VehicleVerdict

2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2012 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 4 deaths and 3 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

9

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

4

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Flhtcutg years?

Flhtcutg NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flhtcutg years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes333%
Electrical System111%
Engine111%
Other111%
Steering111%
Body & Structure111%
Transmission111%

Does the 2012 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG. WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL AT APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE. AS A RESULT OF THE BRAKE FAILURE, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 7, 2016 · crash

“FAILURE OF THE COMPENSATOR-I ALSO HEAR FROM HD MECHANICS THAT SO MANY OF THESE HAVE FAILED IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. I WAS LUCKY, MINE FAILED WHEN I HAD A TRAILER TO TOW IT. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OF THE COMPENSATOR DID COST ME $4500 TO REPAIR FOR A $299 PART. PLEASE CHECK TO SEE IF HD IS HAVING THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 5, 2017

“TOOK A 400 MILE TRIP FROM ORLANDO, FLORIDA TO KEY WEST, FLORIDA ON 7/27/11. ON THE WAY DOWN TO KEY WEST, THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE WAS EXTREMELY HOT!! HEAT CAUSED INSIDE CALF OF MY WIFE'S RIGHT LEG TO BECOME EXTREMELY RED AND BURNED. HAD HER LEG CHECKED BY A NURSE IN KEY WEST AND WAS ADVISED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 27, 2012

“THIS BIKE HAS EXCESSIVE HEAT ISSUES IT IS ALMOST TO THE POINT THIS BIKE CANNOT BE RIDDEN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM I WOULD NEED TO INVEST NEARLY $2,000 MORE DOLLARS INTO THIS BIKE. I THINK THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEGE THE PROBLEM.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 25, 2012

“CPSC: I1460341A. 2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCUTG. CONSUMER STATED THE REAR DRIVER DIFFERENTIAL UNEXPECTEDLY FAILED. *LN THE MOTORCYCLE WAS REPAIRED. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 22, 2014

2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg — common questions

Is the 2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg reliable?

The record is thin — 9 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 Flhtcutg have recalls?

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