NHTSA ID Number: 11115656
Incident Date: 2018-07-21
Manufacturer's Name: Harley-Davidson
Motor Company
Vehicle/Equipment Make: HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Vehicle/Equipment Model: FLD
Model Year: 2012
9999 If Unknown Or N/A
Vehicle Identification Number: 1HD1KEM12CB
Vehicle Mileage At Failure: 47500
Vehicle Speed: 3
Number Of Occurrences:
Was Vehicle Towed: No
Consumer Location: BRUNSWICK, GA
Summary of Complaint
THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER ON MY 2012 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE FAILED. I WAS LEAVING A BUSINESS, THE EXIT WAS ON AN INCLINE TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. AS I WAS GOING UP THE INCLINE I GRABBED THE FRONT BRAKE TO STOP FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE BRAKE LEVER WOULD NOT MOVE, I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE BIKE WITH THE REAR BRAKE AT THE TOP OF INCLINE RAMP. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I FOUND THAT THE ABS BRAKE MODULE ON 2008-2011 HARLEY-DAVIDSON WERE FAILING AND ABOUT 175,000 BIKES WERE AFFECTED. HARLEY-DAVIDSON SAID THE BRAKE FLUID SHOULD BE CHANGED EVERY TWO YEARS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT MOISTURE GETS INTO THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND CLOGS THE ABS MODULE PORTS. MY BIKE HAD EXTENDED WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE PLAN, HOWEVER HARLEY-DAVIDSON DOESN'T CHANGE YOUR BRAKE FLUID IN THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE MILESTONES. THEY DO OPEN YOUR MASTER CYLINDER AND CHECK FOR MOISTURE, THEY DON'T DOCUMENT MOISTURE LEVEL. IF THE MOISTURE LEVEL IS ABOVE A CERTAIN LEVEL THEY WILL TELL YOU, BUT IF IT'S BEEN TWO YEARS AND YOUR CURRENT WITH YOUR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE THEY SHOULD CHANGE THE FLUID. THEY DON'T, THEY JUST OPEN YOUR SYSTEM UP TO BE EXPOSED POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION AND IF THE FLUID CHECKS GOOD FOR 3,4 OR 5 YEARS THEY WON'T SAY ANYTHING. THE MERE FACT THEY TAKE THE TOP OFF THE MASTER CYLINDER IN A SEALED SYSTEM COULD BE WHEN INTRODUCTION OF MOISTURE BEGINS. HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND MAKES NO PROACTIVE STEPS TO HELP CONSUMERS WITH COST OF CORRECTING THIS COSTLY OR POSSIBLE FATAL DISCREPANCY. BRAKES ARE A NECESSITY FOR SAFE MOTORCYCLING. IF HARLEY-DAVIDSON RECOMMENDS CHANGING BRAKE FLUID EVERY TWO YEARS THEY SHOULD HAVE THAT ON RECORD WHEN THE BIKE COMES IN FOR SERVICE, JUST LIKE OIL CHANGES.
Check if your Harley-Davidson Motorcycle has a Recall
Complaint 11115656 Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Complaint, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
Most Complaints Don't have any PDFs.
- Mixes well with conventional fluids
- Low-moisture formula provides excellent vapor lock...
- Ideal for hydraulic and disc brakes
- Provides an extra margin of safety in extreme braking...
- Mix of polyglycol ethers ensures hot brake-system operation...
- Excellent for ABS, disc and drum brake systems
- Delivers braking power when needed by avoiding a spongy...
- Both wet and dry boiling points exceed the minimum...
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Search NHTSA Database for Vehicle Investigations
CRASH: No
WAS VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A CRASH
FIRE: No
WAS VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FIRE
INJURIES: 0
NUMBER OF PERSONS INJURED
DEATHS: 0
NUMBER OF FATALITIES
Was Medical Attention Required: No
Was Incident Reported To Police: No
Date Of Incident: 2018-07-21
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Added To File: 2018-08-03
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Complaint Received By NHTSA: 2018-08-03
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Purchased:
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Was Original Owner: No
Product Type: Vehicle
V = Vehicle T = Tires E = Equipment C = Child Restraint
Specific Component's Description: SERVICE BRAKES
Anti-Lock Brakes: No
Cruise Control: No
Number Of Cylinders:
Drive Train Type:
[AWD, 4WD, FWD, RWD]
Fuel System:
FI = Fuel Injection TB = Turbo
Fuel Type:
BF = BiFuel CN = CNG/LPG DS = Diesel GS = Gas HR = HybridElectric
Vehicle Transmission Type [Auto, Man]:
(DOT) Department Of Transportation Tire Identifier:
Tire Size:
Location Of Tire:
FSW = Driver Side Front DSR = Driver Side Rear FTR = Passenger Side Front PSR = Passenger Side Rear SPR = Spare
Type Of Tire Failure:
BST = Blister BLW = Blowout TTL = Crack OFR = Out Of Round TSW = Puncture TTR = Road Hazard TSP = Tread Separation
Was Defective Tire Repaired:
Was Part Original Equipment:
Date Of Manufacture:
(YYYYMMDD)
Type Of Child Seat:
B = Booster C = Convertible I = Infant IN = Integrated TD = Toddler
Installation System:
A = Vehicle Safety Belt B = Latch System
Dealer's Name:
Dealer's Telephone Number:
Dealer's City:
Dealer's State:
Dealer's Zipcode:
SOURCE OF COMPLAINT CODE:
CAG = Consumer Action Group CON = Forwarded From A Congressional Office DP = Defect Petition,result Of A Defect Petition EVOQ = Hotline VOQ EWR = EARLY WARNING REPORTING INS = Insurance Company IVOQ = NHTSA Web Site LETR = Consumer Letter MAVQ = NHTSA Mobile APP MIVQ = NHTSA Mobile APP MVOQ = Optical Marked VOQ RC = Recall Complaint, Result Of A Recall Investigation RP = Recall Petition, Result Of A Recall Petition SVOQ = Portable Safety Complaint Form (PDF) VOQ = NHTSA Vehicle Owners Questionnaire
Incident State Code:
Vehicle Operator's Name:
Previous Complaint | Next Complaint |
- [2026 Top-Tier Hardware and Software Upgrade]: Topdon ArtiDiag900 Lite scanner has enhanced hardware and latest features, including Android 11.0, 5x faster CPU, 10000mAh battery for 12 hours of continuous operation, stable wireless diagnosis with Bluetooth 5.0, 8-inch touchscreen. Added bi-directional control, wireless diagnosis, battery testing (optional), and DTC repair guide
- [TOPDON Bidirectional Scan Tool]: This bidirectional obd2 scanner sends commands to the vehicle's ECU for active testing, enabling users to accurately and quickly locate faulty components such as injectors, coolant pumps, windows, wipers, headlights, mirrors, etc. The bidirectional control scanner is the ideal choice for workshops/automotive repair shops as it significantly reduces mechanic's diagnostic time.
