Recall 16V471 covers 27,232 2016 Harley-Davidson touring and Softail motorcycles for clutch master cylinder failure. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 27,232 2016 motorcycles, including Flhtp, Flhtcu, and Flhtk models, because the clutch master cylinder can lose enough lift to disengage the clutch after the bike has been parked. The failure can let the motorcycle move unexpectedly while the engine is running and the bike is in gear, increasing the risk of a crash; Harley-Davidson dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic clutch master cylinder on affected 2016 Harley-Davidson Touring and Softail motorcycles is the hand-control pump for the clutch. When you squeeze the clutch lever, the master cylinder pressurizes fluid in the sealed clutch system so the clutch can lift and disengage the engine from the transmission.
Inside these motorcycles, a chemical reaction in the sealed clutch system can create gas bubbles in the fluid. Gas compresses more than hydraulic fluid, so the lever stroke no longer produces enough clutch lift. After the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period, the clutch can fail to disengage fully even when the lever is pulled in.
The warning sign is extra free play at the clutch lever when you first squeeze it after storage or a long parked period. If the lever feels loose before it begins to build pressure, the clutch system needs dealer inspection before normal riding.
Who's affected?
The scope spans multiple 2016 Harley-Davidson model lines that share the same clutch-assembly component.
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtp | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtk | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Fxse | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Flstfbs | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhxs | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Fltrxs | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Flss | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Fltru | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Fltrx | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhtcul | powertrain |
| 2016 Harley-Davidson Flhx | powertrain |
| Units affected | 27,232 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the engine is running and the motorcycle is in gear, a clutch that does not fully disengage can let the motorcycle move unexpectedly and increase crash risk. If you feel unusual free play after the bike has been parked, keep control of the motorcycle and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Harley-Davidson motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free clutch master cylinder inspection and repair that restores clutch disengagement.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 16V471 and Harley-Davidson recall 0169 when you call.
- Use extra caution until the repair is complete, especially after the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period.
- Call Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician inspects the clutch master cylinder for gas in the clutch fluid. If gas is present, the technician flushes the clutch system and rebuilds the clutch master cylinder. The recall repair, including parts and labor, is free. If you already paid for a related clutch master cylinder or clutch system repair before the recall work, Harley-Davidson's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring the prior repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit it under recall 16V471.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 27, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 6, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 8, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 18, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 19, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V471?
Recall 16V471 covers 27,232 2016 Harley-Davidson motorcycles with a clutch master cylinder defect. The cylinder can lose enough lift to fully disengage the clutch, especially after the motorcycle has been parked. Harley-Davidson dealers will inspect, flush, and rebuild the clutch master cylinder for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2016 Harley-Davidson motorcycle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 16V471. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer and reference recall number 0169 when you schedule service. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Harley-Davidson's remedy says dealers will inspect the clutch master cylinder, flush the clutch system, and rebuild the clutch master cylinder free of charge when required.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected motorcycle movement while the engine is running and the transmission is in gear. If the clutch does not fully disengage, the motorcycle can move when the rider expects it to stay stopped, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought this Harley-Davidson used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016 Harley-Davidson is included, then give the dealer recall number 0169 when you call for service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V471000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V471 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V471000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →