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2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX is electrical system, typically around 28,000 miles. It has 3.6 times the complaints of a typical FLHX model year.

Typical year3.6x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
29
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
141 warranty
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX 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.

  • Electrical
    10
  • Brakes
    8
  • Acceleration
    6
  • Fuel system
    6
  • Engine
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Steering
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX

ABS 5Loss of power 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX mention

P1511 2P2135 2

Recalls 3

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported January 29, 2018 · 174,636 vehicles affected
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 Owner’s 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: switchReported October 19, 2011 · 250,757 vehicles affected
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: mountingReported December 1, 2009 · 111,569 vehicles affected
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 FLHX

Defect investigations

Sudden Brake Failure - MotorcycleOpened July 6, 2016, closed April 23, 2018

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 FLHX 14

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 14 bulletins for the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX

What 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Brakes · CA

The anti-lock braking system has been defective. A little over a year ago I took the motorcycle to Biggs Harley in San Marcos, CA to address the cause of the ABS light coming on intermittently. They said they fixed it. Shortly after leaving the dealer the ABS light came on again intermittently. It is now back at the dealer for the same problem they said they had fixed last year. Now they're telling me that the ABS module needs to be replaced. There have been numerous complaints about the ABS system on these motorcycles. The only recall has been to take the bike in for a brake fluid flush years ago. Obviously the ABS module on these motorcycles is a common problem and it is a safety issue as a defective ABS module will cause the brakes to not operate properly. This repair is going to cost me $800. The first "repair" which did not fix the problem cost me $421.

Filed Sep 27, 2023 · Tires · 31,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2009 Harley Davidson HLFX equipped with Shinko Tire Line: Shinko Tires E705, Tire Size: 180/65/R16, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while riding 20-25 MPH in the rain, the rear tire began to skid while rounding a curve and the contact lost control of the motorcycle. The contact continued riding; the failure occurred again while attempting to merge onto a highway. The contact pulled off to the shoulder and had the motorcycle towed to the residence. The dealer where the tire was purchased was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer and left a voicemail. The contact had not yet received a response from the manufacturer. The motorcycle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. The tire failure mileage was 250.

Filed Oct 28, 2022 · Brakes · NC

I took my bike in to Myrtle Beach Harley Davidson for the repair as described in the recall. My bike had no issues with brakes or ABS light. The service department hooked it up to their computer and the ABS light was triggered. The service caused the ABS Module to fail. They refuse to repair the damage they caused. They want me to sign a statement that I know I am leaving their shop without antilock brakes.

Filed Nov 23, 2021 · Brakes · 69,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2009 Harley-Davidson Street Glide (FLHX). The contact stated while driving out of his driveway at 10 MPH, the front hand-brake pedal was depressed, however felt hard. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. There was no crash. The contact stated he researched the failure online and found a failure related to the ABS module. The contact stated that he contacted the dealer and was awaiting appointment. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that a year ago the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V076000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was serviced on the motorcycle. The contact believed that the failure was related to the recall. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Filed Aug 28, 2019 · Acceleration · 20,926 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 harley davidson street motorcycle. The contact came to a stop at an intersection, the rear wheel sped off and the contact was ejected from the vehicle. The contact flipped off the motorcycle and onto the concrete. The motor malfunctioned due to a failed "fly by wire throttle system". The contact sustained 9 fractured ribs, fractured collar bone, road rash and three quarts of blood was extracted from the contacts lungs. Medical attention was sought and a police report was filed. The police report deemed that the incident was a malfunction of the motorcycle. The motorcycle was classified as a salvaged total by the contact's insurance. The contact called liver more harley davidson 7576 southfront rd, livermore, ca 94551 (925) 606-0100 where the dealer offered to buy the motorcycle back. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,926. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 13, 2019 · Fuel system · 55,000 miles · TX

Hundreds of riders in forums online have reported the same issue where the contact between the motorcycle's wire pins going into the throttle induction model actuator becomes disrupted while riding. Harley-davidson has programed the bike to shut down the rpms to no more than 2,000 and shutting down one of the two cylinders. This poses very serious and immediate risk of death to the rider as the bike suddenly without warning or brake lights drops in speed very quickly on a highway resulting in possibly getting rear-ended by a vehicle, or getting run over trying to cross lanes of traffic, or going sideways if in the middle of a curve; in the case of a mountain road, this could mean falling to one's death. All of this could be prevented by hd replacing the existing wiring harness(es) with a slightly longer ones so the extreme angle of the wire input doesn't put stress on the pins, and the bike continues to operate normally. Also, changing the programming so that the bike can go above 15mph if "limp mode" is required for some reason would likely prevent someone from being killed. It was terrifying to have an 18-wheeler barreling down on my from behind because the bike went from 75mph to 40mph in less than 2 seconds. I honestly thought I was going to die a terrible death. Fortunately this driver saw my frantic waving of the hands. Had this happened at night, I'd be dead.

Filed Feb 23, 2018 · Brakes · 17,262 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 harley-davidson street glide (flhx) motorcycle. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear brakes locked up. The contact downshifted and used the front brakes to drive back to his residence. The vehicle was taken to the motorcity harley-davidson dealer (24800 haggerty rd, farmington hills, mi 48335) where the technician stated that the failure was not a known issue. The technician diagnosed and replaced the control body. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but there was no follow-up. The failure mileage was 17,262.

Filed Feb 12, 2018 · Brakes · 26,199 miles · FL

Anti lock brakes front and rear, hard pedal top and bottom. Vehicle does not stop.

Filed Feb 3, 2018 · Brakes · 26,888 miles · FL

My front brake lever became stuck and wound not function while leaving my driveway onto a city street. I was travling a low speed and able to stop the bike with the rear brake, however, I was not able to stop the motorcycle before rolling into the street and cjeccking for oncoming traffic. No traffic was coming and I was able to turn the motorcycle back around and back into the garage. This issue was fixed by the dealer by replacing the antilock brake system module (ABS hcu, service touring part number 48343-09)

Filed Jul 7, 2017 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · CO

Transmission is poorly manufactured. Motorcycle has 40k miles and when ring on shifter gets hot, it becomes brittle causing it to break off 1/4" causing bike to loose power and gear while traveling at highway speeds. When taken to repair shop, piece had damaged other 5 gears can provide pictures if needed

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Questions about the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX

Is the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX reliable?

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX, 3.6 times a typical FLHX model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX?

Electrical system, with 10 complaints, typically around 28,000 miles. Next is brakes (8).

How many recalls does the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX have?

3 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting and fuel system, gasoline.

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