Model year

2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse

Motorcycle, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Apr 30, 2017 to Jun 18, 2017.

Recall campaigns covering this model year240k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints42.0 times the median 2016 motorcycle
Severity index25.02016 motorcycles average 9.6
First 24 months4Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse peaked in 2017, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

0123420174201820192020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

75% of complaints about the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse name powertrain

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Powertrain
3
Electrical system
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

2 recall campaigns cover the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
19V-574Aug 5, 2019Kit did not include replacement rear red reflectors for the ones that are eliminated by installing this kitVisibility and wipers12,733Part replacement
16V-471Jun 27, 2016In the affected motorcycles, the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch, especially if the…Powertrain27,232Inspection
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jun 18, 2017Failure Jun 16, 20178,096 milesSumter, SCElectrical system

    THE SPARK PLUG WIRE FOR THE FRONT CYLINDER RUBS AGAINST THE FUEL TANK WEARING THE PROTECTIVE SHEATH AROUND THE SPARK PLUG WIRE. PROLONGED RUBBING WILL WEAR A HOLE IN THE SHEATHING AND CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AGAINST THE FUEL TANK OR ENGINE STUMBLE. MOTORCYCLE HAS LESS THAN 8100 MILES ON IT AND VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN MODIFIED TO CAUSE THE RUBBING. THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD ACROSS ALL 2014-2016 HARLEY DAVIDSON TOURING SERIES MOTORCYCLES, BOTH OF MY NEIGHBORS 2015 AND 2016 MOTORCYCLES HAVE THE SAME ISSUE.

    NHTSA complaint 10995731
  2. Filed Jun 1, 2017Failure May 20, 20171,500 milesSanta Rosa, CAPower trainCrash1 injured

    THE ASSIST & SLIP CLUTCH OF MY HD NEARLY GOT ME KILLED THE OTHER DAY. I WAS TURNING IN AN INTERSECTION AND HAD SHIFTED INTO 2ND GEAR WHEN A CAR DIDN'T SEE ME AND WAS COMING RIGHT AT ME. I ACCELERATED HARD WHILE LETTING THE CLUTCH OUT, AND INSTEAD OF IT GRABBING, IT SLIPPED! SO MY MOTORCYCLE JUST SAT THERE REVVING THE ENGINE AND BARELY MOVING BECAUSE THE CLUTCH WAS SLIPPING! THANK GOD THE ONCOMING CAR SLAMMED ON ITS BRAKES AT THE LAST MINUTE AND BARELY MISSED ME. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THE A&S CLUTCH HARLEY HAS IN MY CVO HARLEY.

    NHTSA complaint 10992600
  3. Filed Apr 30, 2017Failure Apr 28, 2017450 milesSanta Rosa, CAPower train

    TRANSMISSION SHIFTING HARD AND LOUD SHIFTING BETWEEN SOME OF THE GEARS IS EXTREMELY HARSH AND LOUD AND CAN BE FELT THROUGH THE WHOLE BIKE, FROM MY HANDS ON THE HANDLEBARS TO MY FEET ON THE FLOORBOARDS! IT FEELS LIKE A HAMMER HITTING THE TRANSMISSION WHETHER IT IS AN UPSHIFT OR A DOWNSHIFT. IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION COULD SHATTER THE NEXT TIME I SHIFT AND POSSIBLY FAIL ME SOMETIME I WILL NEED IT THE MOST IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND CAUSE ME TO GET IN A CAR ACCIDENT!

    NHTSA complaint 10981526
  4. Filed Apr 30, 2017Failure Apr 27, 2017400 milesSanta Rosa, CAPower train

    CLUTCH MAY NOT FULLY DISENGAGE WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING AND THE MOTORCYCLE IS IN GEAR, THE CLUTCH MAY NOT BE FULLY DISENGAGED.

