Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
350–25K
925–50K
350–75K
375–100K
2100–150K
0150K+
52 reports with mileage · 49 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.
Structure. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 8 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 reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
101 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2004
Structure
MOTORCYCLE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF MISHANDLING BY HONDA AND POOR WORKMANSHIP WHILE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. (NAR) *PH PROBLEMS OCCURRED WITH FRAME, SEATS, TRUNK, AND RADIO ANTENNA. *CB (FRONT FENDER HAD A SEVERE SCRATCH, RUBBER AROUND BOTTOM OF THE RIGHT MIRROR WAS TORN, HEAT SHIELD ON THE LEFT SIDE SCRATCHED, STORAGE POUCH…
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MOTORCYCLE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF MISHANDLING BY HONDA AND POOR WORKMANSHIP WHILE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. (NAR) *PH PROBLEMS OCCURRED WITH FRAME, SEATS, TRUNK, AND RADIO ANTENNA. *CB (FRONT FENDER HAD A SEVERE SCRATCH, RUBBER AROUND BOTTOM OF THE RIGHT MIRROR WAS TORN, HEAT SHIELD ON THE LEFT SIDE SCRATCHED, STORAGE POUCHES UNDER ARM REST WAS DAMAGED, THE SEAT WAS INSTALLED WRONG, A NUT WAS MISSING ON AIR VENT ON THE WINDSHIELD, AND TRUNK ORGANIZERS HAD BROKEN) THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE WELD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRAME. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10067473
Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2004
Structure
SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF FRAMES CRACKING NOT INCLUDED IN EXISTING RECALL. NEW CRACKS ARE NOT A RESULT OF WEAK WELDS BUT ACTUAL FRAMES CRACKING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THESE ARE BEING OVERLOOKED AS A RESULT OF CURRENT RECALL FOR DIFFERENT AREA OF THE BIKE.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10065914
Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2004
Structure
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (03B350000) FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FRAME. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE FIX FOR THE FRAME IS NOT CORRECT. THE MECHANIC WELDED THE FRAME ON ANOTHER PART OF THE MOTOR CYCLE. CREASYS HONDA SHOP 231 EAST CHURCH STREET LEXINGTON TN 38351, SERVICE MANAGER BART (731 968 3348). *NM
NHTSA ODI #10064836
Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2004
Structure
MOTORCYCLE FRAME HAD TO WELDED THREE TIMES. *PH IT TOOK THE DEALER EIGHT WEEKS TO COMPLETE THE RECALL BECAUSE THE WELDS WOULD NOT HOLD. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER FEELS SAFE RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE BUT DOESN'T WANT TO SELL IT TO A PRIVATE OWNER FOR FEAR OF LEGAL PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER REQUEST THAT THE MANUFACTURER REPURCHASE THE …
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MOTORCYCLE FRAME HAD TO WELDED THREE TIMES. *PH IT TOOK THE DEALER EIGHT WEEKS TO COMPLETE THE RECALL BECAUSE THE WELDS WOULD NOT HOLD. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER FEELS SAFE RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE BUT DOESN'T WANT TO SELL IT TO A PRIVATE OWNER FOR FEAR OF LEGAL PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER REQUEST THAT THE MANUFACTURER REPURCHASE THE BAKE FROM HIM. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10057172
610 miles · Jan 16, 2004
Structure
CONSUMER HAD PROBLEM GETTING FRAME WELD RECALL PERFORMED. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS SENT TO SEVERAL REPAIR FACILITIES BUT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10056027
610 miles · Jan 16, 2004
Structure
THE MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE WELDING OF THE FRAME. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN FROM TUCSON, AZ TO PHOENIX FOR WELDING. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL INDICATING THAT WELDING DID NOT HOLD. THE CONSUMER WAS FURIOUS DUE TO GETTING THE RUN AROUND. *AK THE CONSUMER REQUESTED MONEY BACK. *SC
NHTSA ODI #10050202
12,000 miles · Jan 2, 2004
Wheels
CONSUMER TOOK MOTORCYCLE TO DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS. AT THE SAME TIME ASKED TECHNICIAN TO REPLACE FRONT AND REAR TIRES. A WEEK LATER, PICKED UP THE MOTORCYCLE, AND WHILE DRIVING AT 62 MPH FROM THE DEALER TO HOME, VEHICLE VIBRATED AND SHOOK. CONSUMER PULLED OF THE ROAD AND FOUND ALL FIVE LUGS NUTS WERE LOOSE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10052252
Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2003
Structure
THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE WELD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRAME. *LA THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR BUT THE MANUFACTURER WANTED THE BIKE SHIPPED TO THEM FOR REPAIR. THE BIKE HAS BEEN AT THE MANUFACTURER FOR 28 DAYS AND IS NOT CLOSE TO HAVING IT REPAIRED. THE CONSU…
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THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A CRACK IN THE WELD ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRAME. *LA THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR BUT THE MANUFACTURER WANTED THE BIKE SHIPPED TO THEM FOR REPAIR. THE BIKE HAS BEEN AT THE MANUFACTURER FOR 28 DAYS AND IS NOT CLOSE TO HAVING IT REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED. *PH *NM
NHTSA ODI #10053596
Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2003
Structure
LTR FM [XXX] (WI) OWNER OF A HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE HONDA REFUSED TO REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE'S DEFECTIVE FRAME. THE OWNER INSTALLED A TRIKE KIT ON THE MOTORCYCLE WHICH VOIDED THE WARRANTY. *MR *SCC *JB *CB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10052016
Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
RECALL NOTICE ON THE FRAME WELD OF MOTORCYCLE. DEALERSHIP WELDED ONLY ABOUT 45 PERCENT OF THE FRAME INSTEAD OF 100 PERCENT. *LA RECALL#03V350000 *SC THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE DEALER SOLD HIM THE MOTORCYCLE KNOWING THAT IT HAD AN OVERHEATING PROBLEM AND EVENTUALLY A RECALL WAS ISSUED. *JB
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
4
AQ12001 · 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.
2003 Honda GL1800 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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