NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
182 reports91,000 miles · Oct 17, 2009
Structure
2002 GOLDWING GL1800 BROKEN FRAME ON THE BOTTOM OR THE REAR FRAME TUBES CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION AND THE REAR OF THE BIKE WILL COME OFF INCLUDING DRIVER, PASSENGER,SADDLEBAGS AND REAR TRUNK! HONDA WILL DO NOTHING TO FIX IT! IF THE DAMAGE GOES UNSEEN BY A TECH THE OWNER WILL NEVER KNOW THE FRAME IS BROKEN BECAUSE IT IS NOT IN H…
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2002 GOLDWING GL1800 BROKEN FRAME ON THE BOTTOM OR THE REAR FRAME TUBES CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION AND THE REAR OF THE BIKE WILL COME OFF INCLUDING DRIVER, PASSENGER,SADDLEBAGS AND REAR TRUNK! HONDA WILL DO NOTHING TO FIX IT! IF THE DAMAGE GOES UNSEEN BY A TECH THE OWNER WILL NEVER KNOW THE FRAME IS BROKEN BECAUSE IT IS NOT IN HONDAS RECALL OF THE WELDED CENTERSTAND AREA. THE REPLACEMENT FRAMES HAVE GUSSETTES WELDED IN THE AFFECTED AREAS, SO HONDA KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM. AFFECTED FRAMES ARE IN 2001-2004 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLES AND WAS UPDATED IN LETTER 2004 MODELS! HONDA SERVICE REP VIRTUALLA SAYS TOO BAD! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288800
66,100 miles · Oct 6, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE REAR BRAKING SYSTEM ON THE MOTORCYCLE HAS COMPLETELY FAILED THREE TIMES SINCE APRIL 18, 2009. WHEN THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, IT QUICKLY SINKS DOWN, AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOTHING TO SLOW OR STOP THE MOTORCYCLE. A HONDA DEALERSHIP WAS FIRST NOTIFIED OF PROBLEM ON APRIL 19, 2009. THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR TH…
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THE REAR BRAKING SYSTEM ON THE MOTORCYCLE HAS COMPLETELY FAILED THREE TIMES SINCE APRIL 18, 2009. WHEN THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, IT QUICKLY SINKS DOWN, AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOTHING TO SLOW OR STOP THE MOTORCYCLE. A HONDA DEALERSHIP WAS FIRST NOTIFIED OF PROBLEM ON APRIL 19, 2009. THE MASTER CYLINDER FOR THE REAR BRAKING SYSTEM WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO ME AS 'REPAIRED' ON MAY 8, 2009. THE REAR BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME, 72 DAYS AFTER BEING 'REPAIRED', ON JULY 19, 2009 WHEN I WAS 500 MILES FROM HOME. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO SAME HONDA DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR ON JULY 21, 2009. I CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA CUSTOMER SUPPORT ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON AUGUST 7, 2009, AND A CASE WAS OPENED. A DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER FROM HONDA WORKED WITH THE HONDA DEALERSHIP ON THIS ISSUE. THE REAR MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME, AND A PROPORTIONAL CONTROL VALVE WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AGAIN DETERMINED TO BE 'REPAIRED', AND WAS RETURNED TO ME ON AUGUST 21, 2009. THE REAR BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME, 45 DAYS AFTER BEING 'REPAIRED', ON OCTOBER 5, 2009, THIS TIME WHILE I WAS RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE. AMERICAN HONDA CUSTOMER SUPPORT, AS WELL AS THE HONDA DEALERSHIP, WERE NOTIFIED OF THE THIRD FAILURE ON OCTOBER 6, 2009. I HAVE REQUESTED OF HONDA CUSTOMER SUPPORT THAT THE HONDA DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER BE NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE, AND THAT HE BE INVOLVED AGAIN. AMERICAN HONDA HAS REQUESTED THAT I RETURN THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE SAME HONDA DEALERSHIP THAT WORKED ON IT THE FIRST TWO TIMES. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, WHICH COULD EASILY LEAD TO A CRASH AND INJURY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10286524
19,000 miles · Jul 8, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. WHILE TRAVELING 14 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD OVERHEAT AND SHUT OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ECM WAS FAILING. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WAS $1,000. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. WHILE TRAVELING 14 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD OVERHEAT AND SHUT OFF. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ECM WAS FAILING. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WAS $1,000. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED BECAUSE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
NHTSA ODI #10276054
249,200 miles · Dec 8, 2008
Structure
CRACKED MOTORCYCLE FRAME ON 2002 GL1800A : LOCATION OF CRACK: DIRECTLY UNDER SADDLE CONSEQUENCES: MOTORCYCLE UNSAFE TO RIDE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10251097
60,000 miles · Oct 26, 2008
Structure
UPON INSPECTION, THE REAR FRAME TUBES HAVE CRACKED ON BOTH SIDES OF MY '02 HONDA GL1800 BIKE. THE TUBES HAVE NOT COMPLETELY SEPARATED YET, BUT THE CRACKS EXTEND ABOUT 1/3 AROUND THE TUBE BEGINNING AT THE WELD AREA. BIKE-HANDLING IRREGULARITY HAS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHERS WITH THIS FAILURE WHEN THE CRACKS HAVE OPENED FURTHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10246770
22,177 miles · Oct 2, 2008
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION JUMPED OUT OF FIFTH GEAR ON ITS OWN AND GRINDS. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS FAILURES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,177.
