Owners have filed 103 complaints
about the 2001 Honda GL1800 with NHTSA between 2001 and 2021.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 14 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 98
Against the median year of the Honda GL1800. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 25
4.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 81
48% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Cooling System
3366.0%
Gasoline
48.0%
Engine
48.0%
Frame AND Members
48.0%
Tread/Belt
24.0%
Slide-In Camper
12.0%
Sidewall
12.0%
FAN
12.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
14.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
314.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
314.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
523.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
523.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
14.8%
150,000+ miles
314.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2001peak 20Jun 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Honda GL1800
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
AQ12001Opened 14 May 2012Closed 13 May 2013UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Southern Honda Powersports
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...
RQ04009Opened 21 Sep 2004Closed 2 Feb 2005STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
FRAME CROSSMEMEBER WELD FAILURES
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...
PE03039Opened 11 Aug 2003Closed 10 Oct 2003STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
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 PRO...
PE02077Opened 15 Oct 2002Closed 28 Mar 2003ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MOTORCYCLE COOLANT SPRAY ONTO REAR TIRE
SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT WITH ODI'SFINDINGS.
Recalls on the 2001 Honda GL1800
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V700000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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.
Risk: 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.
11E054000
EQUIPMENT
KURYAKYN IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MOUNTS, PART NUMBER 607005, SOLD AND INSTALLED FOR USE ON 2001-2012 HONDA GL 1800 (GOLDWING) MOTORCYCLES. THIS MOUNT WAS SOLD ON KURYAKYN 'TRANSFORMER' PASSENGER FLOORBOARD SETS, PART NUMBER 7005 FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, TO PRESENT. THE FLOORBOARD MOUNT MAY CRACK AND BREAK FREE FROM THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT SECURE THE MOUNT TO THE MOTORCYCLE.
Risk: THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR A CRASH.
11V567000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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.
Risk: 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.
05V027000
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
Risk: THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
01V162000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ENGINE STOP SWITCH. THE ENGINE STOP SWITCH IS SENSITIVE TO ACCIDENTAL CONTACT OR STRONG JOLTING, SUCH AS HITTING A POTHOLE OR RIDING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS,WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CUT OUT MOMENTARILY OR EVEN SHUT OFF.
Risk: SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
01V133000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PULSE ROTOR. THE CRANKSHAFT PULSE ROTOR, A DEVICE USED FOR IGNITION TIMING, COULD FAIL AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL.
Risk: THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201548810,663 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain motorcycles, the combined brake system's secondary master cylinder may cause the rear brakes to drag. Continued riding with the rear brake engaged/dragging may generate enough heat to cause the rear brake to catch fire. These issues could result in injury and/or property damage. Unexpected braking may also adversely affect vehicle stability, which could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the secondary master cylinder with one that has a modified check valve. In addition to replacing the secondary master cylinder, dealers will also replace the rear master cylinder and flush the brake fluid. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2014-326. All vehicles having been inspected and/or serviced under the previous recall will require re-inspection and repair.
Recall 20143268,654 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain motorcycles, the combined brake system’s secondary master cylinder may cause the rear brakes to drag. Unexpected braking may adversely affect vehicle stability, which could result in a crash. As well, continued riding with the rear brake engaged/dragging may generate enough heat to cause the rear brake to catch fire. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2015488.
Recall 20114208,654 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain motorcycles, the combined brake system’s secondary master cylinder may cause the rear brakes to drag. Unexpected braking may adversely affect vehicle stability, which could result in a crash. As well, continued riding with the rear brake engaged/dragging may generate enough heat to cause the rear brake to catch fire. These issues could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the secondary master cylinder with an updated version.
Recall 20032302,510 units in Canada
Structure
On certain motorcycles, frame weld cracks could appear due to high loads created when riding on rough road surfaces or through potholes. In the worst case, the welded area could break, resulting in rear suspension collapse or lower cross member separation. Correction: Dealer will repair affected frames.
Recall 2001142380 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain GL1800A motorcycles may have an engine stop switch that may cause the engine to shut off unintentionally. Correction: Dealers will modify the switch.
