VehicleVerdict

2011 Harley-Davidson Softail problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail — 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.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Softail years?

Softail NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted8 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 7 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 8 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 4 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 2 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 1 complaints
Softail NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Softail years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine267%
Lighting133%

Does the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V037000EngineJanuary 31, 2011 · 6,964 units

Defect

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SOFTAIL MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 7, 2010 THROUGH OCTOBER 8, 2010. THE BODY CONTROL MODULES (BCM) INSTALLED ON THESE MOTORCYCLES (PART NUMBERS 69991-11 AND 69993-11) HAVE A CASE THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY SEALED DURING PRODUCTION. AN IMPROPER SEAL MAY ALLOW WATER INTRUSION INTO THE BCM WHICH MAY CAUSE ENGINE STALL.

Consequence

AN ENGINE STALL WHILE IN TRAFFIC CAN RESULT IN A CRASH, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.

Remedy

HARLEY-DAVIDSON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 21, 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.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL DELUXE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT TO A DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2011

“REAR RUNNING LIGHTS RANDOMLY, REPEATEDLY GOING OUT -- THEY'VE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST ONE PER MONTH. THE BIKE IS CURRENTLY ON ITS FOURTH NEW BULB. OTHERS HAVE NOTED THAT THEY'RE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 5, 2011

2011 Harley-Davidson Softail — common questions

Is the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail. 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.