VehicleVerdict

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse — 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Flhtkse years?

Flhtkse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted6 complaints2014: 6 complaints2015: 5 complaints2016: 4 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 1 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Flhtkse NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flhtkse years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission375%
Electrical System125%

Does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse 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.

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.

“THE ASSIST & SLIP CLUTCH OF MY HD NEARLY GOT ME KILLED THE OTHER DAY. I WAS TURNING IN AN INTERSECTION AND HAD SHIFTED INTO 2ND GEAR WHEN A CAR DIDN'T SEE ME AND WAS COMING RIGHT AT ME. I ACCELERATED HARD WHILE LETTING THE CLUTCH OUT, AND INSTEAD OF IT GRABBING, IT SLIPPED! SO MY MOTORCYCLE JUST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 20, 2017 · crash

“THE SPARK PLUG WIRE FOR THE FRONT CYLINDER RUBS AGAINST THE FUEL TANK WEARING THE PROTECTIVE SHEATH AROUND THE SPARK PLUG WIRE. PROLONGED RUBBING WILL WEAR A HOLE IN THE SHEATHING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AGAINST THE FUEL TANK OR ENGINE STUMBLE. MOTORCYCLE HAS LESS THAN 8100 MILES ON IT AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 16, 2017

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse — common questions

Is the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse. 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.