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2014 Honda GL1800

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

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: 6 of 7 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.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

7 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2017
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA MOTORCYCLE. THE VEHICLE MODEL WAS UNKNOWN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR BRAKES DRAGGED UNTIL THEY WERE HEATED UP AND THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (SUN ENTERPRI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA MOTORCYCLE. THE VEHICLE MODEL WAS UNKNOWN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR BRAKES DRAGGED UNTIL THEY WERE HEATED UP AND THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (SUN ENTERPRISES, INC., 8877 N. WASHINGTON ST., THORNTON, CO 80229), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER THREE TIMES, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 866-784-1870, BUT THE CONTACT HEARD A RECORDED MESSAGE. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0.

NHTSA ODI #11024612

10,000 miles · Sep 9, 2016
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA GL1800. WHEN THE REAR BRAKES WERE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V700000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING PROPERLY; HOWEVE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA GL1800. WHEN THE REAR BRAKES WERE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V700000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING PROPERLY; HOWEVER, BOTH BRAKE HANDLES NEEDED TO BE USED AT THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ODI #10905000

200 miles · Jul 6, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemInjury

SINCE THE BIKE WAS NEW IT HAS A SEVERE STUMBLE AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT AT FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THE MOTORCYCLE ACTS AS IF IT'S NOT GETTING ENOUGH AIR OR FUEL OR BOTH AND WILL LOSE POWER. IF YOU ATTEMPT TO COMPENSATE BY ADDING MORE THROTTLE IT WILL TAKE OFF SUDDENLY, SOMETIMES WITH NEAR DISASTROUS RESULTS. THI…

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SINCE THE BIKE WAS NEW IT HAS A SEVERE STUMBLE AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THE ENGINE IS NOT AT FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THE MOTORCYCLE ACTS AS IF IT'S NOT GETTING ENOUGH AIR OR FUEL OR BOTH AND WILL LOSE POWER. IF YOU ATTEMPT TO COMPENSATE BY ADDING MORE THROTTLE IT WILL TAKE OFF SUDDENLY, SOMETIMES WITH NEAR DISASTROUS RESULTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE NEW AND THREE TIMES I WAS IN MORTAL DANGER, ONCE WITH MY WIFE ON THE BACK OF THE BIKE. (SHE WILL NOT RIDE ON THIS BIKE ANY MORE AND I WILL BE GETTING A NEW ONE.) THE DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED MANY THINGS AT THE DIRECTION OF HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE, INCLUDING NEW PLUGS, NOW FUEL INJECTION, AND REFLASHING THE ECU. NOTHING HAS RESOLVED THE ISSUE. HONDA CS FIRST SUGGESTED LETTING THE MOTORCYCLE WARM UP TO FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE...NEAR 20 MINUTES EVEN IN WARM WEATHER. THEY THEN ADVISED ME TO GET COUPLES COUNSELING IF MY WIFE WON'T RIDE WITH ME DUE TO THE ISSUE. LAST, THEY SUGGESTED THAT I NOT DRIVE IN LOCATIONS WHERE I HAVE TO MAINTAIN LESS THAN 10MPH. (I WORK AT A HOSPITAL THAT IS WITHIN A SCHOOL ZONE ON A MILITARY BASE.) IN THE END HONDA HAS DENIED THAT THERE IS ANY ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10883150

12,000 miles · Jul 6, 2016
Service BrakesInjury

AFTER PERFORMING THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RECALL THERE IS A PRONOUNCED CHATTER OR VIBRATION TO THE MOTORCYCLE WHEN THE REAR BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REAR BRAKES ARE APPLIED UNDER CERTAIN SLOW SPEED MANEUVERS OR WHEN TURNING SHARPLY AT SLOW SPEED. THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HONDA. THE DEALERSHIP THOUGHT IT WAS…

