2011 Harley-Davidson Road King Problems & Issues
2011 model year · 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 2011 Harley-Davidson Road King has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Rear brake light switch can overheat, affecting the brake lamp or leaking brake fluid — recall 11V506 and ABS valve can stick when brake fluid is left too long without a flush — recall 18V076.
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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 2011 Harley-Davidson Road King has 2 documented issues. Documented issues include: Rear brake light switch can overheat, affecting the brake lamp or leaking brake fluid — recall 11V506, ABS valve can stick when brake fluid is left too long without a flush — recall 18V076. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Harley-Davidson Road King reliable?
The 2011 Harley-Davidson Road King has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Rear brake light switch can overheat, affecting the brake lamp or leaking brake fluid — recall 11V506 and ABS valve can stick when brake fluid is left too long without a flush — recall 18V076. 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 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 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.
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.