IllustrationFRONT END WOBBLES ON THIS MOTORCYCLE SINCE DAY 1. HAPPENS MAINLY AT 40 MPH AND THE HANDLEBARS SHAKE. *NM
2002 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
290–25K
725–50K
450–75K
175–100K
1100–150K
4150K+
46 reports with mileage · 136 unknown
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 115 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Tires. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports
Tires complaints
11 reportsFRONT TIRE ON GL 1800 MOTORCYCLE. HONDA RECOMMENDS 36 PSI IN THE FRONT TIRE THIS CAUSES CUPPING OF THE TIRE AND A BAD VIBRATION IN FRONT WHICH COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT AND DEATH! BRIDGESTONE TIRES RECOMMEND 38 TO 40 PSI IN THIS TIRE, YET HONDA HAS 36 IN THEIR OWNERS GUIDE. HONDA NOR BRIDGESTONE CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY. *JB
THIS (SEE PHOTOS BELOW) HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO WING DING ON JULY 2ND, 2004. THE FAILED TIRE HAD APPROX. 4,500 MILES ON IT. AIR PRESSURE WAS CHECKED AT 41 PSI COLD AS RECOMMENDED BY MANUFACTURER. I RODE APPROXIMATELY 650 MILES EAST ON I-40 AND NOTICED A WEIRD VIBRATION JUST OUTSIDE OF SANTA ROSA N.M. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE ROADWA…
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THIS (SEE PHOTOS BELOW) HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO WING DING ON JULY 2ND, 2004. THE FAILED TIRE HAD APPROX. 4,500 MILES ON IT. AIR PRESSURE WAS CHECKED AT 41 PSI COLD AS RECOMMENDED BY MANUFACTURER. I RODE APPROXIMATELY 650 MILES EAST ON I-40 AND NOTICED A WEIRD VIBRATION JUST OUTSIDE OF SANTA ROSA N.M. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE ROADWAY AS IT WAS A LITTLE ROUGH AND WAVY DO TO THE TRUCK TRAFFIC. BY THE TIME I HIT TUCUMCARI N.M. I KNEW IT WASN'T THE ROADWAY, AND WAS DEFINITELY A BAD (SEPARATED TREAD) REAR TIRE. THE TIRE WAS SEVERLY BUBBLED INDICATING A SEPARATED TREAD. LUCKILY I CAUGHT IT IN TIME TO AVOID A BLOW-OUT AND OR CRASH. TIRE WAS REPLACED AT A LOCAL HONDA DEALER AND WAS SENT BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR EVALUATION. MAKE OF TIRE WAS AVON. SIZE OF TIRE WAS 180/60 R16 74H DOT# AT0L MNF. DATE: 4803 SERIAL# 75R-001399 THIS IS ONE OF (5) REPORTED FAILURES OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL MOTORCYCLE TIRE. THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM! HERE ARE WEB LINKS TO PHOTOS I TOOK OF THE FAILED TIRE HTTP://WWW.AZBEST.COM/GOLDWING/TIRE1.JPG HTTP://WWW.AZBEST.COM/GOLDWING/TIRE2.JPG HTTP://WWW.AZBEST.COM/GOLDWING/TIRE3.JPG. *AK
VEHICLE'S FRONT END WOBBLES BETWEEN 35 AND 40 MPH.* MR WHEN THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT END WOBBLED BECAUSE OF THE TIRES USED. HOWEVER THEY DID NOT PAY TO HAVE TIRES REPLACED ON BIKE BECAUSE THEY CLAIMED THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE LEFT THE ORIGINALS ON. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE BIKE IS UNSAFE TO RI…
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VEHICLE'S FRONT END WOBBLES BETWEEN 35 AND 40 MPH.* MR WHEN THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT END WOBBLED BECAUSE OF THE TIRES USED. HOWEVER THEY DID NOT PAY TO HAVE TIRES REPLACED ON BIKE BECAUSE THEY CLAIMED THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE LEFT THE ORIGINALS ON. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE BIKE IS UNSAFE TO RIDE AND IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF NOT REPAIRED. (WHEN THE CRUISE WAS SET AND IF THE VEHICLE WAS GOING 40 MPH WITHOUT A FIRM GRIP ON THE HANDLE BARS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE) *CB THE BIKE ALSO HAD AN OVERHEATING PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT WAS HOW THE BIKE WAS DESIGNED.*JB *CB
PROBLEMS WITH TIRE EQUIPMENT ON 2002 HONDA GOLDWING.*MR THE CONSUMER ADDED A CB RADIO AND ANTENNA AT A COST OF $800.00 DOLLARS AND ANOTHER SEAT FOR $900.00. THIS WAS TO ACCOMMODATE THE CONSUMER'S HEIGHT OF 6'5", SINCE THE MOTORCYCLE IS FOR MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 5'10". MIDWAY THROUGH THEIR FIRST TRIP, THE CONSUMER NOTICE…
