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 · Aug 5, 2003
Structure
MY 2003 HONDA GOLDWING (GL1800) HAS DEVELOPED TWO CRACKS ON A FRAME CROSSMEMBER BELOW AND BEHIND THE CENTER STAND. THIS WAS DETERMINED BY THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAVE MY VEHICLE SERVICED. WHEN COMING IN TO VISIT HE INFORMED ME THAT HE NEEDED TO CHECK MY FRAME BY DIRECTION OF THE REGIONAL HONDA MOTORCYCLE REP. UPON…
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MY 2003 HONDA GOLDWING (GL1800) HAS DEVELOPED TWO CRACKS ON A FRAME CROSSMEMBER BELOW AND BEHIND THE CENTER STAND. THIS WAS DETERMINED BY THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAVE MY VEHICLE SERVICED. WHEN COMING IN TO VISIT HE INFORMED ME THAT HE NEEDED TO CHECK MY FRAME BY DIRECTION OF THE REGIONAL HONDA MOTORCYCLE REP. UPON INSPECTION TWO CRACKS WERE DISCOVERED ON EITHER SIDE OF THE CROSSMEMBER. DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MECHANIC REVEALED THAT 16 OTHER BIKES IN THE TEXAS AREA ALSO HAVE EITHER ONE OR TWO CRACKS IN THE SAME LOCATION AS MINE. ACCORDING TO WEB SITES OF GL1800 OWNERS TEXAS IS NOT THE ONLY VICINITY TO EXHIBIT THE PROBLEM. ADDITIONALLY, THE CRACKS ARE ON A MOJORITY OF 2003 GL1800 HONDA MOTORCYCLES. WHEN CONTACTED BY HONDA THEY INDICATED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ARE REQUESTING THAT I RETURN MY MOTORCYCLE TO THEM FOR STUDY. THEY ARE REPLACING MY VEHICLE WITH A NEW 2003 IN AN EXACT REPLACEMENT WITH ALL OPTIONS INSTALLED ETC. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10030877
4,000 miles · Aug 5, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE OVERHEATING AT SLOW SPEEDS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10030806
Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2003
Power Train
THE DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SHREDDED AND CAUSED THE HOSES TO LEAK ANTI FREEZE. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER BEING REPAIRED. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10031779
6,000 miles · Jul 29, 2003
StructureSuspension
MOTORCYCLE FRAME BREAKS, ALLOWING REAR SUSPENSION TO DROP TO ROADWAY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10030358
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2003
Structure
DISCOVERED A 1/4 CRACK IN THE WELD OF THE RIGHT UPPER CROSS MEMBER LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT. MINE IS JUST ONE OF SEVERAL HONDA GOLDWING FRAMES TO CRACK AND/OR FAIL IN THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS. I DO BELIEVE THE CONTINUED STRESS CAUSED BY RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE WILL CAUSE THIS CRACK TO ENLARGE AND THE WELD WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL. I N…
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DISCOVERED A 1/4 CRACK IN THE WELD OF THE RIGHT UPPER CROSS MEMBER LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT. MINE IS JUST ONE OF SEVERAL HONDA GOLDWING FRAMES TO CRACK AND/OR FAIL IN THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS. I DO BELIEVE THE CONTINUED STRESS CAUSED BY RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE WILL CAUSE THIS CRACK TO ENLARGE AND THE WELD WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL. I NO LONGER FEEL MY MOTORCYCLE IS SAFE TO RIDE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10030259
21,345 miles · Jul 25, 2003
Structure
ROUTINE INSPECTION REVEALED A CRACK IN A WELD OF THE MAIN CROSSMEMBER ON THE FRAME OF THE MOTORCYCLE. FAILURE OF THIS WELD COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10029146
2,000 miles · Jul 20, 2003
Structure
TRUNK WEAR THAT MAY CREATE A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10028679
11,478 miles · Jul 20, 2003
Suspension
HONDA GOLDWING 2003 ,REAR SUSPENSION CRACKES/BREAKS,CAUSING LOSE OF CONTROL TO TURN
NHTSA ODI #10028657
600 miles · Jun 27, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
AFTER 15 MINUTES IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC THE CYCLE OVERHEATED (THE TEMP GAUGE WAS IN THE RED AREA). THE CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SIDE AND THE COOLING FAN COULD NOT BE HEARD. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10025092
3,445 miles · Jun 19, 2003
Suspension
ON MY 2003 HONDA GOLDWING WITH 3445 MILES AS I STARTED AROUND A 20 MPH CURVE IN ATLAS MI THE FRAME SEPARATED, THE PART OF THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE CENTER STAND AND THE REAR SUSPENSION ALLOWING THE BIKE TO DROP ALMOST TO THE PAVEMENT. THE TIRE WAS STOPPED ONLY BY THE PLASTIC INNER FENDER THAT STARTED TO MELT. HONDA'S ONLY EXPLANA…
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ON MY 2003 HONDA GOLDWING WITH 3445 MILES AS I STARTED AROUND A 20 MPH CURVE IN ATLAS MI THE FRAME SEPARATED, THE PART OF THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE CENTER STAND AND THE REAR SUSPENSION ALLOWING THE BIKE TO DROP ALMOST TO THE PAVEMENT. THE TIRE WAS STOPPED ONLY BY THE PLASTIC INNER FENDER THAT STARTED TO MELT. HONDA'S ONLY EXPLANATION IS THAT THE WELD FAILED. *NLM
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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