- [Wireless Bluetooth Diagnostic Experience]: The AD900 Lite scan tool comes with a Bluetooth 5.0 VCI, supporting a wireless diagnostic range of up to 33 feet (10 meters), allowing you to diagnose without being confined to cables or tight spaces. Stable and fast wireless diagnosis provides a comfortable repair environment. It also offers VCI cables to increase connectivity options.
- [DTC Repair Guide Function]: Easily diagnose issues with your vehicle and receive guidance on repairs with the topdon scan tool's fault code definitions for all systems,maximize your diagnostic capabilities. This function is compatible with Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Fiat 2010-2014 and expanding with continual updates,the AritDiag 900 Lite car diagnostic scanner is the must-have tool for any technician or DIY enthusiast.
- [OE-Level Full System Diagnostics]:AritDiag900 Lite full system diagnostic scanner can scan ALL available modules(Engine, Transmission, Airbag, ABS, ESP, TPMS, Gateway, Steering, Radio, Air conditioning, ect.) to✔read ECU info, ✔read/clear codes, ✔view live data stream, ✔retrieves freeze-frame, ✔perform active tests, and more. With just a simple click, it provides you with accurate and in-depth diagnostics.
- Dual WiFi & 10.1" Touchscreen: Provides a stable, high-speed wireless link 3x faster than bluetooth, and a responsive, professional interface. Topdon ONE obd2 scanner diagnostic tool ensures smooth, non-lagging diagnostic scan, boosting mechanic efficiency
- J2534 Pass-Thru Support: The included ONE VCI supports the J2534 standard, allowing it to function as a pass-thru device when paired with OEM diagnostic software.Through TOPDON’s RLink platform, technicians can perform dealer-level coding, expanding in-house capabilities without investing in multiple factory automotive scan tools
- OE Topology Mapping: Visualize the vehicle’s ECU network exactly as it’s built.Zoom, pan, and highlight specific modules to pinpoint component issues with precision.Topology mapping displays real-time communication between modules
- Topfix AI Assistant: Covers 5 million plus fault codes and delivers instant causes, symptoms, and repair guidance with professional wiring diagrams for each code.Slashes diagnostic time, boosts first-time fix accuracy, and increases shop revenue
- 50 Plus Service Functions: Covers high-demand services like ADAS calibration, DPF regen, TPMS reset, ABS bleed, and throttle adaptation.Expands your service menu, allows you to charge premium rates, and turns away zero jobs due to lack of tooling. Vehicle-specific functionality may vary.
- Bi-Directional Control, Quickly Locate Problems: Turn your phone into a professional diagnostic tool. You can send commands from your phone to the ECU to test injectors, cooling fans, headlights, A/C clutch, windows, wipers, and more. See which one doesn't respond. Helps you quickly locate the problem and save time. No need to tear things apart, avoid blind disassembly.
- Full System Diagnostics, No Fault Hides: Unlike basic diagnostic tools that only cover 4 systems, TopScan can scan all systems. Read and clear trouble codes, view live data streams, and generate a complete vehicle health report – all issues are clear at a glance. Covers 10,000+ vehicle models and is compatible with 99.99% of vehicles.
- Flexible Subscription, Choose Advanced Features as Needed: TopScan Lite provides free-for-life access to core diagnostics, including full system scan, code reading, performance tests, and repair information. After purchase, advanced features (bi-directional control, service operations, live data, code clearing, and AI functions) are free-for-the-first-year. After the first year, if you want to use advanced features, you need to subscribe on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. As new models and reset functions are updated, the tool will also be continuously upgraded.
- AI Assistant - TopFix: Think of TopFix as your personal AI mechanic. It leverages a repair database and OEM data to deliver clear, step-by-step repair solutions. Features include AI Q&A, one-click translation, and a full repair log, making your diagnostic process simpler and more efficient.
- 8+ Hot Resets, Keep Your Car in Top Shape: One-tap resets for oil, throttle, EPB, steering angle, DPF, ABS, BMS, and airbag. It enables car owners to easily perform essential maintenance, ensuring the vehicle stays in optimal condition and extends its service life.
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Last update on 2026-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API