On August 27, 2026, after riding approximately 6 miles and less than two hours after taking delivery of this brand-new 2026 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide ST (5 miles on the odometer from the factory), VIN [XXX], I came to a complete stop at [XXX]. When I attempted to turn right after stopping, the handlebars suddenly locked or jammed, preventing the motorcycle from turning. The bike continued on a semi-straight path toward the curb, and I collided with a small tree. The motorcycle sustained minor damage consistent with a low-speed incident, but I suffered a cut on my left cheek, significant swelling in my right knee, and minor scrapes on my hand and leg. I was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center. The police documented the incident under case number XXX. Harley-Davidson of The Woodlands never offered a test ride prior to delivery; I was apparently the first person to ride it. The following day, after hearing my account, the sales manager acknowledged that the steering stem/fork tube (the "triple tree") could be related to a factory defect, along with other factors he said required investigation. I had the motorcycle towed to the dealership's service department on XXX, for evaluation. Since then, the dealership has not provided any written explanation regarding the cause. Communication has broken down: the salesperson stopped responding, the sales manager did not answer emails, and I received only one call from the service department providing a repair estimate, without addressing the safety-related factory defect. The motorcycle remains at the dealership awaiting evaluation. This motorcycle had zero miles on it at delivery, and the dealership did not offer a prior test ride. I am concerned the handlebars might lock again, at higher speed, causing serious injury or death INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2026 Harley-Davidson Fltrxstse problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body1
- Steering1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body1
- Steering1
Recalls 1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)
- What is wrong
- Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2026 FLHXLSE, FLTRXSTSE, FLHXSTSE, FLHXSE, FLHXL, FLTRXP, FLTRX, FLTRXL, and FLHX motorcycles. The engine control module (ECM) may communicate the incorrect gear position of neutral when the transmission is actually in gear.
- Risk
- The motorcycle can experience unintended forward motion, increasing the risk of an injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the gear position sensor, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 16, 2026. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1‑800‑258‑2464. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became became searchable on on November 6, 2025. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0194.
Recall number 26V730000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2026 Harley-Davidson Fltrxstse 19
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- 2023 to 2026 center-cooled touring license plate light holder.
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Skyline os version 5057D software update
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Exhaust smoke, oil carry-over or milky oil (M8 models with transmission-mounted breather)
- Skyline os version 5057D software update
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Aftermarket exhaust header debris
What 2026 Harley-Davidson Fltrxstse owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 2026 Harley-Davidson Fltrxstse
Is the 2026 Harley-Davidson Fltrxstse reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2026 Harley-Davidson Fltrxstse, close to a typical Fltrxstse model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2026 Harley-Davidson Fltrxstse?
Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is steering (1).
How many recalls does the 2026 Harley-Davidson Fltrxstse have?
1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.
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