Harley-Davidson · Motorcycle Issues

2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Problems & Issues

2015 model year · Manufacturer-document summaries · US scope · Updated November 2026

These 2 manufacturer-document summaries cover specific US model/year combinations. They are not a list of common failures or a reliability rating. Read the exact applicability on each card and ask the dealer to confirm your VIN, equipment and previous repairs.

All 2 Known Issues

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2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide saddlebag mounting receptacle with reduced spring retention. — Representative saddlebag receptacle and stud with relaxed spring retention; not a measurement or a detachment simulation.

2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide black clutch master cylinder with representative hydraulic gas bubbles. — Conceptual section of a black clutch master cylinder showing gas in the hydraulic circuit; not measured bubble size or exact internal geometry.

On the 2015-2016 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, 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 a loss of control. Applies to: 2015 Road Glide (FLTRX) and Road Glide Special (FLTRXS) covered by recall 15V216 (Harley-Davidson 0165; black-painted master cylinders 36700056 and 36700049, on motorcycles built April 28 to October 24, 2014 in the US plant or March 10, 2014 to March 25, 2015 in the Brazil plant), and 2016 Road Glide (FLTRX), Road Glide Special (FLTRXS) and Road Glide Ultra (FLTRU) covered by recall 16V471 (Harley-Davidson 0169; black master cylinders 36700049B, 36700056B, 36700146 and 36700186). Chrome original or accessory master cylinders are not included. Eligibility is by VIN.

Common Symptoms

Failure to disengage the clutch, especially after prolonged parking
Excess clutch-lever free play on the first squeeze after parking
Unexpected movement when starting or selecting a gear

How to Fix

A Harley-Davidson dealer confirms the motorcycle is covered and, free of charge, inspects the clutch system and, where needed, flushes it with the specified wash solution and rebuilds the clutch master cylinder with the recall kit (the 0165 procedure replaces the master cylinder if corrosion is found and checks clutch lift afterwards). Until the repair is done, Harley-Davidson's owner letters ask you to run their pre-ride check before every ride: clear space ahead, first gear, ignition on, Run/Off switch to Run, both brakes applied, clutch lever held to the grip, then press the starter. If the engine bogs and will not start, or the bike tries to creep forward as you gradually release the brakes with the clutch still held, reapply the brakes, switch Run/Off to Off, and have the motorcycle transported by truck or trailer (or picked up by the dealer). Passing the check does not replace the recall repair. Do not attempt the repair yourself.

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Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.

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Other Harley-Davidson Models

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do these recalls establish the reliability of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide?

No. Recall counts and severity labels do not establish failure rates or overall reliability. These summaries describe manufacturer-identified conditions and bounded vehicle populations.

How do I confirm whether my motorcycle needs the recall repair?

Ask an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer to check the exact VIN and completed repair history. Model year alone does not establish inclusion; some recalls cover only nonconsecutive VINs or specific production ranges. Follow the riding restrictions stated on each applicable card.

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.

2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Problems & Issues

All 2 Known Issues

2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide: Saddlebag retaining receptacle can let the bag come off while riding — recall 15V427#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

2015-2016 Harley-Davidson Road Glide: Hydraulic clutch can lose lift after the bike sits parked — recalls 15V216 and 16V471#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

Research This Issue

Other Harley-Davidson Models

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these recalls establish the reliability of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide?

How do I confirm whether my motorcycle needs the recall repair?