2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu brakes problems

Filed Mar 17, 2026 · Brakes · FL

While riding my 2009 ultra classic cvc Harley davidson motorcycle the front brake level became stiff and eventually did not compress, no front brakes, while attempting to stop. The rear brake still operated normally. In an emergency, this could cause serious injury or death with front brake failing and possible rear brake failure at same time. a local repair shop inspected the brakes and attempted to bleed system and determined the ABS mudule failed. there were no warning lamp indications of ABS failure. When ABS module fails on HD motorcycles, brakes can also fail. This is a major safety issue with the braking system that shoud still operate to stop motorcycle when ABS module fails.

Filed Jun 5, 2025 · Brakes · ID

ABS Module failure. Brake pedal solid when depressed with no brakes available. I will request the bad module from the dealer. No brakes is an extremely dangerous condition. The motorcycle is in a Harley Davidson getting the module replaced. This catastrophic failure happened with no warnings or symptoms.

Filed Nov 21, 2021 · Brakes · VA

When approaching an intersection I went to apply brakes and could not because lever was frozen this resulted in my bike to coast into the intersection I was fortunate the vehicle coming was able to stop.I was told my abs system had failed and would need replaced! The issue was blamed on fluid and lack of flushing and replacement it.The fluid was replaced by dealer 5 months earlier so I’m not buying the fluid is the culprit.Bike has 12,000 miles on it.

Filed Dec 3, 2018 · Brakes · 43,176 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 harley-davidson flhtcu. While operating the vehicle, the front brakes malfunctioned and the front brake lever could not be pressed to stop the motorcycle. The motorcycle was taken to harley-davidson eastgate (699 cincinnati potavia pike, cincinnati, oh) where it was diagnosed that the valve in the ABS module malfunctioned and the module needed to be replaced. The failure was repaired. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v076000(service brakes) in july of 2018, but the parts for the repair were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 43,176.

Filed Sep 18, 2018 · Brakes · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 harley-davidson flhtcu. The contact stated that the front brakes failed to fully engage and function properly. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v076000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact scheduled an appointment with war horse harley-davidson (5331 n us hwy 441, ocala, fl 34475, 1-(352) 732-2488) and was provided with a remedy for the recall repair from the manufacturer; however, the failure recurred. The dealer refused to test drive the vehicle, indicating that it was not safe. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle remained parked at the contact's residence. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed May 4, 2018 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · SC

Abs hcu suddenly failed causing front brake lever to become so hard it is almost unsqueezable. Luckily this happened while stationary in my garage on initial ignition on cycle. I understand things fail but for ABS to fail in a way to loose all braking without warning is rediculous. How could the federal safety agency let harley davidson blame this on fluid or consumer? Are you implying that harley touring owners of 2008-11 are the only ones who didnt flush brake fluid? My fluid was always flushed. Its a defective module. Come on the federal safety agency wake up!

Filed Apr 23, 2018 · Brakes · 12,800 miles · GA

Rear brakes failed to operate. The rear brake pedal would not move when pressure is applied with foot. The harley recall only changes the brake fluid which is not the cause of the problem. The root cause of the malfunction is the ABS module is a defective design. Harley claims a lack of fluid change is the cause. This a cover up by harley to keep from having to replace all of the ABS modules on their dangerous motorcycles on the road. This is the only vehicle that I have ever heard of that must have the brake fluid changed every two years ( just a cover up by harley) this is a serious defect that is very dangerous and could cost lives on the road.

Filed Mar 10, 2018 · Brakes · 59,720 miles · FL

When trying to move the brake lever for front brake the lever was frozen and unable to move.

Filed Feb 24, 2018 · Brakes · 88,000 miles · PA · crash

Front brakes failed unexpectedly while on highway. Brake lever is locked open and will not move. Later that day, the brakes locked open again while in parking lot causing me to wreck into curb and damage front fender.

Filed Feb 19, 2018 · Brakes · 26,520 miles · TX

Abs system fails to "no brakes" . I have recently purchased my 2009 hd from a reputable dealer in houston. So I am not the original owner. Within less than 6 months of ownership and perhaps only 20 miles the ABS system has failed. I went to drive the motorcycle on a recent sunny day, and rolled out of my garage unable to stop. Both rear and front brakes are solid and immovable. Had this occurred further down the road it could have been catastrophic. Researching recalls, I see that this is a known issue but only requiring harley to flush the brake system. Repair is still on the owner. This is unacceptable. Harley engineering should have reached out to the auto industry who has used dot 4 brake fluid without such an issue for decades. Hygroscopic brake fluid is not the issue, its the material choice and potentially cathodic issues. For harley to blame owners for not flushing the fluid every two years is silly. I have only owned the bike 6 months. For them to resell without having repaired or replaced this is negligent as far as I am concerned. No doubt other used bike owners will experience this issue also and more accidents are in the making. A total recall should be done and the ABS valves replaced at hd's expense. Many on forums are now bypassing the ABS systems to avoid the exorbitant repair bill and need to go to harley. This is putting dangerous bikes on the road.