Harley-Davidson motorcycles probed for brake failures

Federal regulators are checking into reports that brakes can fail on 430,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes, it was disclosed Friday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is responding to 43 complaints, which included three reported accidents involving two injuries. The preliminary evaluation, as it is being termed, involves 2008 to 2011 Harleys.

The problem is believed linked to a module that's part of Harley's ABS system that can corrode and fail without warning. Usually, only the front or rear brakes won't work. But in one case, both systems gave out, resulting in a low-speed crash into a garage door, NHTSA reports in a filing.

Harley officials say they know about the issue. "We are aware of it and are cooperating with the investigation," says spokeswoman Maripat Blankenheim.

The trouble appears to lie with the brake fluid, which some owners apparently aren't changing as they should every two years. According to the documents, "owners are either unaware of or ignore" the requirement.

The old fluid can become contaminated by moisture and may be corroding the anti-lock brake system's actuator valves. If it does, the valves won't work.

"While it may be true that complainants failed to adhere to Harley-Davidson's two-year brake fluid service interval requirement, the consequent sudden and complete loss of brakes, without warning, is a concern," the document states.