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AFTER PERFORMING THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RECALL THERE IS A PRONOUNCED CHATTER OR VIBRATION TO THE MOTORCYCLE WHEN THE REAR BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REAR BRAKES ARE APPLIED UNDER CERTAIN SLOW SPEED MANEUVERS OR WHEN TURNING SHARPLY AT SLOW SPEED. THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HONDA. THE DEALERSHIP THOUGHT IT WAS AN ISSUE AND CHANGED THE BRAKE PADS TWICE AS WELL AS BLED THE SYSTEM DOWN AGAIN, NO CHANGE. HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS CONTACTED AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS ISSUE AND THAT BOTH BRAKES MUST ALWAYS BE APPLIED. (THIS IS UNTRUE.) IF THE BIKE IS MOVING AT GREAT SPEED, WHERE BOTH BRAKES ARE APPLIED THIS ISSUE DOESN'T SEEM TO MANIFEST. IF IT DOES HAPPEN, IT KEEP OCCURRING UNTIL THE FRONT BRAKE HAS BEEN APPLIED PRIOR TO RE-APPLYING THE BACK BRAKE. THIS BEHAVIOR WAS NOT PRESENT PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED ON THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.

NHTSA ODI #10883145

15,000 miles · Jun 13, 2016
Service BrakesSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA GL1800. WHILE RIDING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE SYSTEM STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED PER A RECALL TO REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. ALSO, WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE CONTACT STATED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA GL1800. WHILE RIDING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE SYSTEM STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RECENTLY REPAIRED PER A RECALL TO REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. ALSO, WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT FELT AS THOUGH HE WAS RIDING OVER MULTIPLE TRAIN TRACKS AND FELT UNSAFE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA ODI #10873922

1,000 miles · Aug 31, 2015
Engine

THROTTLE SURGES AND/OR HESITATES AT SLOW SPEEDS TILL ENGINE WARMS UP. QUITE DANGEROUS AND COULD LEAD TO CRASH.

NHTSA ODI #10760402

900 miles · Sep 28, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System

WHEN YOU FIRST START UP RIDING, THE BIKE HAS A STUMBLE, HESITATION, WHEN YOU ACCELERATE UP TO SPEED, FEELS LIKE IT IS TRIPPING OVER ITS OWN FEET. HAS BEEN DOING THIS COLD STUMBLE THING SINCE BRAND NEW.. GOT HOME 22 APRIL 2014 NOW HAS 17600 MILES, AND STILL STUMBLES, HESITATES WHEN FIRST ROLLING UP TO SPEED... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10639635

Official recalls

2

18V045000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2010 and 2012-2016 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles. These motorcycles have air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag module that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KJ1.

15V700000 · 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.

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

1

PE15014 · Inconsistent Throttle Control

Opened Apr 20, 2015 · Closed Nov 13, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control

This PE was opened after NHTSA received 10 owner complaints alleging vehicle control was compromised due to inconsistent throttle control in MY 2012-14 Honda GL1800 motorcycles.Typically during the first five minutes of operation (cold engine), riders would experience a pronounced engine stumble when operating the bike at low speeds and minimal throttle applications.Riders were concerned that this scenario would result in a crash if the stumble were to occur while making a sharp turn at low speed.Since opening this investigation we discussed the issue with Honda motorcycle dealers and service personnel and subject vehicle owners / complainants.We test rode one complaint GL1800 and monitored web forum activity.Based on the information gathered, the issue of low speed engine stumble in these motorcycles does not appear to jeopardize safety.The absence of crashes in a population of vehicles with up to 4 years in service indicates riders are able to instinctively correct for any control issue that may accrue from a low speed cold engine stumble.In the absence of a actionable defect trend, we are closing this PE.We continue to monitor complaints and other information sources for any data that may alter this finding.If such information is found, we will respond accordingly.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 10785837,10783109,10781852,10760402,10670092,10662128,10653041,10643482,10641998,10639635,10639538,10639483,10633401,10633110,10632624,10632569,10631910,10621114,10577493,10572733,10550566,10549745,10548741,10548568,10546436,10532817,10532620,10532347,10532553,10532249,10531538,10523914,10523890,10523515,10523017,10512486