9 Electra Glide Years To Avoid [Don’t Buy At Any Cost]

Harley-Davidson’s Electra Glide is an iconic motorcycle that has been synonymous with the spirit of freedom and the open road ever since its inception. 

However, like any long-standing product line, there have been years where the Electra Glide has not lived up to its stellar reputation. 

In this article, we will discuss the Electra Glide years that potential buyers should be aware of.

Electra Glide Years To Avoid

The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is a popular motorcycle model known for its power, performance, and riding comfort it offers. 

However, like any other vehicle, certain model years have been plagued by issues that potential buyers should be aware of. 

Notably, the years 1999, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2017 are considered the years to avoid for Electra Glide.

1. Electra Glide Model 1999

The 1999 model is known for a handful of recurring issues, which make that year’s model an avoid that potential buyers and owners should be aware of.

Here are some of the issues that 1999 Electra Glide has faced over time:

Voltage Regulator Issue

This model often faces issues with the voltage regulator. A failing regulator causes inconsistent power delivery or battery drain. 

Regular checks and preventive maintenance can mitigate this issue to a certain extent.

Cam Chain Tensioner

Another common issue with the 1999 Electra Glide model is with the cam chain tensioner. 

Wear and tear lead to a failing tensioner, potentially causing engine damage.

Starter Problems

Starter issues are also prevalent in this model, often due to the longevity of the starter motor.

It causes difficulties in starting the bike, requiring the replacement of the starter motor.

Oil Leakages

Oil leakage is another problem many owners face. These leaks are often due to aged seals, gaskets, and O-rings, which should be replaced promptly to prevent further engine damage.

Brakes Issue

The 1999 Electra Glide has been known to experience brake issues, specifically with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). 

Regularly servicing the brakes can help to maintain their effectiveness.

Overheating

Overheating is a serious issue for any motorcycle owner. The Electra Glide model is known for issues with the cooling system that may lead to overheating. 

Regular checks of the coolant level and the cooling system, in general, should be part of routine maintenance.

If you’re considering buying a 1999 Electra Glide, then you may avoid that year’s model due to these issues.

2. Electra Glide Model 2005

The 2005 model, while widely adored for its classic design and comfortable ride, has been known to present several significant issues that make this year’s model avoided.

One of the recurrent problems is the cam chain tensioner issue, which can lead to serious engine damage if left unchecked.

This model also suffers from oil leakages, often due to faulty seals, leading to messy clean-ups and potential engine overheating. 

The Electra Glide 2005 has reported instances of voltage regulator failure, a critical concern as it can lead to battery drain, thereby affecting the overall performance of the motorcycle.

Moreover, wiring issues are not uncommon with this particular model. 

They result in dim lights, non-responsive switches, or even complete electrical failure, proving inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst.

Another noteworthy issue is the transmission problems, which often manifest as difficulty in changing gears or excessive noise during gear shifts. 

Lastly, starting problems have also been reported, which could be due to a weak battery, defective starter motor, or electrical issues. 

These collective issues, while fixable, can lead to substantial repair costs and time off the road.

3. Electra Glide Model 2007

The 2007 Electra Glide has several notable issues. The compensator issue, a common drawback, relates to the prematurely wearing out of the Compensator, causing noisy starts and operation. 

Second, vibration issues are prominent in this model. Excessive and persistent vibration leads to discomfort during the ride, even mechanical problems.

Oil consumption is another significant concern. The 2007 Electra Glide tends to consume oil at an alarming rate, leading to frequent top-ups and potential engine damage if left unchecked. 

The engine tends to overheat, especially during long trips or in hot climates, causing discomfort to the rider and potential damage to the engine.

Finally, the 2007 Electra Glide is notorious for its electrical issues. These range from faulty lights to problems with the ignition system, often necessitating extensive and costly repairs. 

Thus, despite its appeal, the 2007 model of the Electra Glide may present potential owners with numerous challenges.

4. 2009 Electra Glide 

The 2009 model had a significant issue with its Cam Chain Tensioner. This defect primarily led to premature wear and tear, often resulting in catastrophic engine damage if not addressed promptly. 

The problem stemmed from the inadequate design and material usage of the tensioner, which could not withstand the rigors of long-term use.

Another problem reported by 2009 Electra Glide owners was with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Numerous riders experienced unexpected failures in the ABS, leading to potential safety concerns. 

The malfunctioning was most evident when the system failed to engage during emergencies, thus compromising the braking capabilities of the motorcycle. 

Harley-Davidson issued a recall to address this issue, acknowledging the serious risk it posed to rider safety.

5. 2010 Electra Glide 

The 2010 Electra Glide model was widely applauded, but it did come with a few notable issues that consumers should be aware of.