Recall 2001143440 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain GL1800A motorcycles may have a crankshaft pulse rotor that is subject to failure, causing the engine to stall. Correction: Dealers will install a redesigned pulse rotor.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 52 milesMinot, ND1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I BOUGHT A 1800 HONDA GOLDWING TOURING BIKE 2-3 YEARS AGO HAD A BRAKE RECALL AND STILL DO? MINE WAS WORKED ON TWICE? AFTER I BOUGHT I DROVE IT 54 MILES THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP PULLING ME IN THE DITCH? FLIPPING THE BIKE AND SENDING IT END OVER END TOTAL? THAT WAS ALL DON,T BEFORE I GOT OUT OF THE ER AND HOSPITOL....UPDATED 06/21/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND SOLD. UPDATED 08/04/2017
NHTSA complaint #11000149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,050 milesGonzales, LACrash2 injured
TIRES:SIDEWALL
FAILURE OF REAR TIRE ON MOTORCYCLE. SEPARATION OF SIDEWALL FROM TREAD.
NHTSA complaint #10049390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,450 milesWoodbourne, NY1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
OVERHEAT/SPEWING OF COOLANT ON REAR BRAKES AND REAR TIRE OF MY GL 1800/A HONDA MOTORCYCLE. SITUATION WAS ON THE WASHINGTON DC BELTWAY, NO SHOULDER TO PULL OVER ONTO, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. MOTORCYCLE WAS SPEWING COOLANT ON THE THE BRAKES AND REAR WHEEL, CAUSING A VERY HOT STEAM TO RISE ON OUR LEGS AND LOWER TORSO, ALSO CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL & BRAKES TO BECOME EXTREMELY SLIPPERY, AS WELL AS UNCONTROLLABLE UNDER EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. HONDA HAS NOT FULLFILLED IT'S PROMIS TO REPAIR THESE MOTORCYCLES AS OF YET!
NHTSA complaint #10030580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,450 milesWoodbourne, NY1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OVERHEAT/SPEWING OF COOLANT ON REAR BRAKES AND REAR TIRE OF MY GL 1800/A HONDA MOTORCYCLE. SITUATION WAS ON THE WASHINGTON DC BELTWAY, NO SHOULDER TO PULL OVER ONTO, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. MOTORCYCLE WAS SPEWING COOLANT ON THE THE BRAKES AND REAR WHEEL, CAUSING A VERY HOT STEAM TO RISE ON OUR LEGS AND LOWER TORSO, ALSO CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL & BRAKES TO BECOME EXTREMELY SLIPPERY, AS WELL AS UNCONTROLLABLE UNDER EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. HONDA HAS NOT FULLFILLED IT'S PROMIS TO REPAIR THESE MOTORCYCLES AS OF YET!
NHTSA complaint #10030580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Saint Petersburg, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
On 06/26/2021, Approx 4pm. Traffic heavy. Speed 20 mph or less. This caused consistent brake use. Rear brakes locked up. I was very close to the right edge of the road and bike stopped. I quickly activated emergency flashers and avoided any incident. This bike has ABS. There was a service recall performed about 4 yrs ago- at Barneys MC shop, St Petersburg- related to brakes. I was able to shut off the bike twice. Pumped/tapped FR/R brakes twice and the brakes finally released. No further incident. Will have bike inspected tomorrow. No warning lamps. This bike has very low mileage at 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11422482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,500 milesHill Point, WI
SUSPENSION
CHAMPION SIDE CAR TRIKE KIT FRAME FAILURE ON A GL1800 WITH ONLY 28.K MILES AND NO ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11000691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52 milesMinot, ND1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
I BOUGHT A 1800 HONDA GOLDWING TOURING BIKE 2-3 YEARS AGO HAD A BRAKE RECALL AND STILL DO? MINE WAS WORKED ON TWICE? AFTER I BOUGHT I DROVE IT 54 MILES THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP PULLING ME IN THE DITCH? FLIPPING THE BIKE AND SENDING IT END OVER END TOTAL? THAT WAS ALL DON,T BEFORE I GOT OUT OF THE ER AND HOSPITOL....UPDATED 06/21/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND SOLD. UPDATED 08/04/2017
NHTSA complaint #11000149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,971 milesHillsboro, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ON 3/27/17 DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING IN MY GARAGE, I REMOVED THE SIDE COVERS AND FOUND THE FRAME WAS BROKEN COMPLETELY APART ON BOTH SIDES OF THE MOTORCYCLE. FRAME BRAKE WAS IN THE LOWER TUBE SECTION OF THE REAR TRIANGLE OF MAIN FRAME DIRECTLY AFT OF THE WELD. THIS IS A KNOWN WEAK SPOT, SINCE HONDA REINFORCED THIS AREA OF THE ALUMINUM FRAME IN MID-2004. THIS BREAK WAS REPORTED TO HONDA POWERSPORTS CUSTOMER SERVICE IN TORRANCE, CA ON 3/28/17. HAD THE BROKEN FRAME INSPECTED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY AUTHORIZED HONDA SERVICE MANAGER 3/31/17. NOW WAITING TO HEAR FROM HONDA.