    NHTSA complaint 10981522
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

49 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • M1490 Sep 17, 2026 · 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-4…
  • M1490 Jul 25, 2026 · 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-4…
  • M1490 Jun 11, 2026 · 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-4…
  • M1727 Apr 25, 2026 · 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.…
  • M1490 Apr 24, 2026 · 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-4…
  • M1679 Mar 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1679: AFTERMARKET EXHAUST HEADER DEBRIS. PURPOSE: Initial release. This bulletin informs dealers that Harley-Davidson has identified instances of premature engine failure due to abrasive particle wear, specifically from debris inside new a…
  • M1490 Mar 31, 2026 · 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-4…
  • M1713 Feb 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1713 (REV C): DTII UPDATE PROCEDURE FOR SOFTWARE VERSION (26.4.3). PURPOSE: Revision C. This bulletin informs dealers that an issue was discovered in the Digital Technician II (DT II) software version (26.0.2), released on November 18, 202…
  • M1490 Feb 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.4.3): 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-4…
  • M1713 Jan 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1713 (REV B): DTII UPDATE PROCEDURE FOR SOFTWARE VERSION (26.3.2). PURPOSE: Revision B. This bulletin informs dealers that an issue was discovered in the Digital Technician II (DT II) software version (26.0.2), released on November 18, 202…
  • M1490 Jan 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.3.2): 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-4…
  • M1713 Dec 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1713: DTII UPDATE PROCEDURE FOR SOFTWARE VERSION (26.1.5). PURPOSE: Initial Release. This bulletin informs dealers that an issue was discovered in the Digital Technician II (DT II) software version (26.0.2), released on November 18, 2025. …
  • M1490 Dec 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.1.5): 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-4…
  • M1490 Nov 18, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 26.0.2): 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-4…
  • PAB1171 Oct 25, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1171 (REV B): SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR SCREAMIN EAGLE PRO STREET TUNER. PURPOSE: Revision B. Updated: Summary. The App has returned to the Apple App Store. This bulletin informs dealers that a recent software up…
  • M1391A Oct 28, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1391A (REVU): MIDTRONICS GRX-3110 AND DCA-8000 SOFTWARE. PURPORSE: Revision U. The purpose of this bulletin is to inform the dealer network that a software update to the GRX-3110 and DCA-8000 is now available. DYNAMIC DIAGNOSTIC CHARGER …
  • M1490 Sep 6, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 25.8.9): 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-4…
  • M1684 Aug 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1684: MARKET SPECIFIC BATTERY INTRODUCTION. PURPOSE: Initial Release. This bulletin informs dealers of the availability of new batteries for new Original Equipment (OE) vehicle production and in the Parts and Accessories (P&A) catalog. Ava…
  • M1490 Aug 26, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 25.8.7): 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-4…
  • M1391A Aug 26, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1391A (REV T): MIDTRONICS GRX-3110 AND DCA-8000 SOFTWARE. PURPORSE: Revision T. The purpose of this bulletin is to inform the dealer network that a software update to the GRX-3110 and DCA-8000 is now available. DYNAMIC DIAGNOSTIC CHARGER…
  • M1650 Jan 24, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1650: MILWAUKEE EIGHT AND TWIN CAM CAMSHAFT DRIVE GEAR RETENTION KIT CHANGES. PURPOSE: This bulletin informs dealers that changes have been made to the Camshaft Drive Gear Retention Kit and service proceduresfor the Milwaukee-Eight and Twi…
  • M1555 Sep 12, 2024 · Warranty Program/Extension
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1555 (REV E): BATTERY WARRANTY GUIDELINES. PURPOSE: Revision E. Added: Added procedures for the DCA-8000 E Battery Tester.* Updated: All sections. This bulletin informs the dealership network that Harley-Davidson has provided guidelines f…
  • M1490 Aug 8, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.8.8): DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II - UPDATES AND RELEASE NOTES. PURPOSE: 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). Ver…
  • PAB1158 Jul 10, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1158: OIL FILTER PACKAGING AND CASE QUANTITY UPDATE. PURPOSE: To inform dealerships that Harley-Davidson has made updates to oil filters including new part numbers, packaging design, and bulk case quanti…
  • M1490 May 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1490 (V 24.6.4): 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-…
  • M1612 Apr 4, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1612 (REV A): MILWAUKEE-EIGHT AND TWIN CAM TRANSMISSION GEAR PACKS. Purpose: Revision. Update: Notes for Table 3 and 4. * Updated: Part Numbers. This bulletin informs dealers that all: Twin Cam gear packs on CVO, Dyna, Police, Softail, To…
  • PAB1146 Dec 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1146: 68193-95 BULB WEDGE, FENDER TIP LAMP. Purpose: To inform dealers of an issue with the bulb wire terminals not being to specification. The light bulbs were used in numerous front and rear fender tip…
  • M1612 Dec 4, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1612: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT AND TWIN CAM TRANSMISSION GEAR PACKS. Purpose: This bulletin informs dealers that all: ⢠Twin Cam gear packs on CVO, Dyna, Police, Softail, Touring & Trike models and ⢠Milwaukee-Eight gear packs on CVO, Police, Sof…
  • M1612 Dec 4, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1612: MILWAUKEE-EIGHT AND TWIN CAM TRANSMISSION GEAR PACKS. Purpose: This bulletin informs dealers that all: • Twin Cam gear packs on CVO, Dyna, Police, Softail, Touring & Trike models and • Milwaukee-Eight gear packs on CVO, Police, Softa…
