Recall 11V037 affects 6,964 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycles for BCM water intrusion that can stall the engine. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 6,964 2011 Softail motorcycles because a poorly sealed body control module case can let water enter the module and stall the engine. An engine stall in traffic can result in a crash and injury or death risk for the rider; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The body control module on the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail is an electrical controller that routes and manages signals for key motorcycle functions, including engine operation. It sits inside a protective case, and that case is supposed to keep water away from the internal electronics. When the module stays dry, it can keep those electrical signals stable while the motorcycle is running.
On affected Softail motorcycles, the body control module case was not sealed properly during production. Water can get inside the case and reach the electronics. Once moisture gets into the module, the electrical controls for the engine can lose the signal they need, and the engine can stall while the motorcycle is in use.
There is no warning sign before failure. The rider will not have a reliable dashboard light, sound, or ride-feel change that confirms water has reached the body control module before the stall happens.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail | Engine |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 6,964 |
Not every 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall in traffic can cause a crash and lead to rider injury or death. Ride cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Harley-Davidson owner notice before scheduling the repair.
- Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer with recall number 11V037 once the repair is open.
- Ask the dealer about the free body control module replacement that fixes water intrusion linked to engine stall.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if the engine stalls or electrical problems appear.
What happens at the repair
The planned dealer repair is a body control module replacement. A Harley-Davidson technician removes the affected BCM and installs a replacement unit so the module case is no longer the recalled sealed part. The dealer repair will be free once available for your VIN, with parts and labor covered under the recall. Before scheduling, ask the Harley-Davidson service desk to confirm the recall work is open for your 2011 Softail.
Timeline
| January 31, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 21, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V037?
Recall 11V037 covers 6,964 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycles with a body control module case that was not sealed correctly. Water intrusion into the BCM can cause an engine stall. Harley-Davidson dealers will replace the BCM for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 11V037. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the BCM replacement. Reference recall number 11V037 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Harley-Davidson's recall remedy says dealers will replace the body control module free of charge. Federal recall law also requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost at a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is engine stall while riding in traffic. Referenced from NHTSA campaign 11V037, a stall in traffic can result in a crash, with injury or death to the rider. The repair path is a free BCM replacement at a Harley-Davidson dealer.
What if I bought my Harley-Davidson Softail used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011 Softail is included, then call a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer and reference recall number 11V037.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V037000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-414-343-4056 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V037 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V037000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →