Canadian-owned.   No duty surprises.   Need help? 1-800-291-9509

2017 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special — Common Issues & Known Problems

Known Issues & Owner Reports

These are the most commonly reported issues and concerns from owners, mechanics, and community forums for the 2017 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special.

Oil Sumping
High

Oil accumulates in the crankcase instead of returning to the tank, causing friction, power loss, and potential engine failure.

Primarily affects early 2017-2019 M8 engines. The fix is installing the 2020+ redesigned oil pump.
expert builder pattern high confidence
Transmission-to-Primary Fluid Transfer
Medium

Gear oil migrates from the transmission into the primary case through the pushrod tunnel.

Harley released a primary vent kit (Service Bulletin M1492) to equalize pressure and stop the transfer.
manufacturer tsb high confidence
Oil Cooler Line Detachment
High

Improperly installed clamps could cause the oil cooler line to detach, spraying oil on the rear tire.

Subject of Recall 17V333000. Ensure the clamp has been inspected/replaced by a dealer.
manufacturer tsb high confidence
Hydraulic Clutch Failure
High

The secondary clutch actuator may leak, causing the clutch to fail to disengage properly.

Subject of Recall 18V734000. Symptoms include a 'soft' lever or the bike creeping while the lever is pulled in.
manufacturer tsb high confidence

Used Buying Inspection Checklist

What to look for when buying a used 2017 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special.

Oil Sumping Signs

Check for excessive oil in the air cleaner or blue smoke on startup. Sumping causes power loss and engine overheating.

Fluid Transfer

Check the transmission dipstick and primary level. If the transmission is low and the primary is overfull, the bike has the 'transfer' issue (requires a primary vent fix).

Recall Status

Verify completion of the oil cooler line clamp recall (17V333000) and the clutch actuator recall (18V734000).

Infotainment Screen

Check for 'ghost touching' or delamination on the 6.5GT screen, which is a common failure point in high-heat or high-vibration environments.