NHTSA vehicle safety data

2008 Harley-Davidson Flhx Recalls & Complaints

The 2008 Harley-Davidson Flhx has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 29 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 Harley-Davidson Flhx. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2008 Harley-Davidson Flhx owner complaints

Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Harley-Davidson Flhx, describing incidents dated July 31, 2008 to November 24, 2022.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 8 complaints
Electrical System 6 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 5 complaints
Engine 4 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 4 complaints
Power Train 4 complaints

Of the 29 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash; across all 29 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11502301 · Filed January 17, 2023
I hit my brakes and I felt the abs system kick in and after I let off the brakes the next time I attempted to use the rear brake the pedal was extremely hard to push and I had no braking power on the rear of the motorcycle.
ODI #11430821 · Filed August 28, 2021
Motorcycle goes in to limp mode . No throttle response
ODI #11423726 · Filed July 7, 2021
ABS Module failed causing loss of all brakes on motorcycle. Brakes were working. Brought cycle to Harley Dealer for brake fluid flush as part of recall. Upon mechanic using Digitech to perform service it caused ABS module to fail. Because of failure motorcycle was left with zero brakes. Had to pay…

Read all 29 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2008 Harley-Davidson Flhx in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE16-009: Sudden Brake Failure - Motorcycle
Closed April 23, 2018
- Recall 18V-076
Preliminary Evaluation PE08-043: MOTORCYCLE STALLING
Closed August 8, 2008
- Recall 08V-357

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Brakes may Fail Due to Not Flushing Brake Fluid

NHTSA #18V076000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Fluid · NHTSA notice

Reported January 29, 2018 · Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Potentially affected: 174,636 vehicles

Repair completion: 49.48% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Harley-Davidson campaign 0171 · Owners notified February 14, 2018 · Vehicles built June 29, 2007 – June 11, 2011 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling all 2008-2011 Touring, CVO Touring and VSRC motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), including Road King (FLHR), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHP), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHPE), Electra Glide Standard Police (EFI) (FLHTP), Electra Glide Classic (EFI) (FLHTC), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (EFI) (FLHTCU) and Street Glide (EFI) (FLHX), 2008 VROD (VRSCAWA), CVO Road King 4 (FLHRSE4), Night Rod (VRSCDA), CVO Ultra Classic 3 (FLHTCUSE3), Night Rod Special (VRSCDXA), 2008-2010 Road King Classic (EFI) (FLHRC), 2008-2009 Road Glide (EFI) (FLTR) and Electra Glide Standard (EFI) (FLHT), 2009-2010 V-Rod (VRSCAW), 2009 CVO Ultra Classic (FLHTCUSE4) and CVO Road Glide 3 (FLTRSE3), 2009-2011 Night Rod Special (VRSCDX) and V-Rod Muscle (VRSCF), 2010 CVO Ultra Classic 5 (FLHTCUSE5) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2010-2011 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (FLHTK) and Road Glide Custom (FLTRX), 2011 Road Glide Ultra 103 (FLTRU103), Street Glide 103 (FLHX103), Road King Classic 103 (FLHRC103), CVO Ultra Classic 6 (FLHTCUSE6), CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE), Road Glide Custom 103 (FLTRX103), and CVO Street Glide 2 (FLHXSE2) motorcycles. Deposits may form on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period of time beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule specified in the Owners Manual.

Safety consequence

These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0171.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

FUEL FILTER SHELL/DELPHI POWERTRAIN

NHTSA #08V357000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly — Filler Pipe and Cap · NHTSA notice

Reported July 30, 2008 · HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 47,579 vehicles

Harley-Davidson campaign 0135 · Owners notified July 31, 2008 · Vehicles built May 6, 2007 – December 11, 2007 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

HARLEY DAVIDSON IS RECALLING 47,579 MY 2008 FLHP, FLHPE, FLHR, FLHRC, FLHRSE4, FLHT, FLHTC, FLHTCU, FLHTCUSE3, FLHTP, FLHX, AND FLTR MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES MAY EXPERIENCE A CRACKING OF THE FUEL FILTER SHELL LEADING TO LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE. THIS LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE CAN CAUSE DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE AND, IN SOME CASES, MAY CAUSE AN ENGINE STALL OR A NO-START CONDITION.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER SHELL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.

Notes

HARLEY DAVIDSON RECALL NO. 0135.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2008 Harley-Davidson Flhx. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

29 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Harley-Davidson Flhx.

Service Brakes

ODI #11502301

Incident: November 24, 2022 · Filed: January 17, 2023

I hit my brakes and I felt the abs system kick in and after I let off the brakes the next time I attempted to use the rear brake the pedal was extremely hard to push and I had no braking power on the rear of the motorcycle.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11430821

Incident: August 28, 2021 · Filed: August 28, 2021

Motorcycle goes in to limp mode . No throttle response

Electrical System; Service Brakes

ODI #11423726

Incident: July 6, 2021 · Filed: July 7, 2021

ABS Module failed causing loss of all brakes on motorcycle. Brakes were working. Brought cycle to Harley Dealer for brake fluid flush as part of recall. Upon mechanic using Digitech to perform service it caused ABS module to fail. Because of failure motorcycle was left with zero brakes. Had to pay out of pocket for new ABS module. Due to design of module when it fails it causes brakes not to function leaving rider and other motorists at risk. I had to pay $641.61 out of pocket to remedy this failure that Harley Davidson was aware of.

