IllustrationNO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2001 Honda GL1800
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all GL1800 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 18 of 84 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Tires. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
42 reportsMOTORCYCLE OVERHEATS IN SLOW TRAFFIC CONDITIONS CAUSED BY A DESIGN FLAW. POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZZARD FROM COOLANT BEING EXPELLED IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE.*AK
VEHICLE OVERHEATS BETWEEN 15-20MPH, CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN CONSISTENTLY. *AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
INITIAL ENCOUNTER OF PROBLEM WHEN FOR FIRST TIME PLACED IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON 8/16/2001. HAS REPEATEDLY FAILED APPROX 10 TIMES SINCE. HONDA HAS BEEN GIVEN THREE ATTEMPTS TO FIX WITH NO POSITIVE RESULTS. ENGINE HAS STALLED ON NUMEROUS EVENTS. REAR WHEEL SEIZING ONCE WHILE MOVING AT ABOUT 22 MPH. BOILOVER OF COOLANT ON S…
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INITIAL ENCOUNTER OF PROBLEM WHEN FOR FIRST TIME PLACED IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON 8/16/2001. HAS REPEATEDLY FAILED APPROX 10 TIMES SINCE. HONDA HAS BEEN GIVEN THREE ATTEMPTS TO FIX WITH NO POSITIVE RESULTS. ENGINE HAS STALLED ON NUMEROUS EVENTS. REAR WHEEL SEIZING ONCE WHILE MOVING AT ABOUT 22 MPH. BOILOVER OF COOLANT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ALSO, COOLANT DUMPS RIGHT IN FRONT OF REAR WHEEL CREATING A POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL. KNOWN "TECH FACT" AS PER HONDA FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL, COOLING FANS WILL NEVER EVER COME ON ABOVE 15 MPH REGARDLESS OF TEMP.SEEKING LEGAL RECOURSE UNDER MAGNUSON MOSS WARRANTY ACT.
VEHICLE OVERHEATED, IN SLOW TRAFFIC, DOING DAMAGE TO O2 SENSORS, RESULTING IN REDUCED GAS MILEAGE OF 26 - 32 MPG, WHICH IS 10 - 12 MPG BELOW ORIGINAL MILEAGE AND OTHER GL1800'S I RIDE WITH. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER BOTH KNOW OF THE PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT REPLACE THE O2 SENSORS UNLESS THE FI LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON. FUEL MILEA…
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VEHICLE OVERHEATED, IN SLOW TRAFFIC, DOING DAMAGE TO O2 SENSORS, RESULTING IN REDUCED GAS MILEAGE OF 26 - 32 MPG, WHICH IS 10 - 12 MPG BELOW ORIGINAL MILEAGE AND OTHER GL1800'S I RIDE WITH. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER BOTH KNOW OF THE PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT REPLACE THE O2 SENSORS UNLESS THE FI LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON. FUEL MILEAGE SHOULD BE A CONCERN TO MOTORCYCLE MFRS. JUST AS IT IS WITH CARS. NOW I GET MILEAGE THAT IS NEAR WHAT MY 3200 LB., V6, 200HP SEDAN DOES AND HONDA THINKS THIS IS OK?
WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ENGINE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY AND IT COASTED BEFORE COMING TO A STOP, DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED MOTORCYCLE FOR THIS PROBLEM, THE DEALERSHIP SERVICED MOTORCYCLE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT FOR AN OVER-SENSITIVE "ENGINE STOP SWITCH."*AK. *SLC
WHILE THIS FAILURE NEVER CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP COMPLETELY, HONDA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE OVERHEATING AS A PROBLEM. THIS HAS OCCURRED TO ME AND MANY OTHER GL1800 OWNERS. IT IS A PROBLEM IN THE BASIC DESIGN WHICH CREATES A TERRIBLE CONDITION WHEN IT OCCURS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. HONDA NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT BEFORE IT CAUSES INJ…
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WHILE THIS FAILURE NEVER CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP COMPLETELY, HONDA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE OVERHEATING AS A PROBLEM. THIS HAS OCCURRED TO ME AND MANY OTHER GL1800 OWNERS. IT IS A PROBLEM IN THE BASIC DESIGN WHICH CREATES A TERRIBLE CONDITION WHEN IT OCCURS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. HONDA NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT BEFORE IT CAUSES INJURY OR DEATH, NOT AFTER. IT MAY NOT SEEM TO BE THE BIGGEST PROBLEM, BUT IT DOES EXISTS AND SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY HONDA.*AK
TEMPERATURE GAUGE WILL CLIMB IF DROVE AT SPEED'S 10 TO 15 MPH IF IN A TRAFFIC JAM COOLING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY ENGINE WILL HEATUP WITH POSSIBLE OVER HEATING IF RODE SLOW FOR VERY LONG. *AK
DESIGN OF COOLING SYSTEM IS THAT FANS PULL AIR THROUGH RADIATORS. FANS DESIGNED TO TURN OF AT SPEEDS OVER 15 MPH. WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AT SPEEDS ABOVE 15 BUT LESS THAN 25, MOTORCYCLE WILL OVERHEAT. WHEN I DISCUSSED THIS WITH THE DEALER & MANUFACTURER I WAS TOLD THIS ISN'T AN ISSUE JUST DON'T DRIVE IN THOSE CO…
