VehicleVerdict

2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtk problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtk — 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.

27

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Flhtk years?

Flhtk NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted50 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 37 complaints2011: 26 complaints2012: 27 complaints2013: 17 complaints2014: 50 complaints2015: 13 complaints2016: 14 complaints2017: 10 complaints2018: 4 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 0 complaints2023: 3 complaints
Flhtk NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flhtk years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1141%
Electrical System519%
Suspension311%
Other27%
Engine27%
Steering14%
Fuel System14%
Tires & Wheels14%
Transmission14%

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtk 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.

“Rear brake failed, & no ABS. Push hard on pedal and NO BRAKES!!! Brake pedal very stiff and applies no brakes!! Almost got into wreck. It was close and I am calling it a wreck. Thank god I was going slow! This issue is highly dangerous!! Why doesn't the NHTSB give a [XXX]? (Rear brake has never…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 28, 2022 · crash

“WHILE RIDING HOME FROM WORK THE CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS APPARENT FROM WATCHING THE VOLT METER THAT THE BIKE WAS RUNNING ON THE BATTERY. AFTER LEAVING AT THE LOCAL DEALER THEY FOUND THE VOLTAGE REGULAR WAS DEFECTIVE. HAD TO ORDER A NEW ONE WHICH WAS ON BACKORDER BECAUSE IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 24, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCED A SEVERE WOBBLE WHEN BEING OPERATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE WILKINS HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 24, 2017 · crash

“THIS IS CONCERNING MY 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC LIMITED. WITHOUT WARNING, MOST PREDOMINANTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE BIKE WILL GO INTO LIMP MODE. BY THAT I MEAN, THE THROTTLE-BY-WIRE WILL DISCONNECT THE ENGINE'S RPM'S AND DECREASE TO 1200 RPM RESULTING IN MAKING THE HANDLEBAR THROTTLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 16, 2012

“WHILE RIDING MY HARLEY MOTOR CYCLE ON VACATION ACROSS NEBRASKA ON HIGHWAY 76 I NOTICED EXTREME HEAT ON THE INSIDE OF MY RIGHT LEG AND LOSS OF POWER. THE INSIDE OF MY RIGHT WAS BURNED AND GOT INFECTED, TOTAL BILL FOR DOCTOR AND TIME OFF FROM WORK WAS APPROXIMATELY $1500.00-$2000.00. THE WORK DONE ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 29, 2012

2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtk — common questions

Is the 2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtk reliable?

The record is thin — 27 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 2012 Flhtk problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (11 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), suspension (3 complaints).

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtk have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Harley-Davidson Flhtk. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Harley-Davidson Flhtk years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Flhtk years to avoid are 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among Flhtk years belongs to 2022.

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.