Recall 18V734 covers 177,636 2017-2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycles for a clutch actuator leak. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
Harley-Davidson is recalling 177,636 2017-2018 motorcycles, including Flhx, Flhr, and Flhtcutg models, because the secondary clutch actuator cylinder can leak internally. If the clutch cannot disengage, the motorcycle can lose control and crash risk rises; Harley-Davidson dealers will perform the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The hydraulic clutch system on affected 2017-2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycles uses fluid pressure to separate the engine from the transmission when you pull the clutch lever. The clutch master cylinder builds that pressure, and the secondary clutch actuator turns it into movement at the clutch so the bike can stop or shift without engine power still being applied.
The problem is inside the secondary clutch actuator. Fluid leaks past the actuator piston and seal instead of holding pressure where it belongs. When that happens, the clutch master cylinder loses enough lifting force that the clutch does not fully disengage. The recall repair changes the actuator piston assembly, including the seal material and piston surface finish.
The warning sign listed for this recall is a low fluid level in the clutch master cylinder. If you see that level dropping, the hydraulic clutch system is losing fluid control and the actuator needs dealer inspection.
Who's affected?
The scope spans the listed Harley-Davidson model lines across the 2017 and 2018 model years, all tied to the clutch assembly.
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrxse | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flstfbs | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhrxs | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhtcu | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtk | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhtkl | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtp | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhtp | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhxse | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Fltrx | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrxs | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltrx | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flrt | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhp | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Fxse | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flss | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhtkse | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Fltru | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Fltrxs | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhxse | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhxs | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhxs | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhx | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhx | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhtk | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhr | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Fltru | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhrxs | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flrt | powertrain |
| 2018 Harley-Davidson Flhr | powertrain |
| 2017 Harley-Davidson Flhp | powertrain |
| Units affected | 177,636 |
The year, model, and clutch assembly narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the clutch cannot be disengaged, the rider can lose control, which increases the risk of a crash. Low fluid in the clutch master cylinder is the warning sign for this condition. If the clutch release feels abnormal, pull over when safe and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free secondary clutch actuator piston assembly repair that restores clutch disengagement.
- Bring the recall notice if Harley-Davidson mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V734 when you call.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if the clutch will not disengage or the motorcycle creeps with the clutch lever pulled in.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician installs a new secondary clutch actuator piston assembly. That repair addresses internal fluid leakage in the secondary clutch actuator cylinder, which can reduce clutch lift. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Harley-Davidson does not provide a separate reimbursement program for this campaign because any related failure before the recall notice would have been covered by the manufacturer's limited warranty. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 18, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 22, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| October 22, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 5, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 5, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V734?
Recall 18V734 covers 177,636 2017-2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycles with a secondary clutch actuator cylinder that can leak internally. If the clutch master cylinder cannot create enough lift to disengage the clutch, the rider can lose control, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V734. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the secondary clutch actuator piston assembly replacement. Reference recall number 18V734 or Harley-Davidson recall 0173 when you call.
Is the Harley-Davidson recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Harley-Davidson dealers will install a new secondary clutch actuator piston assembly free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for motorcycles included in recall 18V734.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V734?
The safety risk is loss of control. If the secondary clutch actuator cylinder leaks internally, the clutch master cylinder can lose the ability to disengage the clutch. That can leave the rider unable to separate engine power from the drivetrain as intended.
What if I bought my Harley-Davidson motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Harley-Davidson is included, then contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer and reference recall 18V734 when scheduling the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V734000 |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson customer service | 1-800-258-2464 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V734 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V734000 |
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)
- 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 →