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DESIGN OF COOLING SYSTEM IS THAT FANS PULL AIR THROUGH RADIATORS. FANS DESIGNED TO TURN OF AT SPEEDS OVER 15 MPH. WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AT SPEEDS ABOVE 15 BUT LESS THAN 25, MOTORCYCLE WILL OVERHEAT. WHEN I DISCUSSED THIS WITH THE DEALER & MANUFACTURER I WAS TOLD THIS ISN'T AN ISSUE JUST DON'T DRIVE IN THOSE CONDIDTIONS. I WAS ALSO ASKED IF IT GOT HOT ENOUGH TO SPIT OUT ANTU-FREEZE. I STATED NO, I DIDN'T WANT TO DAMAGE THE ENGINE AND BECAUE OF THEIR DESIGN IF IT DID SPILL OUT ANTI-FREEZE IT COMES OUT IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. NOT TOO SAFE. THE FIX IS TO REVERSE THE DIRRECTION OF THE FANS AND CHANGE THE OPERATION TO WHERE THE FANS COME ON AND STAY ON AT A CERTAIN TEMPATURE UNTIL THE ENGINE FALLS BELOW THAT TEMPATURER. SO FAR THE MANUFACTURE REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *AK
Official recalls
515V700000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Oct 23, 2015
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2001-2010 and 2012-2015 GL1800, 2001-2005 GL1800A and 2013-2015 GL1800B motorcycles. The rear brakes of the affected motorcycles may drag after the brakes are released.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear brake that drags may increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, extended riding with the rear brake dragging could generate enough heat to result in a fire.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary brake master cylinder and the rear brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JV6. Note: This recall supercedes recall 14V-472.
11V567000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Dec 1, 2011
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2010, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 GL1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE COMBINED BRAKING SYSTEM'S SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO DRAG.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNEXPECTED BRAKING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE REAR BRAKE DRAGGING MAY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO CATCH FIRE.
Remedy: HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.
05V027000 · Structure:frame And Members
Jan 31, 2005
ON SOME MOTORCYCLES, CERTAIN FRAME WELDS DO NOT MEET MANUFACTURING SPECIFICATIONS. HIGH LOADS CREATED WHEN RIDING ON ROUGH ROAD SURFACES OR THROUGH POTHOLES CAN CAUSE THE AFFECTED WELDS TO CRACK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REINFORCE THE WELDS ON 2001-2002 MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. ON 2003-2004 MOTORCYCLES, THE UNITS WILL BE REPAIRED, NO INSPECTION WILL BE NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
01V162000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
May 9, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ENGINE STOP SWITCH. THE ENGINE STOP SWITCH IS SENSITIVE TO ACCIDENTAL CONTACT OR STRONG JOLTING, SUCH AS HITTING A POTHOLE OR RIDING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS,WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CUT OUT MOMENTARILY OR EVEN SHUT OFF.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CONTACT PLATE, E-CLIP, AND 2 CONTACT PLATE SPRINGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-310-532-9811.
01V133000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Apr 23, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PULSE ROTOR. THE CRANKSHAFT PULSE ROTOR, A DEVICE USED FOR IGNITION TIMING, COULD FAIL AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED PULSE ROTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4AQ12001 · Southern Honda Powersports
Opened May 14, 2012 · Closed May 13, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
NHTSA opened Audit Query (AQ) 12-001 to determine whether Southern Honda Powersports (Southern Honda) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, had complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, as amended, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a motor vehicle or equipment manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with federal motor vehicle safety standards.In turn, a dealer may not sell and deliver a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed.(see 49 U.S.C. 30120(i); 49 C.F.R. 573.11)NHTSA issued an information request to Southern Honda on May 14, 2012 to which they responded on July 6, 2012.NHTSA?s inquiry led it to believe that Southern Honda had failed to complete the requirements of five recalls that required inspections and/or repairs of motorcycles prior to their sale or delivery.NHTSA believes that 329 motorcycles affected by recalls had not been inspected and/or repaired prior to their sale and delivery between 2007 and 2012.The agency is unaware of any deaths or injuries involving these vehicles.NHTSA concluded that it had a potential civil penalty claim against Southern Honda for violations of the Safety Act.Southern Honda denied any violations of the Safety Act.In order to settle this matter, Southern Honda agreed to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $125,000, to be paid in five annual installments.This AQ is closed.
