AI Damage2001 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic: common problems
Owners of the 2001 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic filed 10 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 10
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 30% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 20% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 10% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 10% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel/propulsion system 10% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel system 10% of all complaints
- 7 Suspension 10% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (30% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (20% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (10% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (10% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (10% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 10 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 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.
While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was tuned up and the oil was changed, but the failure recurred.
The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the entire instrument panel illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle restarted, but the failure recurred within two minutes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the injection system needed to be replaced.
Consumer stated that he recently developed two fuel leaks. Also stated that this is a common problem with fuel injected harley davidson's. The consumer stated fuel was leaking from the fuel line quick disconnect fittings that were used to connect the fuel lines to the fuel tank and landing on the hot engine.
Caused the bike to loose lights and stall on the interstate in moderate to heavy traffic. Took it to the dealer and they advised me harley davidson motor co. Knows about this defect and it should be recalled. The replacement stator is a upgraded part due to the failures of the original stators.
There was a vibration in the handlebars causing a loss of control of the vehicle; however no crash occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, where they determined the motorcycle was designed to be driven at 55 mph or less. It was then taken to an independent repair shop for further inspection.
While riding our 2001 ultra classic (harley-davidson motorcycle) on the interstate in the high speed lane, the radio and headsets quit working. I noticed the vote gage stopped working. I put on my turn signal to move to the right; they did not work. A few minutes later, the bike shut down and could not be restarted.
The consumer had to replace the stator, because it burned up. The consumer was driving the bike when this occurred the dealer noted the stator was defective and it was replaced. In aug. 2004 the same thing happened again. The manufacturer offered no help on the second defect.
The original seal from the transmission is leak while traveling the oil blow onto the rear tire. Causing him to slip on the road. Please furnish additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem. Mr
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 10,921 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 30% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Ultra Classic has 6 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 10, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- 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.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, electrical system, engine. Total complaints: 10. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: stalls while driving (30%), fuel system, fuel smell (10%), infotainment or screen glitches (10%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2001 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic?
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 Ultra Classic 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.