 2 complaints2005: 3 complaints2007: 16 complaints2008: 17 complaints2009: 23 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 4 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 3 complaints
Flhtc NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flhtc years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control267%
Electrical System133%

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtc 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.

“I WAS LEAVING WORK ON SATURDAY ABOUT 4:15 WITH MY MOTORCYCLE. I WAS APPROACHING THE AREA WHERE I TURN TO GO IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING TO EXIT OUT TO THE ROAD. AS I WAS BRAKING, ABOUT TO TURN, THE BIKE ACCELERATED CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL TO LOSE TRACTION AND THE BIKE WENT DOWN. WHEN THE BIKE WENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 10, 2013 · crash

“WHILE IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY ROAD THE MOTORCYCLE LOST ALL THROTTLE RESPONSE AND WENT INTO "LIMP MODE". DURING THIS TIME THE ENGINE RPM'S IMMEDIATELY DROPPED AND I WAS FORCED TO CROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC AT MOVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO SAFELY PULL THE MOTORCYCLE TO A STOP. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO ACHIEVE A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 6, 2014

2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtc — common questions

Is the 2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtc reliable?

The record is thin — 3 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 Flhtc have recalls?

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