RQ04009 · Frame Crossmemeber Weld Failures
Opened Sep 21, 2004 · Closed Feb 2, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:frame And Members
HONDA IS AMENDING THE SCOPE OF 03V-350 TO ADD 34,919 POTENTIALLY AFFECTED GL1800 GOLD WING MOTORCYCLES.THE INITIAL RECALL RANGE INCLUDED FRAMES MANUFACTURED WITH ONE OF A NUMBER OF WELDING PROCESSES.HONDA BELIEVED, ON THE BASIS OF DATA AVAILABLE AT THAT TIME, THAT ONLY THOSE GL'S BUILT WITH THAT ONE PROCESS WERE AT RISK OF FAILURE.WITH THE ORIGINAL RECALL (IN SEPTEMBER, 2003), HONDA INTRODUCED YET ANOTHER WELD PROCESS.SUBSEQUENTLY, HONDA BECAME AWARE OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING GL'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL, BUILT USING ANOTHER EARLY WELDING PROCESS.THUS, HONDA HAS DECIDED TO RECALL ALL GL1800'S BUILT PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 20, 2003 REGARDLESS OF WHAT WELD PROCESS WAS BEING USED AT THE TIME.THIS RECALL EXPANSION AFFECTS THE 2001, 2002, 2003 AND 2004 MODEL YEARS AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AFFECTED U.S. GL1800 MOTORCYCLES INCREASES FROM 8,196 TO 43,115.
PE03039 · Rear Suspension Collapse
Opened Aug 11, 2003 · Closed Oct 10, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:frame And Members
THE SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES, INTRODUCED WITH THE 2001 MODEL YEAR, UTILIZE AN ALUMINUM FRAME INDIVIDUALLY WELDED BY HONDA EMPLOYEES IN THE COMPANY?S MARYSVILLE, OHIO ASSEMBLY PLANT.NHTSA/ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER LEARNING THAT SOME 2002 MODEL YEAR GL1800?S WERE EXPERIENCING REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE WHEN THE LOWEST CROSSMEMBER WOULD COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME.IT APPEARED THE CROSSMEMBER WAS SEPARATING DUE TO SUB-STANDARD WELDING OF THE CROSSMEMBER TO THE FRAME. ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2003 HONDA BRIEFED ODI STAFF AND ADVISED THAT THE SUBJECT WELD FAILURES RESULTED FROM A COMBINATION OF PRODUCTION LINE CHANGES THAT TOOK EFFECT ON MARCH 1, 2002.THESE CHANGES WERE:1) FEW, IF ANY, REINFORCING TIG WELDS APPLIED TO THE CROSSMEMBER MIG WELDS; 2) A RELATIVELY INEXPERIENCED WELDER BEGAN WELDING FRAMES AS OF THAT DATE; AND 3) A LESS ROBUST WELD QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION WAS INTRODUCED.EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 11, 2002 HONDA ADDRESSED THESE ASSEMBLY LINE ISSUES.ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2003 HONDA ADVISED NHTSA/ODI THAT IT WAS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL OF ALL MYR 2002/2003 GL1800?S BUILT FROM MARCH 1, 2002 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10, 2002.THIS IS A WORLDWIDERECALL INVOLVING 9,521 MOTORCYCLES, OF WHICH 8,196 ARE IN THE UNITED STATES.FOR MORE INFORMATION CONCERNING BOTH HONDA?S SEPTEMBER 4TH BRIEFING AND THE RECALL, PLEASE REFER TO NHTSA?S OCTOBER 2, 2003 MEMO.BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY HONDA CONCERNING THE PRODUCTION LINE CHANGES; THE FIELD PERFORMANCE OF ALL 2001-2003 GL1800?S; AND NHTSA?S INDEPENDENT INFORMATION GATHERING ACTIVITIES; THE SCOPE OF HONDA?S RECALL APPEARS JUSTIFIED.ODI WILL CLOSELY MONITOR SUBJECT CROSSMEMBER WELD INTEGRITY FOR BIKES BUILT OUTSIDE THE RECALL SCOPE, AS WELL AS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HONDA?S RECALL REMEDY FOR THOSE BIKES WITHIN IT, AND WILL TAKE ADDITIONAL ACTION IF WARRANTED BY FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS.
PE02077 · Motorcycle Coolant Spray Onto Rear Tire
Opened Oct 15, 2002 · Closed Mar 28, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT WITH ODI'SFINDINGS.