2012 Harley-Davidson Road King Problems & Issues
2012 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 2012 Harley-Davidson Road King has 1 documented issue, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Rear brake light switch can overheat, affecting the brake lamp or leaking brake fluid — recall 11V506.
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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 2012 Harley-Davidson Road King has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: Rear brake light switch can overheat, affecting the brake lamp or leaking brake fluid — recall 11V506. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Harley-Davidson Road King reliable?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson Road King has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Rear brake light switch can overheat, affecting the brake lamp or leaking brake fluid — recall 11V506. 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.
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.