1995–2025 model years
HIGHEST COMPLAINT YEAR
2024
721 complaints
Total Complaints
8,031
Models Covered
93
Years Covered
1995–2025
High‑Risk Categories
Service Brakes
Power Train
Electrical System
This long period was characterized by relatively low but steady complaint volumes. Issues were diverse and mechanical, focusing on fundamental components like brakes, wheels, and engines. The number of complaints began to rise towards the end of this era, foreshadowing future issues. TSBs from this period addressed core mechanical systems.
Complaint volumes surged dramatically starting in 2017, coinciding with the widespread adoption of the new Milwaukee-Eight engine. Problems with the powertrain, electrical system, and engine/engine cooling were dominant, indicating teething issues with the new architecture. TSBs frequently referenced "milwaukee-eight" and "twin cam" confirming the manufacturer's focus on addressing these issues.
The 2024 model year saw the highest single-year complaint volume in the dataset. This period shows a significant increase in electrical system issues, particularly related to new CVO models. TSBs frequently mention "Digital Technician II" and "Skyline OS," indicating a shift towards resolving software and infotainment glitches in flagship models like the FLHX and FLTRXSE.
The Electra Glide Ultra Limited has the highest number of complaints (673), peaking in 2020. Primary issues are Service Brakes, Engine, and Power Train. TSBs heavily feature updates for the Milwaukee-Eight engine, particularly around transmission, camshaft, and shift drum. However, the high volume of brake complaints is not matched by correspondingly high brake-specific TSBs, indicating a potential disconnect.
The Street Glide Special is the second most complained-about model (605 complaints), with issues dominated by Power Train, Electrical System, and Engine/Engine Cooling. The peak complaint year was 2020. TSBs heavily reference Milwaukee-Eight twin cam and software updates via Digital Technician II, indicating both mechanical issues related to the new engine and emerging electrical complexities.
The Electra Glide Ultra Classic exhibits a long history of complaints (551 total), with a significant peak in 2008-2009. Top complaints are overwhelmingly concentrated in Service Brakes, followed by Engine and Power Train. Keywords like "abs module" and "front lever" are prominent, but the volume of complaints far outweighs documented service actions, especially for ABS-related failures.