Bought the HD new in 2008 and used all warranty plans for 1st 10 years of ownership. They performed all work per their guidelines. Never once did they flush the system as this recall mentions every 2 years? While riding down my driveway the rear brake failed to engage on a gravel road and I loss control using my front brake to stop before entering a 2 lane road with traffic at 45 MPH. Loss of control caused the bike to crash on the road. 2 months after the crash I get a recall notice on this issue. My ABS failure was directly related to this crash yet HD claims it is not? Really, the ABS freezes due to moisture in the fluid and its my fault that 10 years of preventive MX by my dealership failed to change the fluid? Can someone light the fire under HD and get this recall expanded to cover this part. Maybe use one of the 87,000 IRS agents the Biden Admin is hiring to work on this. I followed the rules and ALL MX required yet only now its an owner issue to replace the ABS module at a cost of $1,000.00. Hold HD accountable for selling an ABS system in 2008 that was not vetted properly on a first year run model.
The worst 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes10
- Electrical3
- Engine2
- Transmission2
- Wheels2
- Acceleration1
- Fuel system1
- Steering1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc
Recalls 3
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 18V076000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- Harley-davidson is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 touring, cvo touring and trike vehicles manufactured from june 6, 2008, through september 16, 2011. See the above list for the models included in the recall. The rear brake light switch may be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system.
- Risk
- The excessive heat may cause the switch to not activate the brake lamp or activate the brake lamp when no brake is applied and/or cause a brake fluid leak at the brake light switch, affecting rear brake performance. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Harley-davidson will notify owners, and dealers will a install a rear brake light switch kit, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 31, 2011. Owners may contact harley-davidson at 1‑414‑343‑4056.
Recall number 11V506000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting
- What is wrong
- Harley-davidson is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 touring family motorcycles, including cvo touring and trike products, manufactured from june 6, 2008 through november 19, 2009. The front fuel tank mounts may distort in reaction to severe frame damage from a frontal collision. This condition may cause a fuel leak at the weld of the front bracket to the tunnel.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, which could lead to injury or death to the rider.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a left and right brace, which are intended to reduce front mount distortion during certain crash conditions. This repair will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 11, 2009. Owners may contact harley-davidson at 1‑414‑343‑4056.
Recall number 09V457000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc
Defect investigations
Sudden Brake Failure - Motorcycle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation in July 2016 based on forty-three (43) Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ).During the course of this investigation ODI received a total of 145 VOQs related to the alleged defect on the subject motorcycles.Owners allege they experience a sudden and complete loss of brakes on one or both wheels.To better understand the cause of the braking issue on the subject motorcycles, ODI requested the federal safety agency's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) conduct inspections and testing of affected vehicle braking systems.Through its work, VRTC determined that deposits were forming on the valves in the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) of the Antilock Braking System (ABS). These deposits could prevent the proper function of the HCU and render the brakes ineffective.To understand why deposits were forming in the HCU, Harley Davidson completed an analysis of the Dow 460 brake fluid used as original equipment on the subject motorcycles and determined that it had stability issues if left in the brake system for an extended period of time.Harley Davidson found that if a brake fluid flush was not conducted as outlined in the owner?s manual for the motorcycles, and was left in the system for a period of time beyond their recommendation; deposits could form in the HCU.Through further testing, Harley Davidson identified an alternate, commercially available, brake fluid that did not have the same stability issues as the original fluid and could stop the proliferation of any current brake system deposits.ODI sent Information Request (IR) letters to Harley Davidson and Dow Chemical (the supplier of the brake fluid on the subject motorcycles) to collect information about the subject bikes and the alleged defect.Harley Davidson responded in full on Sept 30, 2016 and Dow responded with a confidential submission on October 25, 2017.ODI analyzed the information contained in both IR responses and concluded that motorcycles manufactured during Model Years (MY) 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 were failing at a rate greater than their peers.Based on this analysis and the brake fluid study conducted by Harley Davidson, a group of motorcycles was identified that were potentially affected by the instability of the original brake fluid.2008 marked the introduction of ABS on Harley Davidson motorcycles and a change in the Dow 460 brake fluid used in the 2012 MY vehicles provided the bases for the scope of the affected population.With recall action 18V‑076 taken by Harley Davidson this investigation is closed as further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: using the complaint identification numbers attached to this resume.
