VehicleVerdict

2012 Harley-Davidson FLHX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHX — 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.

16

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other FLHX years?

FLHX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted42 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 26 complaints2008: 42 complaints2009: 41 complaints2010: 33 complaints2011: 20 complaints2012: 16 complaints2013: 6 complaints2014: 8 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 5 complaints2018: 11 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 0 complaints2024: 13 complaints2025: 5 complaints2026: 0 complaints
FLHX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all FLHX years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes850%
Tires & Wheels319%
Transmission213%
Electrical System16%
Engine16%
Body & Structure16%

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHX 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.

“FRONT BRAKES COMPLETE FAILURE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. ABS FAILED & INSTEAD OF REVERTING TO NON ABS IT LOCKED OUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM RESULTING IN NO BRAKES. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW ON 2008 & UP HARLEY'S WITH ABS. I BELIEVE THAT AN INVESTIGATION & RECALL ARE IN ORDER PLEASE. I WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 9, 2020 · crash

“2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX-11200 MILES. SIDEWALL CRACK ON THE FRONT TIRE. ITS THE HARLEY DAVIDSON DUNLOP TIRE D408F. TIRE SIZE IS A 130/70B18 63H. I HAVE HAD TO PUT 4 FRONT TIRES ON IT SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE BIKE NEW LAST YEAR. MY LAST TWO FRONT TIRES ONLY LASTED 1000 MILES AND STARTED CRACKING.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 7, 2012

“HAVE A HEEL TO TOE SHIFTER... FRIEND FROM A MAJOR HARLEY DEALER LOOKED OVER THE BIKE AND NOTICED THE SHIFTER ARM HAS SLIPPED AWAY FROM THE TRANSMISSION, SO IT SLIDES UP AND DOWN THE SPLINED SHAFT FROM THE TRANSMISSION MAKING IT LOOSE AND COULD FALL OFF...HAVE SEEN RECALLS FOR THIS BUT NOT FOR MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 15, 2017

“MOTORCYCLE SURGES UNEXPECTEDLY AND THEN ALSO LOSES THROTTLE CONTROL. THE FIRST INCIDENT I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT INTO TRAFFIC AND AS SOON AS I GOT INTO THE TRAFFIC LANE MOTORCYCLE LOST ALL THROTTLE RESPONSE BUT MOTOR WAS STILL RUNNING. TRAFFIC WAS A 4 LANE STREET WITH SPEED POSTED AT 35…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 2, 2001

2012 Harley-Davidson FLHX — common questions

Is the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHX reliable?

The record is thin — 16 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 FLHX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (8 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson FLHX have recalls?

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

Which Harley-Davidson FLHX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the FLHX years to avoid are 2008, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among FLHX years belongs to 2026.

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.