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PROBLEMS WITH TIRE EQUIPMENT ON 2002 HONDA GOLDWING.*MR THE CONSUMER ADDED A CB RADIO AND ANTENNA AT A COST OF $800.00 DOLLARS AND ANOTHER SEAT FOR $900.00. THIS WAS TO ACCOMMODATE THE CONSUMER'S HEIGHT OF 6'5", SINCE THE MOTORCYCLE IS FOR MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 5'10". MIDWAY THROUGH THEIR FIRST TRIP, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE FRONT TIRE HAD BEGUN TO WEAR UNEVENLY AND DEVELOPED A "CUPPED" PATTERN ON THE EDGE OF THE TIRE. AFTER THE TRIP, CONSUMER POINTED THIS OUT TO THE MECHANIC. HE STATED THIS WAS A NORMAL PATTERN. AT 7,400 MILES, CONSUMER REPLACED THE FRONT TIRE. MOTORCYCLE COULDN'T BE SAFELY RIDDEN DUE TO CUPPING. UPON COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER GOLDWING OWNERS VIA INTERNET, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE TIRE WITH METZLER TIRE AND ADD A SUPERBRACE FORKBRACE (A REINFORCING MEMBER OF THE FRONT END). PROBLEM DISAPPEARED AS A RESULT. LATER, CONSUMER LEARNED THE BIKE WOULD OVERHEAT WHEN DRIVEN SLOWLY FOR 10-15 MIN. AND HONDA WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. BIKE WAS TAKEN IN AND MODIFIED UNDER HONDA'S "PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN". THE HEADS WERE FLOW TESTED, COMPUTER MODULE WAS INSTALLED AND WIRE HARNESS WAS REPLACED. CONSUMER NOTED IT WOULD OVERHEAT JUST NOT AS QUICKLY. NEXT, CONSUMER LEARNED OF CRACKING IN THE LOWER CROSS MEMBER OF THE FRAME AND HONDA HAD GIVEN NEW MOTORCYCLES WITH APOLOGIES. *PH
MOTORCYCLE'S FRONT TIRES MAY HAVE A HORIZONTAL CUT ON THE EDGE OF THE TREAD THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING. BRIDGESTONE ,FIRESTONE, E130/70R18. *AK
I PURCHASED NEW METZELER TIRES FOR MY 2002 HONDA GOLDWING GL1800 TO REPLACE THE WORN OUT BRIDGESTONES THAT CAME NEW WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. SINCE NEW, THE METZELERS HAVE GIVEN ME A FRONT END WOBBLE AT 35-45MPH. THE WOBBLE MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE THE MOTORCYCLE THROUGH TURNS TAKEN AT 35-45 MPH. I HAVE CONTACTED METZELER CU…
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I PURCHASED NEW METZELER TIRES FOR MY 2002 HONDA GOLDWING GL1800 TO REPLACE THE WORN OUT BRIDGESTONES THAT CAME NEW WITH THE MOTORCYCLE. SINCE NEW, THE METZELERS HAVE GIVEN ME A FRONT END WOBBLE AT 35-45MPH. THE WOBBLE MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE THE MOTORCYCLE THROUGH TURNS TAKEN AT 35-45 MPH. I HAVE CONTACTED METZELER CUSTOMER SUPPORT AT 1-800-747-3554 X5802 AND SPOKEN WITH JEFF SELBERT. HE ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM AND SAID METZELER WAS TESTING NEW TIRES IN ITALY AND HOPE TO HAVE A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. JEFF ALSO SAID METZELER WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE LABOR TO REPLACE AN OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE TIRE ON THE BIKE AND THAT MY DEALER SHOULD FILE FOR RENUMERATION THROUGH THE WARRANTY CHANNELS. MY DEALER HAS CALLED METZELER AND LEFT MESSAGES 6 TIMES WITHOUT A SINGLE REPLY FROM METZELER. I PAID $480 FOR THESE TWO TIRES MOUNTED AND BALANCED FROM MY DEALER BACK IN JUNE AND AM UNWILLING TO PAY OVER $100 TO HAVE THE DEFECTIVE TIRE(S) REPLACED. JEFF AT METZELER SAID HE IS NOT SURE WHETHER IT IS THE FRONT TIRE OR THE REAR TIRE; I MAY HAVE TO REPLACE THEM BOTH TO TRY TO CURE THE PROBLEM AS METZELER IS NOT SURE I WOULD GET A "GOOD" TIRE(S) AS THERE ARE PLENTY OF METZELER REPLACEMENT TIRES OUT THERE AND THEY ARE NOT SURE OF A FAILURE PATTERN YET. THAT IS, METZELER DOES NOT KNOW WHICH TIRES ARE GOOD AND WHICH ARE DEFECTIVE. I DO NOT WANT TO SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS GETTING "FREE" REPLACEMENT TIRES MOUNTED AND BALANCED ONLY TO FIND OUT THE REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE, TOO. HELP!!!*AK
I ECHO THE SAME CONCERNS AS MANY OTHER GL1800 GOLDWING OWNERS.I HAVE EXPERIANCED MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS MOTORCYCLE(FAILED RADIO SYSTEM, FAILED SADDLE BAG CONTROL CAMS,,,,,FRONT TIRE DEFLATION )BUT BY FAR THE MOST FRUSTRATING AND FLAT OUT DISAPPOINTING EXPERIENCE IS A FAILED COOLENT SYSTEM-(PEGGING PAST RED LINE ON SEVERAL OCAS…
