VehicleVerdict

2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg — 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. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

15

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Flhtcutg years?

Flhtcutg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted15 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 10 complaints2011: 15 complaints2012: 9 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 10 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 8 complaints2019: 9 complaints2020: 4 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 3 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 2 complaints
Flhtcutg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flhtcutg years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine427%
Electrical System320%
Fuel System320%
Tires & Wheels320%
Brakes17%
Other17%

Does the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg 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.

“AFTER A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF RIDING USUALLY 10-30 MINUTES, THE HEAT IS SO INTENSE COMING OFF THE ENGINE THAT IT WILL BURN MY LEG. HARLEY REPS SAY THIS IS NORMAL! HOW CAN THIS BE NORMAL? I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO DISCONNECT THE CONVERTER WHICH IS ILLEGAL AND EXPENSIVE. THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2012

“ON JULY 7, 2013, WHILE TRAVELING EASTBOUND IN THE LEFTHAND LANE OF US HIGHWAY 64 JUST OUTSIDE NASHVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, WELL BELOW THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, THE LEFT REAR TIRE OF A 2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON TRI-GLIDE (MODEL FLHTCUTG) DETACHED AND SWERVED AWAY FROM THE TRI-GLIDE. THE TRI-GLIDE VEERED LEFT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 7, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON TRIKE FLHTCUTG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE BLOCK AND THE ELECTRICAL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 1, 2012

“DRIVING 70 MPH ON HIGHWAY PUT ON BRAKES TO EXIT AT OFFRAMP BIKE DIES COMPLETE SHUT OFF NO THROTTLE NO ANYTHING COAST TO STOP ON OFF RAMP BIKE WILL NOT START AT ALL TROUBLE CODE P1511 WHICH IS THE THROTTLE MANAGMENT SYSTEM IS DEAD 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED FIRST TIME WAS AT 30 MPH AFTER SITTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 23, 2013

“THE BRAKES SEEM TO BE LOCKED UP AT TIMES WHEN YOU PUT THE REVERSE DRIVE IN. YOU CAN STEP DOWN ON THE FOOT BRAKE, AND IT FREES UP. THIS TRIKE HAS LESS THAN 14000 MILES ON IT THE TRIKE IS A 2011 TRIGLIDE, AND IT IS NOW NOV 2015. THE PARK BRAKE IS ADJUSTED ALL THE WAY OUT, AND DOES NOT HOLD AT ALL.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 2015

2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg — common questions

Is the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2011 Flhtcutg problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).

Does the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.