Harley Davidson Recalling Over 41K Motorcycles Due to Wiring Issue

Harley Davidson filed a recall notice with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with concerns that the wiring inside the bikes could experience a short circuit resulting in a loss of power.

The NHTSA recall site notes that the voltage regulator harness may short, causing unexpected loss of drive power and electrical power while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. About 41,600 bikes are affected, including the 2024 FLHX, FLHXSE, FLTRX, FLTRXSE, and FLTRXSTSE motorcycles. According to the recall reports, “the voltage regulator output wire may rub on the front corner of the crankcase, exposing the wire and causing an electrical short circuit. A short can result in a loss of electrical power and drive power.”

Harley Davidson says it is aware of nine reports related to the defect, but no one has reported crashes to date.

“In the unlikely event that damage to the voltage regulator output harness is found, a recall kit consisting of a wire harness extension will be installed to replace the damaged wiring harness prior to the installation of the secondary retention strap,” reads the notice. The recall notice directs owners of affected motorcycles to arrange service with an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. Harley-Davidson will repair the motorcycles at no charge.

What should I do if my motorcycle is part of the recall?

If your bike is part of the recall, you should have received a letter at the end of September. Contact your authorized Harley Davidson motorcycle dealer and schedule an appointment to have the repair made. All vehicles will have a secondary retention strap installed to ensure proper wire routing.

Recall kits begin shipping the week of October 14. The repairs should take between 20 and 70 minutes. After completing the repairs, your dealer will ask you to sign a recall claim.

If you’ve sold your motorcycle and have the contact information for the current owner, it’s important to forward this recall information. You may also contact Harley Davidson at 1-800-258-2464 to provide them with the owner’s new contact information.

If I was injured because of a defective motorcycle, would a recall impact my claim?

If you suffered an injury because your motorcycle was defective, you may be able to file a product liability claim. A successful claim must show that the product was defective in its design or manufacturing or because of a failure to warn customers of dangers. In Virginia, you can only recover in a product liability claim if you prove that the company was negligent or breached its warranty (either an express or implied warranty that the product is reasonably safe for its intended use).

While a recall does give customers notice, the fact that a company issued a recall will not shield them from a lawsuit. On the other hand, the recall does not automatically guarantee that the company is liable either. It is extremely important to speak to an attorney to determine whether you have a strong claim based on the product defects and injuries.

How can your Richmond personal injury attorneys help?

If you’ve been injured due to a defective Harley-Davidson motorcycle involved in a recall, our Richmond motorcycle accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation.

Here’s how we can assist you:

• Investigating the recall: We delve into the specifics of the recall, determining the nature of the defect and whether it was a direct cause of your injury.
• Gathering evidence: We will collect evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and any correspondence with Harley-Davidson. This evidence is important to building a strong case.
• Determining liability: We can identify who is liable for your injuries. This could be Harley-Davidson, the dealership where you purchased the motorcycle or a third party involved in the manufacturing or maintenance.
• Negotiating a settlement: In many cases, our attorneys can negotiate a settlement with the responsible party without going to court. This can save time and potentially secure a faster resolution.
• Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, we will represent you in court, advocating for your rights and seeking maximum compensation for your injuries.

Don’t let the aftermath of a Harley Davidson motorcycle accident overwhelm you. If you’ve been injured due to a recalled part, contact the Richmond personal injury attorneys at Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers today. Our experienced team will fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation to which you’re entitled. Don’t wait – call us today. To schedule a meeting with a Richmond-based personal injury attorney, simply call our offices or fill out our contact form. We serve clients throughout Virginia.