2009 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu: brake failure

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 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 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 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.

Filed Feb 10, 2018 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · MO

I experienced a catastrophic brake failure while pulling out of my driveway. The rear brake pedal froze and would not move. The motorcycle would not slow or stop. This happened around march of 2017. I took the motorcycle to gateway harley davidson for repairs. The suggested that because a lack of maintenance the ABS module failed. The replaced the ABS hcu, part 48343-09 and I paid for all repairs. My concern is an ABS module should not cause a catastrophic brake system failure. This does not happen in an automobile. The is a design defect. I have 2 newer harleys with ABS. I called harley manufacturing and was told these 2 newer motorcycles have the same design. Even with maintenance these 2 could have a catastrophic brake failure because of the ABS design defect. I have the defect ABS module that was replaced

Filed Nov 8, 2016 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 harley-davidson electra glide flhtcu. While driving 30 MPH, the rear brakes failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear ABS failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2016 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · FL · crash

When approaching an intersection the front brake lever would not compress so the motorcycle only had back brakes. It contributed to a collision without injuries. I'm told it is because the ABS failed. I didn't realize what had happened at the time of the collision so the brake failure was not mentioned in the police report. It should have failed "safe" which means that the ABS should have "switched off" so that the brakes would still function but this did not happen. I still cannot compress the front brake lever. ..updated 02/10/17 *bf

Filed Sep 28, 2016 · Brakes · 16,796 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 harley-davidson flhtcu electra glide ultra. The contact stated that the motorcycle handles and front brakes failed to work when applied. A repair shop recommended that the motorcycle be taken to a dealer and performed an inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,796. Updated 12/21/16*lj the dealer repaired the motorcycle at no charge. Updated 12/27/16.

Filed Aug 14, 2016 · 25 miles · AL

Rear brakes on my 2009 harley davidson ultra classic, they froze and I had no brakes, pedal would not move at all. It was like pressing against a solid walk with me foot, if it wasn't for my front brake I might not be alive today ! This is very deady.

Filed Jul 12, 2016 · Brakes · 9,000 miles · FL

I own and operate a 2009 harley davidson flhtcu ultra classic. While riding on the highway, exited on the off ramp and tried to use my brakes to stop at a red light. Both the front and rear brake levers were hard as a rock (inoperative) and was not able to make it function to stop the bike. I immediately down shifted and killed the engine at a slow speed to stop the bike. I contacted a friend to bring a trailer to return the bike to the house. The malfunction of the ABS brakes occurred without notice and it is a hazardous condition. When I contacted the local hd dealership I was informed that they were not aware of any such malfunction on my 2009 flhtcu (even though they stated that they have replaced a few of them). They also advised that there are no recalls. When I spoke with other harley owners, I learned that this is an ongoing problem with hd bikes beginning in 2008 when ABS brakes were first introduced but the manufacturer, harley davidson, does not accept any responsibility for the brake malfunction which costs over $1,000.00 to repair. This is an issue that is a serious problem. Brake failure can have dire consequences and can result in a casualty because failure to stop on a two wheel vehicle is dangerous and can be deadly.