Harley-davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic (1999–2019): what actually fails
The documented failure patterns on used Harley-davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classics — the mileage window where each shows up,
and what the repair typically costs at an independent shop. This is the same data NoLemon's Brief checks
against every VIN.
Twin Cam 88 spring-loaded cam chain tensioner shoes wear through and shed plastic into the oil system, and the inner cam bearings commonly fail with them; ignored, it can destroy the engine. NHTSA complaints and decades of forum consensus back this up — shoes need inspection every 15,000-25,000 miles. Fixed right means the hydraulic tensioner conversion or a gear drive with upgraded bearings; ask for receipts.
BEFORE YOU BUY Ask for repair records covering this item. If it hasn't been addressed and the
car is in or near the mileage window, price the $500–$1,500 repair into your offer — or make it the seller's problem.
2007–2013TYPICAL 0k–80k MIUP TO $600
Excessive engine heat (rear cylinder)
The lean-running Twin Cam 96/103 with catalyst runs very hot in traffic; H-D recalled 2009-2012 Touring bikes (11V-506) for brake-light switches killed by exhaust heat. Idle the bike for several minutes on inspection and judge the heat for yourself. Confirm that recall is closed; a tune, fan kit, or oil cooler are the common owner fixes.
BEFORE YOU BUY Ask for repair records covering this item. If it hasn't been addressed and the
car is in or near the mileage window, price the up to $600 repair into your offer — or make it the seller's problem.
2008–2011TYPICAL 0k–80k MIUP TO $150
ABS front brake failure from old fluid (recall 18V-076)
Recall 18V-076: on 2008-2011 ABS Touring bikes, aged brake fluid can corrode ABS valves and cause sudden front brake failure. The dealer flush is free but must be repeated every two years. Verify the recall is closed and ask for fluid-service receipts.
BEFORE YOU BUY Ask for repair records covering this item. If it hasn't been addressed and the
car is in or near the mileage window, price the up to $150 repair into your offer — or make it the seller's problem.
2014–2015TYPICAL 0k–60k MIUP TO $400
Hydraulic clutch will not disengage (recalls 13V-515/14V-537/15V-216)
The FLHTCU is named in all three hydraulic-clutch recalls: the master cylinder can lose pressure and leave the clutch engaged, sometimes after just days of sitting. Run the VIN for open recalls and ask for proof of the repair. Test cold engagement into first gear before riding.
BEFORE YOU BUY Ask for repair records covering this item. If it hasn't been addressed and the
car is in or near the mileage window, price the up to $400 repair into your offer — or make it the seller's problem.
2017–2019TYPICAL 0k–45k MI$400–$900
M8 oil pump wet sumping
Early Milwaukee-Eight engines can wet-sump — oil pools in the crankcase, power fades at highway speed, and oil blows out the breather into the air cleaner. H-D's service bulletin M-1450 and revised oil pumps are the fix. Check the air filter for oil and ask for receipts showing the updated pump.
BEFORE YOU BUY Ask for repair records covering this item. If it hasn't been addressed and the
car is in or near the mileage window, price the $400–$900 repair into your offer — or make it the seller's problem.
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