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2011 Harley-Davidson SoftailProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage53kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 19, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine10
Engine and engine cooling10
Exterior lighting10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2011 Harley-Davidson Softail recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 11V-037 · Jan 31, 2011 · 6,964 vehicles

Risk. AN ENGINE STALL WHILE IN TRAFFIC CAN RESULT IN A CRASH, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Harley-Davidson.

Best & worst years

2011 vs. every other Softail year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Softail median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'07'08'10'11'12'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Softail owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFT TAIL DELUXE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE FLASHING INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER…
Complaint 10556613 · Dec 19, 2013 · 53,000 miles

Own a 2011 Softail?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.