Harley-Davidson Road Glide Problems & Known Issues
2015-2024 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
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Preview the XT6 exampleAccording to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2015-2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide has 6 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Hydraulic clutch master cylinder develops gas bubbles and loses clutch disengagement (Recalls 15V216 and 16V471) ($0-$0 repair), Saddlebag mounting receptacle loses spring tension and the bag departs the bike (Recall 15V427), Secondary clutch actuator piston seal leaks internally, leaving the clutch unable to disengage (Recall 18V734) ($0-$0 repair), Voltage regulator output wire chafes on the crankcase, blowing the 60A main fuse and killing all power (Recall 24V672) ($0-$0 repair) and Engine oil cooler line clamp improperly installed, allowing the line to detach and dump oil onto the rear tire (Recall 17V333) ($0-$0 repair).
All 6 Known Issues
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Harley-Davidson Road Glide problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2015-2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Hydraulic clutch master cylinder develops gas bubbles and loses clutch disengagement (Recalls 15V216 and 16V471), Saddlebag mounting receptacle loses spring tension and the bag departs the bike (Recall 15V427), Secondary clutch actuator piston seal leaks internally, leaving the clutch unable to disengage (Recall 18V734). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Harley-Davidson Road Glide reliable?
The 2015-2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Hydraulic clutch master cylinder develops gas bubbles and loses clutch disengagement (Recalls 15V216 and 16V471) and Saddlebag mounting receptacle loses spring tension and the bag departs the bike (Recall 15V427) and Secondary clutch actuator piston seal leaks internally, leaving the clutch unable to disengage (Recall 18V734) and Voltage regulator output wire chafes on the crankcase, blowing the 60A main fuse and killing all power (Recall 24V672) and Engine oil cooler line clamp improperly installed, allowing the line to detach and dump oil onto the rear tire (Recall 17V333). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Harley-Davidson Road Glide problems?
Repair costs for known Harley-Davidson Road Glide issues range from $0 to $0, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Hydraulic clutch master cylinder develops gas bubbles and loses clutch disengagement (Recalls 15V216 and 16V471), typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Harley-Davidson Road Glide is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2015-2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide with 6 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2015-2016 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Hydraulic clutch master cylinder develops gas bubbles and loses clutch disengagement (Recalls 15V216 and 16V471)?
Certain 2015 Road Glide/ Road Glide Special motorcycles are covered by hydraulic-clutch recall 15V216 (Harley 0165); certain 2016 Road Glide, Special and Ultra motorcycles are covered by 16V471 (0169). A reaction in the affected black master-cylinder hydraulic system forms gas, r… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Saddlebag mounting receptacle loses spring tension and the bag departs the bike (Recall 15V427)?
Recall 15V427 (Harley-Davidson 0166) includes certain 2015 Road Glide models in the Touring production population built May 3, 2013 through May 26, 2015. A saddlebag retaining receptacle can fail to retain its mounting stud, allowing the bag to detach while moving and create a ha… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Secondary clutch actuator piston seal leaks internally, leaving the clutch unable to disengage (Recall 18V734)?
Certain 2017–2018 Road Glide Touring motorcycles are included in recall 18V734 (Harley-Davidson 0173). Fluid can leak internally past the secondary clutch actuator piston/seal, lowering the master-cylinder reservoir enough to admit air. The clutch may then fail to disengage, crea… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2023-2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Voltage regulator output wire chafes on the crankcase, blowing the 60A main fuse and killing all power (Recall 24V672)?
Recall 24V672 / Harley-Davidson 0186 includes certain 2024 FLTRX Road Glide and FLTRXSTSE CVO Road Glide ST motorcycles and 2023–2024 FLTRXSE CVO Road Glides. Incorrect voltage-regulator output-wire routing can allow crankcase contact and wear through the insulation. A short can… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2017 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Engine oil cooler line clamp improperly installed, allowing the line to detach and dump oil onto the rear tire (Recall 17V333)?
Recall 17V333 covers certain 2017 Road Glide (FLTRX, built July 2, 2016–May 9, 2017) and Road Glide Special (FLTRXS, July 6, 2016–May 9, 2017) motorcycles. Incorrect installation of oil-cooling clamps 10198, 10080 or 10344 can let an oil line detach, causing sudden engine-oil los… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2022 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Brake lamp software fault illuminates the brake lights without rider input (Recall 22V781)?
Certain 2020–2022 Road Glide Touring/CVO Touring motorcycles built on or before June 23, 2022 are included in recall 22V781 (Harley-Davidson 0635). Brake lamps can remain illuminated without brake input, making actual braking harder for following traffic to recognize. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public motorcycle data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.