VehicleVerdict

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs — 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.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Flhxs years?

Flhxs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted19 complaints2014: 19 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 2 complaints2021: 3 complaints2022: 1 complaints
Flhxs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Flhxs years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System233%
Transmission233%
Other117%
Body & Structure117%

Does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs 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.

“GAS CAP SWELLS UP TO A POINT WHERE IT CANNOT BE SCREWED BACK IN. I HAD FILED A COMPLAINT WITH HARLEY DAVISON AND NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT IT. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A NATIONWIDE PROBLEM BUT MY PROBLEM IS IF I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THERE COULD EITHER BE AN EXPLOSION OR A FIERY CRASH.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 5, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHXS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, IT BECAME STUCK IN SECOND GEAR. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 7, 2016

“PRIOR TO RIDING, I ALWAYS TIGHTEN THE SADDLEBAGS, AS ANOTHER FRIEND LOST THEIR SADDLE BAG ON THE HIGHWAY MONTHS PRIOR (SAME MODEL). WHEN EXITING THE INTERSTATE, THE RIGHT SADDLEBAG FELL TO THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE SADDLEBAG. THE BOLTS AUTOMATICALLY BACK THEMSELVES OUT, NO MATTER HOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 28, 2017

“HARLEY DAVIDSON 2016 FLHXS, MOTORCYCLE SAT IDLE FOR 12 DAYS, CLUTCH FAILED TO PROPERLY ENGAGE BOTH AT IDLE, WHILE STOPPED AND SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I WAS IN TRAFFIC ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP WHERE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND ALSO CHECKED NHTSA DATA BASE AND WAS TOLD THAT MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 10, 2016

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs — common questions

Is the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs. 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.