VehicleVerdict

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu — 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Flhtcu years?

Flhtcu NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted94 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 5 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 0 complaints2007: 58 complaints2008: 94 complaints2009: 88 complaints2010: 43 complaints2011: 6 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 8 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 1 complaints2019: 1 complaints
Flhtcu NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flhtcu years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension225%
Electrical System113%
Lighting113%
Brakes113%
Tires & Wheels113%
Transmission113%
Other113%

Does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu have recalls?

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

16V471000TransmissionJune 27, 2016 · 27,232 units

Defect

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain model year 2016 Electric Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low (FLHTCUL), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS), Softail Slim S (FLSS), and CVO Softail Pro Street Breakout (FXSE) 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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the clutch master cylinder for the presence of gas in the fluid, if so, the dealer will flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2016. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0169.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2016 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra. The contact stated while riding at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the motorcycle. In addition, the contact stated that an abnormal vibration was coming from the handlebars while riding. The contact…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 30, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE FLHTCU EQUIPPED WITH SHINKO 77HD (NA) TIRES, SIZE: 180/65/B16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 70-80 MPH, THE REAR TIRE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATION AND WOBBLING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 1, 2017

“PURCHASED A NEW 2016 ULTRA CLASSIC HARLEY DAVIDSON NOW HAS 9200 MILE THE COMPENSATOR STARTED TO RATTLE BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME THE COMPENSATOR WENT COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 18, 2018

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu — common questions

Is the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Harley-Davidson Flhtcu years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Flhtcu years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2007, 2010. The cleanest record among Flhtcu years belongs to 1998.

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.