VehicleVerdict

2012 Harley-Davidson Fltru problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2012 Harley-Davidson Fltru — 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Fltru years?

Fltru NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted27 complaints2009: 11 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 8 complaints2013: 10 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 1 complaints
Fltru NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fltru years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering338%
Engine225%
Brakes113%
Tires & Wheels113%
Transmission113%

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson Fltru 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.

“COMING TO A SLOW CONTROLLED STOP AT A RED LIGHT. AS THE BIKE DECELERATED THROUGH 40 MILES PER HOUR THE HANDLES BARS SHOOK, SIDE TO SIDE, OUT OF MY HANDS. MY BIKE IS A US MODEL NOW IMPORTED TO CANADA. HARLEY SAYS THEY HAVE NO WARRANTY COVERAGE BECAUSE OF THIS AND WILL NOT ADDRESS ANY WARRANTY OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 13, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST WAS OVERHEATED AND THE ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE OVERHEATED AS WELL. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 31, 2012

“AT APPROXIMATELY 45-35MPH, WHEN DECELERATING, THE FRONT END WOBBLES VIOLENTLY, TO THE POINT WHERE YOU MUST HAVE YOUR HANDS FIRMLY ON THE BARS TO CONTROL IT. FIRST NOTICED WHEN BIKE WAS IN 3RD GEAR, LET OFF THROTTLE WHILE CRUISING TO STOP AND USED BOTH HANDS TO ZIP UP JACKET; NEARLY CRASHED AS IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 24, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLTRU MOTORCYCLE. WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT END VIBRATED AND THE MOTORCYCLE WOBBLED. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 5, 2013

“MY DUNLOP FRONT TIRE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO "DRY ROT" ON THE SIDE WALL. IT IS ON A 2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE FLHX WITH ONLY 11800 MILES ON IT. MY DEALER SAID THAT IT IS THE SECOND ONE THAT HE HAS SEEN ON A STREET GLIDE IN THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. I WAS ADVISED BY MY MECHANIC NOT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 8, 2014

2012 Harley-Davidson Fltru — common questions

Is the 2012 Harley-Davidson Fltru reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Harley-Davidson Fltru have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Harley-Davidson Fltru. 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.