AI Damage2011 Harley-Davidson Softail: common problems
Owners of the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail filed 3 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 33% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 33% of all complaints
- 3 Exterior lighting 33% of all complaints
- Engine: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (33% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 3 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 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.
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 where it was diagnosed that the body control module needed to be replaced.
Rear running lights randomly, repeatedly going out -- they've been replaced at least one per month. The bike is currently on its fourth new bulb. Others have noted that they're having the same issue.
The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive it to a dealer who advised him that they were unable to diagnose the failure, but it could have been caused by the motor. The vehicle was not repaired.
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 17,150 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 47% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Softail has 3 complaints (16 years in the data). This year has 3, about 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.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, engine and cooling, exterior lighting. Total complaints: 3. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: stalls while driving (67%), headlights and tail lights (33%), warning lights, check engine (33%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail?
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 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail 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 2011 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.