  • TA0016 Sep 23, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN TA0016: 2014 and Later Touring Steering Head Bearing Adjustment. PURPOSE: REVISION. Updated: 2014-2019 to 2014 and later Touring vehicles, and VEHICLES AFFECTED. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are designed, manufactured and tested to be …
  • TA0006 Jan 27, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Harley-Davidson is aware of conditions that may result in a streaking appearance or film residue on the inside of some instrument gauges including speedometer and tachometers. This may occur after exposure of the vehicle to humid conditions. This condition…
  • M1416 Dec 18, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The purpose of this service bulletin is to communicate updates and corrections to certain 2008-2016 service literature.
  • M1409A Dec 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin is to inform dealers of the steps to perform after performing the Touring and Trike Rear Shock absorber callback return. The shipping plug must be transferred from the new shock to the return shock. When oil is allowed to leak during the re…
  • TA0006 Jan 27, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Harley-Davidson is aware of conditions that may result in a streaking appearance or film residue on the inside of some instrument gauges including speedometer and tachometers. This may occur after exposure of the vehicle to humid conditions. This condition…
  • M1464 Jul 7, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1464: BOOM! AUDIO - GENERAL INFORMATION AND SOFTWARE UPDATE 1.22.X. PURPOSE: Revision. This bulletin helps the dealer locate needed information to update and service Boom! Box Audio Infotainment systems. It also lists software revisions an…
  • TT413 Jun 9, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN TT413: 2009 - 2020 TOURING REAR FORK RUSTY WATER LEAKAGE. PURPOSE: Revision. Some 2009 - 2020 Touring, Touring CVO, Touring Police models exhibit drainage of rusty water from the rear fork (where the debris deflector mounts), which h…
  • PAB1097 May 15, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    GENUINE MOTOR PARTS AND MOTOR ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1097 INTERNATIONAL FITMENT: THE BOOM! BOX GTS SOFTWARE UPDATE. PURPOSE: To notify International dealers that International GTS radios are now available to be ordered and installed in 2014-2018 Touring, C…
  • TT459 Feb 3, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL TIP BULLETIN TT459: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). Revision. PURPOSE: To inform dealers of the use and operations of vehicles equipped with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). This system offers convenient monitoring of air pressure …
  • M1492 Jun 25, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1492: 2017 - 2019 TOURING - MILWAUKEE EIGHT - INNER PRIMARY VENT. Purpose: Revision. Harley-Davidson has learned that a small percentage of dealers and customers are finding low transmission oil levels and high primary oil levels during no…
  • M1476 May 15, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1476: 2014 - 2016 TWIN-COOLED COOLANT PUMP REPLACEMENT. Revision: Added Dealer inventory instructions. Purpose for Service Bulletin: To inform dealers of a new coolant pump replacement kit for 2014 - 2016 Twin Cooled vehicles. Markets Aff…
  • 1HD-D8A8J-03 Feb 22, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE BULLETIN M1359: 2014 - 2016 TOURING - HYDRAULIC CLUTCH LINE REPLACEMENT. PURPOSE: REVISION. A leak may occur on some Touring, CVO Touring, Police Touring and Trike models equipped with hydraulic clutch. The leak may occur when the line is replaced o…
  • 1HDS2L3U02 Jan 22, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECH ARTICLE TA0016: 2014 and Later Touring Steering Head Bearing Adjustment. Purpose: During recent dealer visits to observe steering head bearing adjustment process, Harley-Davidson staff observed that some dealers are not correctly following the service…
  • 1HDM5V2A05 Apr 27, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECH ARTICLE TA0023: TA0023: Crankshaft Rod Bearing. Purpose: Technicians have been falsely identifying connecting rod bearings as failed due to a perception of resistance as the rods are rotated. The clearance of the Twin Cam and Milwaukee-Eight® crank pin…
  • 1HD-Q4H7G-02 Jan 16, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Service Bulletin M1430B: BOOM! BOX INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM GENERAL INFORMATION AND SOFTWARE RELEASE 1.20.X DESCRIPTION informs the dealer network that Boom! software version 1.20.3 released December 19, 2016 and is now available to download. This also provides …
  • 1HDV7W6E11 Sep 27, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECH ARTICLE TA0022: Transmission to Primary Oil Transfer. During service intervals, customers or dealers may find oil level in the primary above the clutch cover opening. This also is accompanied by low transmission oil level. 2014 - 2016 Vehicles:For Tw…
  • 1HD-R7V8M-09 Jul 31, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PARTS & ACCESSORIES BULLETIN PAB1067: SCREAMIN? EAGLE SMART TUNE PRO RELEASED FOR SHIPMENT. Purpose is to notify dealers that the Smart Tune PRO ? Automatic Tuning Module is 50-state U.S. EPA approved and released for shipment.
  • 1HD-F6Q5V-04 Mar 31, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Technical Article TA0016: MY14-17 Touring and CVO Touring Vehicles with fork mounted fairings; Steering head bearings on 2014 and later Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles which may not have been adjusted correctly using the service manual procedure at deal…
  • 1HD-Y6J2F-02 Feb 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECH ARTICLES: INSTALLATION OF BOOM! INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE RELEASE 1.20.2 MAY CAUSE THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM TO FREEZE AND BECOME NON-RESPONSIVE TO INPUTS FROM THE HAND CONTROLS, SOFT KEYS, OR TOUCH SCREEN. AN IGNITION CYCLE OFF-ON MAY GET THE SYSTEM TO RESP…
  • 1HD-K5W9P-01 Dec 19, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    THIS BULLETIN HELPS THE DEALER LOCATE NEEDED INFORMATION TO UPDATE AND SERVICE BOOM! BOX AUDIO INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS. IT ALSO LISTS SOFTWARE REVISIONS AND THE FIXES ADDRESSED IN EACH REVISION.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.