AI Damage2013 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg: common problems
Owners of the 2013 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg filed 7 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 7
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 43% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 29% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 29% of all complaints
- Engine: 3 complaints (43% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (29% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (29% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 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.
When engine is hot, approximately 170F+ per oil temperature gauge, rear brake lights remain ON after only pressing the rear brake pedal. Seems to be more prevalent when motorcycle is stationary. Lights will only turn OFF after cooling and the engine is turned OFF and then ON again. This has happened multiple times.
On three occasions, after the motorcycle was not riddin for several months, the rear brakes stopped working after the first depression of the brake pedal. The rear brake master cylinder internal piston would not return to its normal position after releasing the brake pedal.
The temps outside were about 80 degrees and my inner right thigh felt as though it was on fire. I contacted the dealership, bowling green harley davidson, the service dept recommended that I have them remove the catalytic converter as this would help with some of the heat issue.
At slow speed or stopped there is etreme heat coming from the right side of the engine. It is so hot it feels like my leg is being burned. According to the dealer the only fix is to replace the exhaust system with a system without the catalytic converter.
While riding usually on bumpy streets I would hear a funny squeaking. After stopping at my destination I found that the bolts that hold the engine stabilizer to the cylinder head were loose.
Extreme heat coming from exhaust system which runs very close to my right leg. Not too noticeable while riding at highways speeds but when in traffic or at traffic lights it becomes unbearable. When I questioned the dealer about it they said its normal and this is the way they run, but...
Harley davidson trike right side manifold produces extreme heat. Will cause burns and harley davidson is aware of the problem. They will not replace it under warranty, it is an average of $2,000 to correct the defect.
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 12,538 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 34% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Flhtcutg has 5 complaints (17 years in the data). This year has 7, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
- Flhtcutg 20095 sources
- Flhtcutg 20109 sources
- Flhtcutg 20119 sources
- Flhtcutg 20127 sources
- Flhtcutg 20145 sources
- Flhtcutg 20156 sources
- Flhtcutg 201652 sources
- Flhtcutg 201792 sources
- Flhtcutg 201875 sources
- Flhtcutg 201974 sources
- Flhtcutg 202076 sources
- Flhtcutg 202163 sources
- Flhtcutg 202259 sources
- Flhtcutg 202355 sources
- Flhtcutg 202442 sources
- Flhtcutg 202526 sources
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, engine and cooling, service brakes. Total complaints: 7. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2013 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg?
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 2013 Harley-Davidson Flhtcutg 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 2013 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 2026-11-05.