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I ECHO THE SAME CONCERNS AS MANY OTHER GL1800 GOLDWING OWNERS.I HAVE EXPERIANCED MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS MOTORCYCLE(FAILED RADIO SYSTEM, FAILED SADDLE BAG CONTROL CAMS,,,,,FRONT TIRE DEFLATION )BUT BY FAR THE MOST FRUSTRATING AND FLAT OUT DISAPPOINTING EXPERIENCE IS A FAILED COOLENT SYSTEM-(PEGGING PAST RED LINE ON SEVERAL OCASSIONS IN TRAFFIC. EXTREME OVERHEATING,FAN PROBLEMS)ON THIS BIKE AND HONDA'S OBVIOUSE LACK OF ACCEPTANCE AND CONCERN FOR THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUSE PROBLEM TO ITS GL1800 OWNERS . THE DEALERSHIP AND SEVICE PERSONELL ARE SIMPLY LEFT WITH ADVISING CUSTOMERS WITH NO SOLUTION???? ....I AM ONE VOICE OF CERTAINLY MANY WHO HAVE EXPERIANCED ENGINE COOLENT PROBLEMS AND I WISH TO EXPRESSE MY SINCERE CONCERN TO YOU AND WHO EVER WILL LISTEN, IN THE HOPE THAT A RECALL BE FORCED.*AK
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT WILL HEAVILY VIBRATE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE TIRES ARE BADLY WORN. SIZE#13070R18, 63H DOT#707EXDERA. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER HAD FIRST NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE HANDLEBARS EARLY JULY 2002. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VIBRATION WORSENED WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS AND ON CURVES, T…
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WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT WILL HEAVILY VIBRATE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE TIRES ARE BADLY WORN. SIZE#13070R18, 63H DOT#707EXDERA. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER HAD FIRST NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE HANDLEBARS EARLY JULY 2002. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VIBRATION WORSENED WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS AND ON CURVES, THE MIRRORS STARTED TO VIBRATE AS WELL. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THAT EVERYONE HE HAD TALKED WITH THAT HAD AN 1800 GOLDWING, HAS EXPERIENCED FRONT TIRE PROBLEMS WITH CUPPING AND EXTENSIVE WEAR PATTERNS, UNTIL THEY CHANGE THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES THAT HONDA SUPPLIED. CONSUMER HAD THE FRONT TIRE REPLACED WITH A MUCH MORE RELIABLE BRAND AND WISHES FOR HONDA TO REFUND HIM FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND THE COST OF LABOR. *SCC
FRONT AND REAR TIRES ARE PREMATURELY WEARING OUT. UNEVEN WEAR ON BOTH TIRES., CAUSING VIBRATION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Official recalls
615V700000 · 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.
05V010000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Jan 24, 2005
CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH COMBINED-BRAKE SYSTEMS HAVE A PROPORTIONING CONTROL VALVE (PCV) THAT MECHANICALLY PROPORTIONS BRAKE FORCE WHEN THE REAR BRAKE IS APPLIED. A SEAL IN SOME PCVS IS IMPROPERLY SHAPED, AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUES TO BE USED AFTER A LEAK OCCURS, THE REAR BRAKE WOULD EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE. A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FORCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE FORLEAKAGE. IF LEAKAGE IS CONFIRMED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PCV FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 31, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 866-784-1870.
03V350000 · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields
Sep 26, 2003
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 REINFORCE THE WELDS ON ALL FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
02V340000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Dec 23, 2002
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE BANK ANGLE SENSORS DESIGNED TO SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP AND THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL POWER IN THE EVENT THE MOTORCYCLE FALLS OVER, WERE INSTALLED USING THE WRONG SIZE SCREWS ALLOWING THE SCREWS TO EVENTUALLY DETACH FROM THEIR MOUNTING POINT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE SENSOR DETACHES, THE ENGINE WILL STOP UNEXPECTEDLY. SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, ESPECIALLY WHILE TURNING, COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOUNTING SCREW SIZE AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL SCREWS OF THE CORRECT SIZE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. 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 1-800-289-8226.
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.