PE16009
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc 12
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Battery warranty guidelines
- Market specific battery introduction
- Milwaukee eight and twin cam camshaft drive gear retention kit changes
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Genuine motor parts and motor accessories bulletin PAB1158: oil filter packaging and case quantity update
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Milwaukee-eight and twin cam transmission gear packs.
- Genuine motor parts and motor accessories bulletin PAB1146: 68193-95 bulb wedge, fender tip lamp.
- Milwaukee-eight and twin cam transmission gear packs.
- Milwaukee-eight and twin cam transmission gear packs.
What 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The handlebars broke whial driving, the left side weld gave. Resulting in that the bar droped into my left lap. Yes it is available for inspection. Have video.
After starting bike and leaving driveway, bike has been sitting for the winter, approached first stop sign no brakes on rear. Brake pedal hard no movement. Lights come on, no brake response..... Front brakes work.... Abs module problem according to hd forums.
While riding the motorcycle on city streets the front brake lever became very hard a loss of front brakes occurred. Thank god the rear still worked. They kept me from crashing into car ahead of me. Now the motorcycle has no front brakes at all. Motorcycle was maintained until 9/2017 by a prepaid maintenance program and esp warranty.
I was accelerating and merging onto the freeway when I lost all throttle response ( throttle by wire - electrical). My motorcycle immediately lost speed in front of vehicles coming up quickly behind me. I was luckily able to get over and off the freeway.
The owner of 2009 harley davidson flhtc in may 2017 the rear brake failed to operate suddenly and without warning. The peddle was locked and could not be pushed down with any amount of force. Fortunately the front brake was still functional and I was able to slow my speed with out crashing. This first occurred going out my 1/4 mile gravel driveway with a 90 degree turn at the end of the driveway. After the incident I was able to get the rear brake peddle to slowly move downward with a great amount of force and with multiple pushes it began to function normally for the rest of my 60 mile ride. The frozen rear brake peddle problem continued to occur after the bike was parked overnight. Before I would ride the bike I would need to put great pressure on the peddle and pump it several times to get it to function normally. Eventually I could not get the peddle to function normally and the bike is in for repairs. The front brake continued to function normally over the entire time period. The bike has ABS brakes and apparently a control module has failed that will cost $1,100 to replace. Copy
In may 2017 the rear brake failed to operate suddenly and without warning. The peddle was locked and could not be pushed down with any amount of force. Fortunately the front brake was still functional and I was able to slow my speed with out crashing. This first occurred going out my 1/4 mile gravel driveway with a 90 degree turn at the end of the driveway. After the incident I was able to get the rear brake peddle to slowly move downward with a great amount of force and with multiple pushes it began to function normally for the rest of my 60 mile ride. The frozen rear brake peddle problem continued to occur after the bike was parked overnight. Before I would ride the bike I would need to put great pressure on the peddle and pump it several times to get it to function normally. Eventually I could not get the peddle to function normally and the bike is in for repairs. The front brake continued to function normally over the entire time period. The bike has ABS brakes and apparently a control module has failed that will cost $1,100 to replace.
Loss of throttle control, engine runs at idle only. Only when moving
Hard brake pedal, could not apply rear brake when trying to stop at a intersection. Had to use front brake to stop. Harley dealer says it's the ABS module and that they are on back order, for there are many that have the same problem.
My front brake lever froze not allowing application of the front brake. I went into my garage and did my normal pre ride check which includes testing the brake lever/pedal feel, everything was normal. I started the bike checked the lights and turned it off after I was through. I then went to back my motorcycle out of the garage which is on a slight decline and went to apply my front brake lever to stop the bike...it would not move. Thankfully the rear brake was still functional and I got the bike stopped before any damage could be caused. I called my local dealership and they said it sounded like an ABS hcu failure and that they would be glad to check it out for me. I went into the house and looked up harley ABS failure and found out there were several cases like mine. This is a very dangerous situation and needs to be dealt with.
Compare the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc
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Questions about the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc
Is the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc reliable?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc, 4.8 times a typical Flhtc model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc?
Brakes, with 10 complaints, typically around 37,000 miles. Next is electrical (3).
How many recalls does the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc have?
3 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting and fuel system, gasoline.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtc brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 18V076000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
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