Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Being Investigated for Sudden Brake Failure
car&bike Team
1 min read
Jul 11, 2016, 08:36 PM
Key Highlights
- The investigation involves 4.3 lakh bikes produced between 2008 and 2011
- Riders complained over losing completing braking power without warning
- The NHTSA is reviewing over 43 complaints, 3 crashes and 2 injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US has launched an investigation into Harley-Davidson after receiving 43 complaints of the braking system on the motorcycles failed without warning. The inquiry includes 4.3 lakh units of Harley bikes from across the country that were manufactured between 2008 to 2011 and feature Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). While the safety feature is intended to improve stopping power especially under hard or emergency braking; in this case riders completely lost braking control over their motorcycles that resulted in several crashes or close shaves.
According to NHTSA's report, riders complained of sudden brake failure without any warning. At least three crashes and two injuries were reported due to the sudden brake failure, while numerous riders mentioned in their complaints that major accidents were narrowly avoided. Riders complained that the front brake hand lever or the rear brake foot pedal suddenly would not work. One complaint alleged that both brakes failed at the same time, resulting in a low-speed crash in a garage door.
Harley-Davidson bikes need to get their brake fluid replaced every two years to avoid the issue. In this case, the owners were either unaware or ignored the directive to replaced the fluid, which led to the loss of braking performance. Essentially, the old fluid becomes contaminated by moisture and allegedly corrodes the ABS actuator valves. This results in the brakes failing to respond. That said, complete loss of braking power without warning does remain is a major concern. Harley-Davidson nevertheless, is aware of the situation and is cooperating with the investigators, the company said in a statement.
There has been no clarity yet if the models sold overseas have also been by the braking issues. Some of Harley's uber premium models make it to India via the CBU route and it needs to be seen if the company will check its models in the country as well for a possible braking issue. The iconic American bike maker made its foray into the country back in 2009, and has been one of the most successful global players in the premium motorcycle space. While the company sells most of its global lineup in India, a major chunk of its sales, the larger chunk of its volumes come from the locally manufactured and most affordable Street 750.
According to NHTSA's report, riders complained of sudden brake failure without any warning. At least three crashes and two injuries were reported due to the sudden brake failure, while numerous riders mentioned in their complaints that major accidents were narrowly avoided. Riders complained that the front brake hand lever or the rear brake foot pedal suddenly would not work. One complaint alleged that both brakes failed at the same time, resulting in a low-speed crash in a garage door.
Harley-Davidson bikes need to get their brake fluid replaced every two years to avoid the issue. In this case, the owners were either unaware or ignored the directive to replaced the fluid, which led to the loss of braking performance. Essentially, the old fluid becomes contaminated by moisture and allegedly corrodes the ABS actuator valves. This results in the brakes failing to respond. That said, complete loss of braking power without warning does remain is a major concern. Harley-Davidson nevertheless, is aware of the situation and is cooperating with the investigators, the company said in a statement.
There has been no clarity yet if the models sold overseas have also been by the braking issues. Some of Harley's uber premium models make it to India via the CBU route and it needs to be seen if the company will check its models in the country as well for a possible braking issue. The iconic American bike maker made its foray into the country back in 2009, and has been one of the most successful global players in the premium motorcycle space. While the company sells most of its global lineup in India, a major chunk of its sales, the larger chunk of its volumes come from the locally manufactured and most affordable Street 750.
Related News
Popular Harley-Davidson Models
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
Jaiveer Mehra | Aug 5, 20262027 Mahindra Scorpio-N Launched At Rs 13.69 Lakh; Gets New Panoramic Sunroof, 540 Deg Cameras & MoreScorpio-N receives minor cosmetic updates along with new features on top trim levels.3 mins read
car&bike Team | Aug 5, 2026Kia Sorento India Launch on September 4It will be Kia’s first hybrid car in India and is likely to be offered with a diesel powertrain as well.1 min read
car&bike Team | Aug 5, 2026Upcoming Two-Wheeler Launches In August 2026: From The New Bajaj Pulsar To Yamaha R2August 2026 will see a barrage of launches with manufacturers bringing in everything from supersports to budget EV scooters.1 min read
car&bike Team | Aug 4, 2026India Proposes Mandatory V2V Tech On All New Vehicles From October 2028The 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band has been earmarked for V2V and other Intelligent Transportation System applications.1 min read
car&bike Team | Aug 4, 2026Govt Moves To Regulate Two-Wheeler Road AmbulancesThe Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed new rules for two-wheeled ambulances, including safety checks, operating limits and more.1 min read
car&bike Team | Aug 4, 2026Hyundai Creta Electric Now Available With Buyback GuaranteeBuyers can now avail up to 60 per cent assured buyback value for the Hyundai Creta Electric for a period of up to 3 years or 45,000 km.3 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Aug 1, 2026Toyota Hilux Review: The InvincibleMarking it as the ninth generation, the Hilux comes with a major cosmetic overhaul. But is it still relevant enough for the current times or is it getting too long in the tooth?5 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Jul 30, 2026Kia Syros EV Review: Best EV To Buy Under Rs 20 Lakh?The Kia Syros EV comes into the game with a modern design, spacious cabin, strong performance, decent range and an aggressive pricing. But could it become the new benchmark under Rs 20 lakh?5 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jul 27, 20262026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift Review: Bestseller Joins The Turbo ClubWhile Maruti’s facelifts have always tended to bring subtle updates over the outgoing models, the latest Brezza brings some heavy updates under the skin, including a new 6-speed manual gearbox and, for the first time, a turbocharged petrol engine option.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | Jul 24, 2026Honda ZR-V Review: Who Is It For?Honda has brought the new ZR-V to India as their current flagship offering. It’s a CBU, it’s a hybrid, and it’s here for a limited few. Who is it for though?1 min read
Girish Karkera | Jul 29, 2026Mercedes-AMG E53 4MATIC+ PHEV First Drive Review: Just What The Doctor OrderedThere are luxury cars and there are high-performance cars. But what if you want both for the price of one? Mercedes-Benz has a recommendation that promises to tread a fine line between the two – the second generation E53 with a twist.7 mins read