Campaign 22V781 Posted October 18, 2022 199,419 units

2019-2022 Harley-Davidson Recall 22V781: Brake Lights

Recall 22V781 covers 199,419 2019-2022 Harley-Davidson Touring and Trike motorcycles with brake lights that illuminate without braking. Free repair at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.

Harley-Davidson is recalling 199,419 2019-2022 Touring, CVO Touring, Trike, and CVO Trike motorcycles, including Fltrxs and Flrt models, because a software error can turn on the brake lights when the rider is not braking. That false brake signal can confuse drivers behind the motorcycle and increase crash risk; Harley-Davidson dealers will complete the repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The brake-light system on these 2019-2022 Harley-Davidson Touring, CVO Touring, Trike, and CVO Trike motorcycles is controlled through the ABS Module and related software. The ABS Module is the electro-hydraulic control unit that helps manage brake pressure, while its software also determines when the brake lamps turn on. Under normal operation, the lamps illuminate only when the rider applies the brakes.

On affected motorcycles, the software can leave the brake lamps illuminated even when the rider is not braking. That gives drivers behind the motorcycle the wrong signal and defeats the normal warning the brake lights are supposed to provide. Harley-Davidson's repair path differs by model: Touring and CVO Touring models get updated software, while Trike and CVO Trike models get updated software and a new pressure switch.

A rider can catch the problem during a pre-ride inspection. If the brake lamps are lit before the brakes are applied, that is the warning sign to report to a Harley-Davidson dealer.

Who's affected?

Spans the 2019-2022 model years across the listed Harley-Davidson models, all tied to the same ABS module and brake-light component.

2021 Harley-Davidson Fltrxs Brake lights
2020 Harley-Davidson Fltrxs Brake lights
2021 Harley-Davidson Fltrxse Brake lights
2022 Harley-Davidson Fltrxst Brake lights
2020 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutgse Brake lights
Units affected199,419
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

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?

Unintended brake light illumination can confuse other drivers and increase the risk of a crash. Check the brake lamps during the pre-ride inspection. If they stay illuminated when the brakes are not applied, ride cautiously and arrange service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Harley-Davidson dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2022 Harley-Davidson Touring, CVO Touring, Trike, or CVO Trike motorcycle is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the free brake-light software update; Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles also receive a new pressure switch.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Harley-Davidson mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V781 when you call.
  4. Use extra space around traffic until the repair, since the brake lights can illuminate when you are not braking.
  5. Call Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Harley-Davidson technician updates the brake light software on Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. For Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles, the technician also installs a new pressure switch. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you already paid out of pocket for the same brake light software or pressure switch repair before the recall notice, Harley-Davidson's general reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk when you arrive.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

October 18, 2022 NHTSA published the recall
October 21, 2022 Dealer notification began
October 26, 2022 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
October 28, 2022 Dealer notification ended
November 2, 2022 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 22V781?

Recall 22V781 covers 199,419 2019-2022 Harley-Davidson Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles, and 2020-2022 Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles, with a software error that lets brake lights illuminate when the rider is not braking. Harley-Davidson dealers update software, and Trike models also receive a new pressure switch for free.

What should I do if my 2019-2022 Harley-Davidson Touring, CVO Touring, Trike, or CVO Trike is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 22V781. If it is, contact a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer to schedule the software update. Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles also need a new pressure switch. Reference recall number 22V781 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Harley-Davidson dealers will update the software for free, and for affected Trike and CVO Trike motorcycles, they will also install the new pressure switch for free.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is driver confusion behind the motorcycle. If the brake lights illuminate when the rider is not applying the brakes, nearby drivers get the wrong signal about what the motorcycle is doing, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the brake-light fault.

When were owners notified about recall 22V781?

Harley-Davidson mailed owner notification letters on November 2, 2022. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included, then call a franchised Harley-Davidson dealer with recall number 22V781.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V781000
Harley-Davidson customer service1-800-258-2464
NHTSA recall #22V781
NHTSA recall # (full)22V781000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →