Harley-Davidson Road Glide Problems & Known Issues
2015-2026 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2015-2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide has 7 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Saddlebag retaining receptacle can let the bag come off while riding — recall 15V427, Oil-cooler line clamp may be installed wrong, letting the line come off — recall 17V333, Hydraulic clutch can lose lift after the bike sits parked — recalls 15V216 and 16V471, Clutch actuator seal can leak inside and stop the clutch disengaging — recall 18V734 and Voltage-regulator wire can rub through on the crankcase and cut all power — recall 24V672.
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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 2015-2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide has 7 documented issues. Documented issues include: Saddlebag retaining receptacle can let the bag come off while riding — recall 15V427, Oil-cooler line clamp may be installed wrong, letting the line come off — recall 17V333, Hydraulic clutch can lose lift after the bike sits parked — recalls 15V216 and 16V471. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Harley-Davidson Road Glide reliable?
The 2015-2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Saddlebag retaining receptacle can let the bag come off while riding — recall 15V427 and Oil-cooler line clamp may be installed wrong, letting the line come off — recall 17V333 and Hydraulic clutch can lose lift after the bike sits parked — recalls 15V216 and 16V471 and Clutch actuator seal can leak inside and stop the clutch disengaging — recall 18V734 and Voltage-regulator wire can rub through on the crankcase and cut all power — recall 24V672. 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.
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 2015-2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide with 7 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Saddlebag retaining receptacle can let the bag come off while riding — recall 15V427?
The saddlebag retaining receptacle can fail, allowing the mounting stud to disengage. If this goes undetected, the saddlebag may separate from the motorcycle while it is moving, creating a hazard for other motorists. Applies to: 2015 Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS… Severity: high.
What is the 2017 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Oil-cooler line clamp may be installed wrong, letting the line come off — recall 17V333?
An oil-line clamp on the oil cooling system may not have been properly installed, so an oil line can detach and cause a sudden loss of engine oil. Undetected, this can put oil on the rear tire, which may cause a loss of control and a crash. Applies to: 2017 Road Glide (FLTRX, bui… Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2016 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Hydraulic clutch can lose lift after the bike sits parked — recalls 15V216 and 16V471?
A chemical reaction inside the sealed hydraulic clutch system with a black master cylinder creates gas bubbles, so after the motorcycle has been parked for an extended period the clutch may not lift enough to disengage. Starting in gear or first shifting into gear can then cause… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Clutch actuator seal can leak inside and stop the clutch disengaging — recall 18V734?
On certain motorcycles, fluid can leak internally past the secondary clutch actuator piston/seal. If the leak continues, the clutch master-cylinder reservoir can lose enough fluid to let air into the hydraulic clutch circuit, and the clutch may not disengage, which can cause a lo… Severity: high.
What is the 2023-2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Voltage-regulator wire can rub through on the crankcase and cut all power — recall 24V672?
Variation in routing can let the voltage regulator's red output wire rub on the front corner of the crankcase until the insulation wears through and the wire shorts to ground. The 60-amp main fuse may then open, causing a loss of propulsion and all electrical power without warnin… Severity: high.
What is the 2024-2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Blocked airbox breather port can make oil spray from the fill spout — recall 26V270?
Because of a supplier manufacturing issue, plastic material can block the breather port in the airbox baseplate, letting pressure build up in the crankcase. If the dipstick is removed while the crankcase is pressurized and the pressure is not slowly released first, oil may be dis… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2022 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Brake light can stay on without the brakes applied — recall 22V781?
Body Control Module software that decides when the brake lamps light can leave them illuminated whether or not the brakes are applied. A brake light that stays on may increase the risk of a rear-end collision by a following vehicle; Harley-Davidson says a rider may notice it duri… 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.