Firstly, the optional Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) were reported to have problems that lead to unexpected brake failure, a severe safety concern. 

This issue was eventually addressed by the manufacturer through a recall, but some units may still exhibit this problem if the recall wasn’t implemented.

Secondly, the Wheel Sensor Wire issue was another concern. This problem caused the ABS and traction control lights to illuminate unexpectedly, reducing the vehicle’s braking system.

The fault was traced back to the wheel sensor wires that can become damaged with use, leading to false readings.

Also, some owners reported that the throttle body connector loosened over time, affecting the motorcycle’s performance and potentially leading to engine stalls.

In some cases, this resulted in a dangerous loss of power while riding. 

This issue also was addressed by the manufacturer under warranty but is something potential buyers should be aware of.

6. Electra Glide Model 2012

Harley Electra Glide 2012 has been subjected to several complaints over the years, some specific issues are metioned here.

One of the most commonly reported issues is the Compensator. The traditional spring pack in the compensator assembly tends to wear out and fail, leading to a loud clunking sound when starting the bike. 

To fix the issue, it’s advisable to replace the spring pack with a solid sprocket to prevent such issues.

The ABS brake module is another area of concern. Some riders have reported failures in the ABS system, leading to sudden braking or lack of brake power. 

Overheating is a known issue with the 2012 Electra Glide, often due to the positioning of the rear cylinder under the seat, which doesn’t allow for effective heat dissipation. 

Modifying the exhaust system or adding a cooling fan can help mitigate this issue.

Oil Pump Issues have also been reported, where the oil pump fails to deliver proper oil pressure, leading to engine damage. 

The model also has reported Clutch Issues, where the clutch does not disengage properly, making gear shifts difficult. Regular clutch maintenance and adjustment can help avoid such problems.

Vibration Issues are common with Electra Glide 2012, especially at higher speeds, causing discomfort to the rider. 

Balancing the tires and ensuring proper alignment can help reduce such vibrations.

Lastly, the 2012 model has also had some Glitches, including issues with the electronic control module, causing the engine to stall or misfire.

7. 2014 Electra Glide 

The 2014 Electra Glide has had some reported issues that buyers should be aware of. Fuel tank leaks are the issue that is reported by most of the owners. It was due to the deterioration of the tank seal. 

This issue can be identified by a strong smell of gasoline emanating from the bike, even when it was not recently fueled.

If left unchecked, this can pose a substantial safety hazard. To fix this issue, the fuel tank seal must be replaced to prevent further leakage. 

This repair is best done by a certified technician to ensure the motorcycle’s safe operation post-repair.

Another concern it faced is the clutch problems, which are often characterized by the clutch refusing to fully engage or disengage.

This problem makes gear shifting difficult and unpredictable, potentially leading to dangerous situations, especially at high speeds. 

This issue is usually a result of a faulty clutch master cylinder. The resolution typically involves replacing the malfunctioning clutch master cylinder with a new one.

8. Electra Glide Model 2015

Firstly, the infotainment system has been known to glitch or freeze, often requiring a system reboot to restore functionality. 

However, riders have reported excessive vibration during rides, which could be due to various factors such as unbalanced tires or a misaligned drive belt.

There have also been complaints about the clutch, that it’s hard to engage or disengage. This makes the riding experience less smooth and could potentially pose safety risks. 

The model has had braking issues, too, with some owners reporting that the brakes are not as responsive as they should be, which leads to longer stopping.

It also has faced battery issues, with some riders reporting that the battery drains faster than expected.

 Specifically, some owners have found that their bike’s battery life decreases significantly after just a few short trips.

Furthermore, heat issues have been reported, with some riders complaining about excessive heat coming from the engine, especially during long rides or in hot weather. 

Lastly, there are also some complaints of transmission problems. Some riders have reported difficulty in shifting gears, while others have reported a noisy transmission. 

These issues could lead to a less enjoyable riding experience and may require costly repairs.

9. 2017 Electra Glide 

The bike’s design, while visually appealing, does not offer optimal comfort, especially during long-distance travel. 

Users have reported an uncomfortable seat and an awkward riding position, which lead to discomfort in the back and shoulders.

Performance-wise, the 2017 Electra Glide has had a few hiccups as well. It is equipped with the all-new Milwaukee-Eight motor, which has faced criticism for heat management.

Riders often complain of excessive heat from the engine, especially when stuck in traffic or riding at slow speeds in hot weather. 

This causes discomfort and distraction, detracting from the overall riding experience. 

However, some owners have reported transmission issues, specifically with the bike slipping out of gear. This can be potentially hazardous, especially when riding at high speeds.