Recall 18V076 affects 174,636 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson ABS motorcycles for brake-fluid deposits that reduce braking. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 174,636 2008-2011 motorcycles, including Flhtp and Vrscf models, because DOT 4 brake fluid left beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule can leave deposits inside the ABS brake system. Those deposits can make a valve in the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit stick, reducing braking ability and increasing crash risk; Harley-Davidson dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ABS hydraulic control unit on 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson Touring, CVO Touring, and VRSC motorcycles helps manage brake pressure during an anti-lock braking event. DOT 4 brake fluid carries hydraulic pressure from the front brake lever or rear brake pedal to the brake system. The system depends on clean fluid moving through small passages and valves inside the ABS unit.
When DOT 4 fluid stays in the motorcycle beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule, the fluid forms gel and deposits. Those deposits collect on brake components inside the system. If they form on the apply valve in the ABS hydraulic control unit, the valve sticks and the brake does not respond normally when the rider uses the lever or pedal.
The warning sign is a hard front brake lever or hard rear brake pedal that does not actuate right after startup or right after an ABS event. If that happens, the brake system is not responding the way it should.
Who's affected?
Spans 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycle lines listed below, with two hydraulic brake system component categories named in the recall.
| 2010 Harley-Davidson Flhtp | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2010 Harley-Davidson Flhtp | hydraulic brake system |
| 2011 Harley-Davidson Vrscf | hydraulic brake system |
| 2011 Harley-Davidson Vrscf | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 174,636 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Deposits in the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit can make a valve stick, reducing braking ability and increasing crash risk. If the front brake lever or rear brake pedal feels hard after startup or after an ABS event, 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 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free brake-system flush with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid, which addresses deposits that can reduce ABS braking ability.
- Bring the recall notice if Harley-Davidson mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V076 and Harley-Davidson recall 0171 when you call.
- Call Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 with questions before your dealer visit.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician flushes the entire brake system and refills it with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered for every motorcycle included in this campaign, regardless of maintenance history. Harley-Davidson is not offering reimbursement for prior brake fluid flushes under this recall. If you already paid for a brake fluid flush, the free recall remedy still applies to an included VIN.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| January 29, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 29, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| January 30, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 14, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 14, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V076?
Recall 18V076 covers 174,636 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson Touring, CVO Touring, and VSRC motorcycles equipped with ABS. Deposits can form in the brake system when DOT 4 brake fluid goes beyond the specified service interval, causing an ABS hydraulic control valve to stick.
What should I do if my 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V076. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the brake system flush with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid. Reference recall number 18V076 or Harley-Davidson recall 0171 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Harley-Davidson dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V076?
The safety risk is reduced braking ability. Deposits in the brake system can cause a valve inside the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before relying on normal braking performance.
What if I bought my Harley-Davidson motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson is included, then call a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer and reference recall 18V076.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V076000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V076 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V076000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →