Harley-Davidson Road King Problems & Known Issues
1999-2018 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 1999-2018 Harley-Davidson Road King has 5 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Front fuel tank mounts can distort in a severe frontal crash and leak fuel — recall 09V457, Rear brake light switch can overheat, affecting the brake lamp or leaking brake fluid — recall 11V506, Twin Cam 88 cam chain tensioner shoes can wear and shed material into the engine (owner reports), ABS valve can stick when brake fluid is left too long without a flush — recall 18V076 and Clutch actuator seal can leak inside and stop the clutch disengaging — recall 18V734.
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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 1999-2018 Harley-Davidson Road King has 5 documented issues. Documented issues include: Front fuel tank mounts can distort in a severe frontal crash and leak fuel — recall 09V457, Rear brake light switch can overheat, affecting the brake lamp or leaking brake fluid — recall 11V506, Twin Cam 88 cam chain tensioner shoes can wear and shed material into the engine (owner reports). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Harley-Davidson Road King reliable?
The 1999-2018 Harley-Davidson Road King has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Front fuel tank mounts can distort in a severe frontal crash and leak fuel — recall 09V457 and Rear brake light switch can overheat, affecting the brake lamp or leaking brake fluid — recall 11V506 and Twin Cam 88 cam chain tensioner shoes can wear and shed material into the engine (owner reports) and ABS valve can stick when brake fluid is left too long without a flush — recall 18V076 and Clutch actuator seal can leak inside and stop the clutch 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.
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 1999-2018 Harley-Davidson Road King with 5 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2009-2010 Harley-Davidson Road King Front fuel tank mounts can distort in a severe frontal crash and leak fuel — recall 09V457?
The fuel tank front mounts may distort in reaction to severe frame damage from a frontal collision, which may cause a fuel leak at the weld of the front bracket to the tunnel. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, which could lead to injury or de… Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2012 Harley-Davidson Road King Rear brake light switch can overheat, affecting the brake lamp or leaking brake fluid — recall 11V506?
The rear brake light switch (P/N 72016-06) may be exposed to temperatures from the exhaust system that can degrade its performance under certain riding conditions. This may affect brake lamp function and/or cause a brake fluid leak at the switch, affecting rear brake performance;… Severity: high.
What is the 1999-2006 Harley-Davidson Road King Twin Cam 88 cam chain tensioner shoes can wear and shed material into the engine (owner reports)?
Owners report that the spring-loaded, plastic-faced cam chain tensioner shoes in the Twin Cam 88 cam chest wear, sometimes losing chunks, and that the shed material can reach and score the oil pump; owner discussions describe catastrophic engine failures. Owners report widely var… Severity: high.
What is the 2008-2011 Harley-Davidson Road King ABS valve can stick when brake fluid is left too long without a flush — recall 18V076?
DOT 4 brake fluid absorbs water over time; if it is not flushed for a prolonged period beyond the 2-year schedule, it may gel and form deposits, and a deposit on the apply valve in the ABS hydraulic control unit can make the valve stick. That may cause a loss of brake function on… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2018 Harley-Davidson Road King 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.
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.