2018 Harley-Davidson Flhc problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Fuel/Propulsion System (1) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/Lubrication:pump (1)
Safety recalls (2)
Suspension:rear:shock Absorber 2025-06-06 · campaign 25V375000 · 82,117 vehicles
Defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2024 Softail motorcycles. The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster may break, allowing the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
Risk: A sudden loss of tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a new bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 16, 2025. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0188. Some of the vehicles included in this recall were previously repaired under recall 23V591, and will need to have the new remedy completed.
Suspension:rear:shock Absorber 2023-08-22 · campaign 23V591000 · 65,224 vehicles
Defect: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2019 FLDE, 2018-2021 FLHC, 2018-2023 FLHCS, 2018 and 2023 FLHCS ANV, 2020-2023 FXLRS, 2022-2023 FXLRST, and 2022 FXRST Softail motorcycles. A fastener securing the rear shock absorber may break and allow the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure.
Risk: A loss of tire pressure can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the shock absorber fastener, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0181.
Service bulletins (62)
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
Unknown Or Other 2026-08-14 · M1733 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1733: cosmetic cylinder staining (all milwaukee-eight models). purpose: initial release. this bulletin informs dealers that cosmetic staining or etching on the inside of the cylinder bore does not have an impact on engine performance, oil consumption, or overall functionality. this
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
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
Vehicle Speed Control 2026-03-31 · M1490 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
service bulletin m1490 (v 26.5.2): 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 26.5.2 release date: week of
Showing the 6 most recent of 62 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-07-22 · Fuel/Propulsion System“while idle fuel pushes out of overflow tube. the tank is usually not even half full when this happens. this has been a known issue with the manufacturer but haven't sent a recall out for it. they said they know that the pressure regulator was installed incorrectly from the factory. …”
2022-08-02 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/Lubrication:pump · 7,300 mi“the contact owns a 2018 harley-davidson flhc heritage classic. the contact stated while riding approximately 75 miles at 3500rpm at approximately 3,500 rpm, there was an oil pump defect in the sump. there also was unusual metal-on-metal sound. additionally, there was oil leaking onto exhaust. the oil warning light illuminated. the contact also stat…”
2021-09-13 · Unknown Or Other“failed: clutch cable. internal lining (yellow in attached photo) came loose and pulled out at the clutch hand control end. cable saved. safety: occurred while riding. caused difficulty disengaging the clutch making stopping difficult. confirmed by dealer: showed cable to local harley davidson dealer owner. he took photo to contact harley davidson.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.