(LEGAFI) -- An accident attributed to brake defects in certain Harley-Davidson motorcycles has led to a recall of 250,757 touring motorcycles, trikes and other models from the 2009 through 2012 model years.

The Harley-Davidson recall was issued after it was discovered that the rear brake-light switch could be damaged by heat from the bikes’ exhaust systems. The excessive heat may cause the switch to fail to activate the brake light during braking, or to activate it when the brake has not been applied. The Harley brake defect could also result in a brake fluid leak at the switch that could keep the rear brake from working properly. Any of these problems could cause a crash.

The company says it knows of at least one crash allegedly caused by the brake defect. 

The Harley-Davidson touring motorcycle recall affects the following models and model years:

     H-D / FLHP   2009-2012

     H-D / FLHPE   2009-2011

     H-D / FLHR   2009-2012

     H-D / FLHRC   2009-2012

     H-D / FLHT   2009-2010

     H-D / FLHTC   2009-2012

     H-D / FLHTCU   2009-2012

     H-D / FLHTCUSE4   2009

     H-D / FLHTCUSE5   2010

     H-D / FLHTCUSE6   2011

     H-D / FLHTCUSE7   2012

     H-D / FLHTCUTG   2009-2012

     H-D / FLHTK   2010-2012

     H-D / FLHTP   2009-2012

     H-D / FLHX   2009-2012

     H-D / FLHXSE   2010

     H-D / FLHXSE2   2011

     H-D / FLHXSE3   2012

     H-D / FLHXXX   2011

     H-D / FLTR   2009

     H-D / FLTRSE3   2009

     H-D / FLTRU   2010-2012

     H-D / FLTRUSE   2011

     H-D / FLTRX   2010-2012

     H-D / FLTRXSE   2012

Harley-Davidson dealers will replace the rear brake light switch free of charge under the recall, beginning in November.

Consumers with more questions about the Harley-Davidson brake defect recall should contact Harley-Davidson at (414) 343-4056.