Power Train; Engine

ODI #11361012

Incident: September 10, 2020 · Filed: September 24, 2020

WHILE RIDING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BIKE WENT INTO A 'LIMP' MODE ALL OF A SUDDEN AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 15-20 MPH. HAD TO CUT ACROSS TRAFFIC WITHOUT GETTING HIT TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TURNED OFF BIKE AND IT RESET WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME. RESEARCHED PROBLEM ON LINE AND HAVE SEEMS SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR AND IT'S BEING TRACED BAD PINS USED IN SOME OF THE CONNECTORS DURING THIS TIME.

Electrical System; Unknown or Other

ODI #11355181

Incident: September 9, 2020 · Filed: September 15, 2020

WHEN RIDING THE THROTTLE GOES INTO LIMP MODE. ON THE FREEWAY WHILE CHANGING LANES LOST MY THROTTLE IN FRONT OF CARS GOING 75 MPH THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!

Service Brakes

ODI #11203164

Incident: April 23, 2019 · Filed: April 23, 2019

REAR PEDAL BECAME TO HARD TO PRESS ABS MODULE FAIL WHILE IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY

Service Brakes

ODI #11075274

Incident: February 24, 2018 · Filed: February 27, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V076000(SERVICE BRAKES). THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO REDDING HARLEY-DAVIDSON (1268 TWINVIEW BLVD, REDDING, CA 96003) FOR SERVICE. AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED, THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE ABS INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Power Train; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11022936

Incident: September 10, 2017 · Filed: September 12, 2017

RIDING MY FLHX THE OTHER DAY AND BIKE STARTED MAKING NOISE FROM MY PRIMARY AND I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED NOISE AND COMFIRMED IT WAS COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE(PRIMARY). MADE IT HOME SAFE; WASN'T FAR FROM HOME. TOOK OFF THE PRIMARY COVER AND CHECKED OVER THE INNER PRIMARY COMPONENTS. THE COMPENSATOR AND ADJUSTER WERE BAD. DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THE AUTO-ADJUSTED CHAIN TENSIONER TIGHTENS SO BAD OVER TIME THAT IT RATCHETS ALL THE SPROKET PARTS DOWN SO BAD THAT IT STARTES TO CREATE WEAR ON COMPONENTS SO BAD THAT PARTS CAN BREAK LOOSE, LOCK UP, AND THE COMPONENTS IN MY YEAR FLHX ARE SEVERLY UNDER RATED. THIS COMPENSATOR WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE USED FOR ANYTHING BIGGER THAN AN 80 CUBIC INCH MOTOR; MY BIKE CAME STOCK WITH A 96 CUBIC INCH MOTOR. FLHX IS PAST ANY WARRANTY, BUT THIS IS AN INCREASING PROBLEM THAT HARLEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR AND BE MADE TO CORRECT IT. REPAIR IS GOING TO COST OVER $1000.00 FOR REPAIR FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE, ESPECIALLY FOR A MOTORCYCLE THAT IS SO POPULAR AND VASTLY SOLD ACCROSSED THE COUNTRY. IF THESE PARTS WERE TO LOCK UP WHILE RIDING, IT COULD CAUSE SEVER INJURY OR DEATH TO RIDER AND ANYONE AROUND THE BIKE DURING THE TIME.

Steering; Wheels; Service Brakes

ODI #10886283

Crash 1 injury

Incident: April 2, 2016 · Filed: July 20, 2016

2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON ANTI LOCK BRAKE FAILURE INVESTIGATION-- UNABLE TO STOP SAFELY WHEN ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. BRAKES WERE APPLIED MC SKIDDED AND LOST CONTROL AND I WAS EJECTED FROM THE MC. MC SUSTAINED ROLL OVER DAMAGE WHICH CONSISTED OF BROKEN FORKS, BROKEN FRONT FAIRING, BROKEN FRONT WINDSCREEN, SCRATCHES TO THE LEFT SIDE, BROKEN LEFT SADDLEBAG, AND DENTS TO THE CRASH BAR RIDER SUSTAINED MULTIPLE BROKEN BONES AND LACERATIONS.

Service Brakes

ODI #10885170

Incident: July 8, 2016 · Filed: July 15, 2016

AFTER APPROX 15 MIN OF RIDING, THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR THE REAR BRAKE WILL DEPRESS ALL THE WAY DOWN AND THERE WILL BE NO BRAKES. THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER BECOMES DIFFICULT TO SQUEEZE AND ONLY APPLIES MINIMAL STOPPING ABILITY. THIS HAS HAPPENED THE LAST 3 TIMES I HAVE RIDDEN AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO RUN A RED LIGHT THROUGH CROSS TRAFFIC. ONCE I GET THE BIKE HOME I CAN PUMP THE BRAKE AND IT WILL EVENTUALLY WORK PROPERLY AGAIN OR IF IT DOES NOT, IT WILL THE NEXT DAY.

Other Harley-Davidson Flhx model years

Check your 2008 Harley-Davidson Flhx VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Harley-Davidson Flhx at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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