Harley Davidson Recalls 300,000+ Motorcycles For BrakeLight Problem

Harley-Davidson Inc is recalling 308,474 motorcycles worldwide over issues with the bikes’ rear brake light switch in some 2009-2012 Touring and Trike models. The rear break light switch could be exposed to excessive exhaust system heat, explained Reuters.

The heat may cause the switch to fail to trigger the brake lamp or may trigger the brake lamp when the brake is not applied, noted Reuters. The excessive heat could also result in a fluid leak at the brake light switch, according to a Harley-Davidson notice provided to the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), said Reuters.

An NHTSA spokesman told the Huffington Post that Harley-Davidson filed the document last week and, in its letter, said “The condition may affect brake lamp function and/or cause a brake fluid leak through the rear brake switch, affecting rear brake performance. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.”

The recall involves 250,000 motorcycles in the United States and another 50,000 outside of the U.S. According to Reuters, Harley Davidson shipped 210,494 motorcycles worldwide, sending about 306,000 motorcycles monthly from 2000 to 2010. The recall is expected to result in a cost of $10-$12 million in the fourth quarter or about $.3 per share, said Reuters.

Harley-Davidson, in a statement to the Huffington Post said, “In the interest of customer safety and satisfaction, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has issued a voluntary recall on 308,474 model year 2009 through 2012 Touring, CVO Touring and Trike vehicles built between June 6, 2008, through Sept. 16, 2011. On the affected vehicles, the rear brake light switch may be exposed to temperatures that degrade its performance under certain riding conditions.”

Harley-Davidson also wrote that, “Vehicle owners are being notified by mail of this recall and are urged to contact their Harley-Davidson dealer to arrange for the repair. There is no charge to the owner for the repair,” added the Huffington Post.

According to the Associated Press (AP) Harley Davidson became aware of the defect following a June 2010 crash in Louisiana. The AP noted that this recall is not the first for the 2009-2010 Touring, Trike, and CVO models. Harley Davidson recalled about 142,000 motorcycles in November 2009 for a fuel tank mount issue, Reuters noted.

This past February, Fox News reported that Harley Davidson recalled its 2011 Softail motorcycles over a water intrusion issue that could stall engines and, in 2006, Harley-Davidson recalled its FXD 2006 motorcycles over risks of the transmission slipping into false neutral even when the neutral indicator lamp was activated. This defect could lead to a crash.

Harley-Davidson can be reached at 1.414.343.4056.