Harley-Davidson Road King Problems & Known Issues
2000-2018 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 2000-2018 Harley-Davidson Road King has 3 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Twin Cam 88 spring-loaded cam chain tensioner shoe wears through and sends debris into the oil pump, ABS hydraulic-control valve may stick after overdue brake-fluid service — recall 18V076 ($0-$0 repair) and Milwaukee-Eight secondary clutch actuator leaks internally and the clutch stops disengaging - recall 18V734 ($0-$0 repair).
All 3 Known Issues
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Harley-Davidson Road King problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2000-2018 Harley-Davidson Road King has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Twin Cam 88 spring-loaded cam chain tensioner shoe wears through and sends debris into the oil pump, ABS hydraulic-control valve may stick after overdue brake-fluid service — recall 18V076, Milwaukee-Eight secondary clutch actuator leaks internally and the clutch stops disengaging - recall 18V734. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Harley-Davidson Road King reliable?
The 2000-2018 Harley-Davidson Road King has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Twin Cam 88 spring-loaded cam chain tensioner shoe wears through and sends debris into the oil pump and ABS hydraulic-control valve may stick after overdue brake-fluid service — recall 18V076 and Milwaukee-Eight secondary clutch actuator leaks internally and the clutch stops disengaging - recall 18V734. 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 King problems?
Repair costs for known Harley-Davidson Road King issues range from $0 to $0, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Harley-Davidson Road King is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Harley-Davidson Road King. 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 2000-2018 Harley-Davidson Road King with 3 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2000-2006 Harley-Davidson Road King Twin Cam 88 spring-loaded cam chain tensioner shoe wears through and sends debris into the oil pump?
The 1999-2006 Twin Cam gearcase uses spring-loaded plastic-faced shoes riding directly on the cam chains. The shoes can wear through, and the shed plastic debris circulates into the rotary oil pump, where it can cut off oil flow to the engine, taking cams, bearings and sometimes… Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson Road King ABS hydraulic-control valve may stick after overdue brake-fluid service — recall 18V076?
Recall 18V076 / Harley 0171 includes certain ABS-equipped 2008–2011 Road Kings. Harley explains that extended fluid-service intervals can allow moisture-related deposits to form and interfere with an ABS hydraulic-control valve, reducing braking. Symptoms and fluid appearance do… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Milwaukee-Eight secondary clutch actuator leaks internally and the clutch stops disengaging - recall 18V734?
Certain 2017–2018 Road King 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, creat… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
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.