VehicleVerdict

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtk problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2016 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.

14

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Flhtk years?

Flhtk NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flhtk years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes536%
Tires & Wheels536%
Other214%
Engine17%
Speed Control17%

Does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtk 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.

“LAST YEAR AT APROX 20K MILES ON A LONG STRETCH OF HIGHWAY THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, HAD TO HAVE IT HAULED IN ON WRECKER TO GET FIXED UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY DID NOT PAY FOR THAT , WELL HERE IT IS APROX 13K MILES SINCE THEN AND IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 15, 2019

“ABS FAILURE, NO ABS FAILURE LIGHT ON. RIDING ON I82 BETWEEN KENNEWICK WA AND UMATILLA OR. RIDING AT 70 MPH, ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE FOR SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC AND DISCOVERED REAR BRAKE PEDAL IN HYDRAULIC LOCK CONDITION, UNABLE TO PUSH PEDAL DOWN...SO NO REAR BRAKE. ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT. WAS ABLE TO GET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 16, 2020

“The coolant pump failed causing the engine to over heat which I was informed is a known issue with this year model. Plus my ABS system failed which makes the bike unable to operate. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 25, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTK LIMITED. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, IT DISENGAGED AUTOMATICALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. ALSO, THE THROTTLE WOULD DECREASE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. ON JULY 30, 2019, WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE THROTTLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 30, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTK LIMITED. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, IT DISENGAGED AUTOMATICALLY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. ALSO, THE THROTTLE WOULD DECREASE AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. ON JULY 30, 2019, WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE THROTTLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 30, 2019

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtk — common questions

Is the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtk reliable?

The record is thin — 14 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 2016 Flhtk problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (5 complaints), brakes (5 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtk have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 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.