AI Damage2001 Harley-Davidson Flhtci: common problems
Owners of the 2001 Harley-Davidson Flhtci filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about suspension and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 6
What fails most often
- 1 Suspension 33% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 17% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 17% of all complaints
- 4 Steering 17% of all complaints
- 5 Tires 17% of all complaints
- Suspension: 2 complaints (33% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Steering: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Tires: 1 complaints (17% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
My 2001 harley-davidson had a frame failure on the swing arm (rear fork) where the axle bolt goes through the swing arm. After doing some research I found this to be a very common problem on the touring models 1997-2001. Harley-davidson did a recall in 2000 for the swing arm, they never changed the design until 2002.
The rear swing arm has failed above the wheel axle. Trying to order a new one from harley and they do not have a replacement one. I was told it's obsolete. I looked this up on google and found others with the same problem. My bike shop wants to get a used one and reinforce it by welding a plate above the axle shaft.
My wife was in the car and I was behind her on my 2001 flhtci and I was blowing my horn and she could not hear it in the car with the windows up. These horns are not loud enough to be heard. Something needs to be done.
While driving at high speeds and at high temperatures oil sprayed from the air cleaner. The hot oil sprayed backwards onto the lower pants leg of the consumer. Also, the oil sprayed on the rear tire and the rear brake pad. Dealer examined the vehicle ten times.
Scpd purchased 4, 2001 flhpi, 3 of which have experienced belt separations. We have had several other flhpi since 1998 - 2002, without a single failure. All three are low speed separations. Dealer admitted a "problem" with belts in storage being defective, but "did not make it onto motorcycles".
When releasing handle bar it causes motorcycle to move to the left. Dealer notified.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 13,281 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Flhtci has 3 complaints (9 years in the data). This year has 6, above average.
What to check before buying
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Harley-Davidson Flhtci?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: suspension, electrical system, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 6. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: windows, sunroof (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2001 Harley-Davidson Flhtci?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2001 Harley-Davidson Flhtci from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2001 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.