VehicleVerdict

2009 Harley-Davidson Fxdb problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2009 Harley-Davidson Fxdb — 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.

18

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Fxdb years?

Fxdb NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted18 complaints2007: 4 complaints2008: 5 complaints2009: 18 complaints2010: 1 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 1 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 2 complaints
Fxdb NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Fxdb years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Harley-Davidson Fxdb problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine422%
Tires & Wheels422%
Brakes317%
Fuel System317%
Speed Control16%
Body & Structure16%
Suspension16%
Electrical System16%

Does the 2009 Harley-Davidson Fxdb have recalls?

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

08V659000Body & StructureDecember 15, 2008 · 3,285 units

Defect

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING 3,285 MY 2009 FXD, FXDF, FXDC, FXDL, AND FXDB MOTORCYCLES. THE JIFFY STAND SPRING ANCHOR MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A DEFECTIVE WELD THAT MAY ALLOW THE JIFFY STAND ASSEMBLY TO NOT RETRACT AS INTENDED.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE ORIGINAL JIFFY STAND SPRING ANCHOR AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW SPRING ANCHOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 22, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4680.

08V625000Fuel SystemNovember 26, 2008 · 349 units

Defect

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING 349 MY 2009 FXDB, FXDC, FXDF, AND FXDL MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES HAVE A FUEL TANK VENT TUBE ASSEMBLY, PART NO. 27389-04A, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH A DEFECTIVE ULTRASONIC WELD ON THE ANTI-SLOSH VALVE.

Consequence

IF THE VALVE SEPARATES AND THE BIKE IS TIPPED OVER, IT MAY LEAK FUEL. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VENT TUBE ASSEMBLY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 8, 2008. 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON SCREAMING EAGLE ROAD GLIDE FLTRSE3. HE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN AFTER EXITING A PARKING SPACE, BUT THE ENGINE MISFIRED. HE LOST VEHICLE CONTROL, AND THEN CRASHED ONTO THE ROADWAY. THERE WERE PERSONAL INJURIES INCLUDING FRACTURES TO THE LEFT ANKLE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 13, 2009 · crash

“MESSAGE: TO WHO IT MAY CONCERN, HAS ANYONE EVERY MENTIONED THE PROBLEM WITH HARLEY DAVIDSON MODEL FAT BOB 2008 AND ON, THE PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT TIRE DUNLAP 427 MADE ESPECIALLY FOR FAT BOB CUPPING (LUMPING OF TREAD) CAUSING VIBRATIONS BAD UNEVEN WEAR CAN CAUSE FRONT TIRE NOT FLUSH TO PAVEMENT IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 1, 2012

“THE BIKES FUEL GAUGE HAS NEVER WORKED SINCE THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THIS BIKE. IT HAS NEVER BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE "FIXED" BECAUSE AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE FAULTY GAUGE. *KB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 1, 2011

“SEVERAL TIMES I CAME VERY VERY CLOSE TO REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE.THE REAR BRAKING POWER OF THE REAR BRAKES IS FAR BELOW ADEQUATE THE REAR BRAKES WON'T EVEN LOCK UP IF PEDDLE IS STOOD ON WITH ALL ONE'S WEIGHT. THE REAR ROTOR WAS REPLACED ON ONE SIDE OF THE HARLEY DAVIDSON TRIKE ONLY WITH THE SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 14, 2009

“2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON FLHX (STREETGLIDE) RIDES EXCESSIVELY HARD. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE REAR AIR SHOCKS ARE NOT WORKING. AIR PRESSURE HAS BEEN ADJUSTED FROM MINIMUM TO MAXIMUM PRESSURES WITH LITTLE TO NO CHANGE IN RIDE QUALITY. THE IMPLICATION IS...AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS EVEN HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 29, 2009

2009 Harley-Davidson Fxdb — common questions

Is the 2009 Harley-Davidson Fxdb reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 Fxdb problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 2009 Harley-Davidson Fxdb have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Harley-Davidson Fxdb. 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.