2016 Harley-Davidson Flrt problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1) · Service Brakes (1) · Engine (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (49)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-17 · M1490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1490 (v 26.9.4): digital technician ii - updates and release notes. purpose: revision. this bulletin informs dealers that harley-davidson has made a software update to digital technician ii (dt ii). digital technician ii (part number: hd-48650). new software update. note: the tech
Vehicle Speed Control 2026-07-30 · M1508 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1508 (rev d): 2009-2025 trike platform - reverse motor. purpose: revision c. to inform dealers of a running change for the new reverse motor (part no. 83388-09c) for trike models. as of january 28, 2020 all trike platform vehicles will be manufactured using the new reverse motor.
Wheels 2026-07-25 · M1490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1490 (v 26.8.3): digital technician ii - updates and release notes. purpose: revision. this bulletin informs dealers that harley-davidson has made a software update to digital technician ii (dt ii). digital technician ii (part number: hd-48650). version version 26.8.3, release dat
Fuel/Propulsion System 2026-06-11 · M1490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1490 (v 26.7.3): digital technician ii - updates and release notes. purpose: revision. this bulletin informs dealers that harley-davidson has made a software update to digital technician ii (dt ii). digital technician ii (part number: hd-48650). version 26.7.3. release date:• week
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-25 · M1727 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1727: big twin inner primary seal changes. purpose: initial release. this bulletin informs dealers of changes to the inner primary seal (part no. 12052). the seal part number was changed from (part no. 12052a, black in color) to (part no. 12052b, brown in color). a new inner prima
Vehicle Speed Control 2026-04-24 · M1490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1490 (v 26.6.2): digital technician ii - updates and release notes. purpose: revision. this bulletin informs dealers that harley-davidson has made a software update to digital technician ii (dt ii). digital technician ii (part number: hd-48650). version 26.6.2. release date: week
Showing the 6 most recent of 49 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-12-24 · Unknown Or Other“reverse starter keep going out had replace two time in one year…”
2022-07-22 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 5,000 mi“the contact owns a 2016 harley-davidson flrt freewheeler. the contact stated that while riding 60 mph, the front wheel had seized with smoke coming from the front tire after the handlebar brake was released. the motorcycle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions where the calipers, rotors, and brake pads were replaced twice; however, the …”
2021-09-21 · Unknown Or Other“harley freewheeler hydraulic clutch keeps failing on me and when that happens it won't drive. i don't understand why a lot of harleys had a recall for this problem but my 2016 does not even though it the same problem as the recall bikes. i keep calling harley headquarters about this but they are very rude. it not fair that i have to pay to get thi…”
2019-04-10 · Service Brakes · 2,900 mi“brake rear brake failed , no fluid leak around bike , and fluid resovoir was still full…”
2017-07-12 · Engine · 150 mi“when you ride the motorcycle the exhaust system gets so hot that it burns your calf. i received first and second degree burns on them with jeans and boots on. went to er for the burns…”
2017-07-02 · Unknown Or Other · 💥 crash“i don't really know what happened why it didn't stop or how i spent 25 days in icu but the more i read bout the recalls for clutch and brakes failing on other models it would explain what happened and why it wouldn't stop and i wracked…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.