NHTSA ODI #10244241
27,980 miles · Sep 20, 2008
Electrical SystemInjury
STARTED MOTORCYCLE AS NORMAL WENT IN REVERSE THEN TO DESTINATION, COULD NOT SHUT BIKE DOWN EVEN WITH KILL SWITCH. CAUSED ME TO DUMP THE BIKE WITH ME ON IT MOTORCYCLE IS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING 1800. PURCHASED IN 2001, NO OTHER DRIVERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10243006
105,000 miles · Aug 4, 2008
Structure
DISCOVERED FRAME CRACK ON MY 2002 HONDA GL 1800. THE CRACK IS LOCATED BEHIND THE LEFT PASSENGER FOOT REST AND BELOW THE BATTERY. THE 2002 GOLDWING HAS 105,000 MILES AND IS NORMALLY RIDDEN TWO UP. THE BIKE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THE BIKE IS CURRENTLY AT THE HONDA DEALER WAITING FOR AMERICAN HONDA TO OK REPLACING THE F…
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DISCOVERED FRAME CRACK ON MY 2002 HONDA GL 1800. THE CRACK IS LOCATED BEHIND THE LEFT PASSENGER FOOT REST AND BELOW THE BATTERY. THE 2002 GOLDWING HAS 105,000 MILES AND IS NORMALLY RIDDEN TWO UP. THE BIKE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THE BIKE IS CURRENTLY AT THE HONDA DEALER WAITING FOR AMERICAN HONDA TO OK REPLACING THE FRAME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10236931
52,000 miles · Jan 18, 2008
Visibility
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING GL 1800. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT ADJUST AND LOCKS IN AN UPWARD POSITION. THE FAILURE REDUCES THE CONTACTS VISIBILITY. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BODY ADJUSTER, CAM B ADJUSTER, CAM A ADJUSTER, CIR-CLIP, AND THE HOLDER ADJUSTER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING GL 1800. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT ADJUST AND LOCKS IN AN UPWARD POSITION. THE FAILURE REDUCES THE CONTACTS VISIBILITY. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE BODY ADJUSTER, CAM B ADJUSTER, CAM A ADJUSTER, CIR-CLIP, AND THE HOLDER ADJUSTER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED A YEAR LATER. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE CAM B AND CAM A ADJUSTERS FAILED AGAIN AND THEY DISABLED THE CENTER LOCK. THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD IS DESIGNED TO ADJUST UP AND DOWN A FEW INCHES. THE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES "TO LOWER: MOVE THE WINDSHIELD UP TO THE UPPER MARK, LOWER IT ALL THE WAY, THEN RAISE TO THE DESIRED POSITION". THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN WINDSHIELD MOVED TO THE UPPER MARK AND LOCKED IN THAT POSITION. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AT ABOUT 53,000 AND THE SECOND WAS 61,000. UPDATED 02/19/08 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10215332
4,500 miles · Oct 2, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY MOTORCYCLE WAS SUBJECT TO THE JUNE 2003 ENGINE COOLING CAMPAIGN WHICH INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF THE ECM AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS. I HAD MY BIKE REPAIRED ON JULY 30, 2003 AT HONDA OF MILPITAS (R/O 94030949). SINCE THE CAMPAIGN REPAIRS WERE DONE, THE BIKE HAS HAD A SURGING PROBLEM AT 1500 RPM. WHEN RIDING, OR IF THE BIKE IS STATIONA…
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MY MOTORCYCLE WAS SUBJECT TO THE JUNE 2003 ENGINE COOLING CAMPAIGN WHICH INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF THE ECM AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS. I HAD MY BIKE REPAIRED ON JULY 30, 2003 AT HONDA OF MILPITAS (R/O 94030949). SINCE THE CAMPAIGN REPAIRS WERE DONE, THE BIKE HAS HAD A SURGING PROBLEM AT 1500 RPM. WHEN RIDING, OR IF THE BIKE IS STATIONARY, WHEN I OPEN THE THROTTLE TO 1500 RPM, THE ENGINE SPEED DROPS TO 1000 RPM AND THEN JUMPS BACK TO 1500 RPM. THIS WILL GO ON FOR AS LONG AS I HOLD THE THROTTLE AT 1500 RPM. WHILE THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM WHEN THE BIKE IS STATIONARY, IT IS A BIG PROBLEM WHEN RIDING. WHEN RIDING IN PARKING LOTS, IN TRAFFIC OR WHEN MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS, I FREQUENTLY RUN THE ENGINE AROUND 1500 RPM AND WHEN I HIT THAT RPM, THE ENGINE SPEED DROPS WITHOUT WARNING. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I HAVE ALMOST DROPPED THE BIKE IN A SHARP TURN WHEN THE ENGINE SPEED DROPPED. SINCE I CANNOT SAFELY WATCH THE TACHOMETER AND THE ROAD AT THE SAME TIME, IT'S VERY HARD TO DRIVE AROUND THAT ENGINE SPEED. NOT ONLY IS THIS BEHAVIOR ANNOYING WHILE RIDING, IT'S ALSO DANGEROUS AS I COULD BE INJURED IF THE BIKE FELL WHEN THE ENGINE SPEED DROPPED. I TOOK THE BIKE BACK TO HONDA OF MILPITAS IN JUNE 2004 TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. BOTH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM BUT SAID IT WAS AN ECM MAPPING PROBLEM AND THAT AMERICAN HONDA WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE THEM ANY TIME TO TROUBLESHOOT AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM (R/O 94034826). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10204727
Official recalls
6Oct 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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