Recall 15V216 affects 106,966 2014-2015 Harley-Davidson motorcycles for clutch master cylinder failure. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 106,966 2014-2015 motorcycles, including Flhtcu, Flhx, and Flhtk models, because the clutch master cylinder can stop generating enough lift to disengage the clutch after parking. With the engine running and the motorcycle in gear, the motorcycle can move unexpectedly, increasing crash risk; Harley-Davidson dealers will perform the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The clutch master cylinder on these 2014-2015 Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles is the hydraulic part behind the clutch lever. When you squeeze the lever, the master cylinder pushes DOT4 brake fluid through the clutch line. That fluid pressure lifts the clutch release parts so the clutch disengages from the engine for shifting, stopping, or starting the motorcycle.
Inside affected motorcycles, a chemical reaction in the sealed clutch system creates gas bubbles in the fluid. Gas compresses more than fluid, so the lever movement no longer produces enough clutch lift. After the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period, the clutch can stay partly engaged even when the lever is pulled.
The warning sign is a large amount of free play when you first squeeze the clutch lever after the motorcycle has been parked. That loose lever feel means the clutch system is not building normal pressure.
Who's affected?
Covers multiple Harley-Davidson touring models from the 2014 and 2015 model years, all tied to the clutch assembly.
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhtcul Tc | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu Tc | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu Tc | powertrain |
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhxse | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Fltrx | powertrain |
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Flhxs | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhx | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhtk | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhtcul | powertrain |
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Flhxse | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Fltrxs | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhxs | powertrain |
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Flhx | powertrain |
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Flhtp | powertrain |
| 2015 Harley-Davidson Flhtp | powertrain |
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Flhtk | powertrain |
| 2014 Harley-Davidson Flhrse | powertrain |
| Units affected | 106,966 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 313 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A clutch that does not fully disengage can let the motorcycle move unexpectedly while the engine is running and the bike is in gear, increasing crash risk. Large free play in the clutch lever after the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period is the warning sign to stop riding and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Harley-Davidson Flhtcul Tc, Flhtcu Tc, Flhtcu, Flhxse, Fltrx, Flhxs, Flhx, Flhtkl, Flhtk, Flhtcul, Fltrxs, Flhtp, or Flhrse is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free clutch-system flush and clutch master-cylinder rebuild that restores clutch disengagement.
- Bring the recall notice if Harley-Davidson sent one, and reference recall number 15V216 when you call.
- Keep the motorcycle out of gear when starting it until the repair is complete, because the motorcycle can move unexpectedly if the clutch does not fully disengage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician flushes the clutch system and rebuilds the clutch master cylinder. The work restores the hydraulic pressure needed to disengage the clutch after the motorcycle has been parked. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Ask the service desk to confirm that the clutch system flush and master cylinder rebuild are both included before the repair order is opened.
Timeline
| April 13, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 14, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| April 15, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 23, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 23, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V216?
Recall 15V216 covers 106,966 2014-2015 Harley-Davidson motorcycles with a clutch master cylinder problem. The clutch system can lose enough lift to disengage the clutch, especially after the motorcycle has been parked. Harley-Davidson dealers will flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Harley-Davidson motorcycle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 15V216. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the clutch system flush and clutch master cylinder rebuild. Reference recall 15V216 or Harley-Davidson recall number 0165 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Harley-Davidson dealers will perform the clutch system flush and clutch master cylinder rebuild free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unexpected motorcycle movement while the engine is running and the bike is in gear. If the clutch does not fully disengage, the motorcycle can move unexpectedly and increase crash risk. Keep firm control at stops and schedule the free dealer repair if your VIN is included.
What if I bought my Harley-Davidson motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies to used motorcycles. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2014-2015 Harley-Davidson motorcycle is included, then call a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer with recall 15V216.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V216000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V216 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V216000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →