In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Harley-Davidson Inc. says it will recall 308,000 motorcycles made over the past three years to fix a break light switch problem that could potentially result in rear brake failure.
According to the documents, the problem can cause brake light and rear brake failure in touring, CVO Touring, and Trike motorcycles that were manufactured from the 2009 through 2012 model years. They were built between June 6, 2008 and Sept. 16, 2011.
The company acknowledged that brake light switches could be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system, causing brake fluid leaks and the loss of rear breaks.
Harley-Davidson said it has notified motorcycle owners of the recall, and that dealers will install a rear break light switch kit free of charge.
The recall affects 251,000 vehicles sold in the U.S. alone, with the total recall cost pegged at between $10 million and $12 million.
Harley began investigating the problem in June of 2010 after fielding a report about a crash involving a Trike model motorcycle.
