Harley-Davidson Touring Motorcycle Recall Issued Over Oil Line Problems

Nearly 50,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been recalled, following at least nine reports of problems where the oil line detached and spilled onto the rear tire, increasing the risk of an accident and posing a fire hazard if there is an ignition source. 

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle recall on June 1, after a review of warranty claims identified problems with oil hose leaks, which have been blamed for at least two motorcycle accidents.

The recalled Harley-Davidson motorcycles may have a manufacturing defect, where the engine’s oil cooler line clamp was incorrectly installed, potentially allowing the hose to become detached and spill oil onto the rear tire.

In the event oil reaches the rear tire, riders will be at an increased risk of a crash, due to the slickness of the wheels. If the oil comes in contact with an ignition source, it may burst into flames.

Harley-Davidson’s Recall Investigation Committee was first alerted to the potential issue on March 7, 2017, after a dynometer test at a Harley-Davidson dealership reportedly caused the oil line to break free and spill oil. Harley-Davidson reviewed the report and concluded there were no additional reports filed in the field and closed the issue.

Just over a month later, Harley-Davidson received a consumer complaint indicating a rider was involved in a crash as a result of an oil line detaching and spilling onto the rear tire. The manufacturer opened an investigation and searched for additional field reports and found a total of nine reports alleging the oil hose detached, causing two crashes.

Upon review of the newly found data, Harley-Davidson’s Recall Investigation Committee found the oil line clamp may not have been properly installed during the manufacturing process and initiated a safety recall.

The recall includes an estimated 45,589 2017 Electric Guide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Police Road King (FLHP), Road King (FLHR), Road King Special (FLHRXS), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Road Glide (FLTRX), and Road Glide Special (FLTRXS) motorcycles.

The motorcycles were manufactured by Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin through various date ranges. For exact models and production dates included in the recall please visit the defect notice report (PDF).

Harley-Davidson announced it will begin notifying owners and dealers of the issue by June 6, 2017, and will provide instructions to owners on how to schedule a free inspection and repair at their local Harley-Davidson dealer, where dealers will be instructed to inspect and correct the oil cooler line clamps. Customer with additional questions may contact Harley-Davidson Motor Company at 414-343-4056 and reference the NHTSA recall number 17V-333.