VehicleVerdict

2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Flhtkl years?

Flhtkl NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted6 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 2 complaints2019: 0 complaints
Flhtkl NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flhtkl years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2100%

Does the 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V574000Visibility & WipersAugust 5, 2019 · 12,733 units

Defect

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles, including 2017-2019 FLHTCU, FLHTCUL, FLHTK ANV, FLHTKL, FLTRU, FLHTK, and 2016-2019 FLHTKSE, FLHTKSE ANV, and FLTRUSE models equipped with a Harley-Davidson Detachable Tour-Pak Luggage Conversion Kit (Part numbers 53000291, 53000291A, and 53000567). The kit did not include replacement rear red reflectors for the ones that are eliminated by installing this kit. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

Without the rear red reflectors, the motorcycle has reduced visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Harley-Davidson has notified owners, and dealers will install the replacement reflectors, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2019. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0629.

18V734000TransmissionOctober 18, 2018 · 177,636 units

Defect

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Police Road King (FLHP), Road King (FLHR), Road King Special (FLHRXS), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Ultra Limited (FLHTK), Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL), Ultra Limited Shrine (FLHTK SHRINE), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU), Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS), Freewheeler (FLRT), Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG), CVO Limited (FLHTKSE) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE) motorcycles, 2017 Softail Slim S (FLSS), Fat Boy S (FLSTFBS) and CVO Pro Street Breakout (FXSE) motorcycles, 2018 115th Anniversary Ultra Limited (FLHTK ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide (FLHX ANV), 115th Anniversary Street Glide Special (FLHXS ANX), 115th Anniversary Tri Glide Ultra (FLHTCUTG ANV), 115th Anniversary CVO Limited (FLHTKSE ANV) and CVO Road Glide (FLTRXSE) motorcycles. The secondary clutch actuator cylinder may leak fluid internally and the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch.

Consequence

If the clutch cannot be disengaged it can result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a new secondary clutch actuator piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 5, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0173.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CLUTCH SWITCH NOT WORKING THIS CAUSES NOT BEING ABLE TO START THE ENGINE IN GEAR WITH THE CLUTCH DISENGAGED, IF THE ENGINE IS STALLED THE MOTORCYCLE HAS TO BE PUT IN NEUTRAL TO BE RESTARTED THIS CAUSES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS A KNOWN PROBLEM SINCE 2014.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 28, 2020

2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl — common questions

Is the 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl. 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.