NHTSA complaint #10970451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,153 milesSpringfield, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
HAD BRAKE RECALL WORK DONE AT HONDA DEALERSHIP. AFTER THAT & HAS TEMP GOT HOTTER I DEVELOPED A EXTREMELY VIOLENT BRAKE SHUTTER.RETURNED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY NOTIFIED HONDA AND ATTEMPTED TO REWORK THE BRAKES BUT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET GOLDWING BRAKE SHUDDERING & FOUND OUT I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM & HONDA IS AWARE OF IT.CALLED HONDA CS TOLD THEM WHAT IT WAS DOING. THEY INFORM ME IF I READ MY OWNER MANUAL ON BRAKE OPERATIONS THAT IT'S OPERATOR ERROR .I HAVE OWNED THIS BIKE SINCE IT WAS NEW. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT BRAKE COMBINATION YOU USE FRONT/REAR /SIMULTANEOUSLY IT CREATES THE SHUTTER. THIS STARTS WHEN THE TEMP GETS ABOVE 80 DEGREES IT DOES NOT MATTER SLOW OR HIGH SPEEDS IN CURVES OR TURNING A CORNER OR ONTO A PARKING LOT YOU HAVE TO RELEASE THE BRAKE TO GET IT TO STOP. THIS PROBLEM DID NOT START UNTIL AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE.THERE IS STILL SOME KIND OF BRAKE PROBLEM WITH THE GOLDWING GL 1800. I GUESS IT WILL TAKE SOMEONE GETTING KILLED BEFORE HONDA DOES SOMETHING ABOUT. I WISH YOU'D DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE BRAKE SHUTTERING. JUST LOOK UP GOLDWING BRAKE SHUTTER IT STARTED 2002 AND GOES TO 2015. I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS FILED A COMPLAINT?
NHTSA complaint #10885934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesRockville, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE STOP SWITCH IS OVERLY SENSITIVE. IF MOTORCYCLE HITS A BUMP THE ENGINE MAY SHUT OFF. IF SWITCH IS TOUCHED IT WILL STOP ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10838942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesBaltic, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I PURCHASED MY 2001 GOLDWING 1800 USED FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN PLAINFIELD, CT. THE GOLDWING WAS SOLD TO ME WITH THE STEREO SYSTEM INSTALLED WHICH INCLUDED THE 5 DISC CD CHANGER UNDER THE REAR TRUNK. FROM DAY 1 I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CD CHANGER NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, BECOMING JAMMED UP WITH ALL 5 DISCS IN ONE SLOT, ETC. I HAD TAKEN OUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM THE DEALERSHIP BUT ALL THEY EVER TOLD ME WAS THAT THEY WERE LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM. THEY DID PROVIDE ME WITH A PRINT OUT OF ALL OF THE WORK DONE FOR THE PREVIOUS OWNER WHICH ALSO SHOWED THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE CD CHANGER BUT THEY REPLACED IT TWICE FOR HIM YET NOTHING WAS EVER DONE TO HELP WITH MY PROBLEM EXCEPT " WE ARE LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM." SINCE THEN THE DEALERSHIP HAS FOLDED AND A NEW OWNER IS RUNNING THE PLACE AND OF COURSE THEY ARE NOT BACKING ANYTHING THAT THE OLD DEALERSHIP DID OR SAID ( CAN NOT BLAME THEM THERE THOUGH!) I WAS TOLD BY SOMEONE THAT THERE WAS SOME KIND OF A RECALL ON THE CD CHANGER WHICH IS MADE BY PIONEER, CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO GET THIS FIXED, REPAIRED, REPLACED, ANYTHING??
NHTSA complaint #10395158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesBaltic, CT
EQUIPMENT
I PURCHASED MY 2001 GOLDWING 1800 USED FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN PLAINFIELD, CT. THE GOLDWING WAS SOLD TO ME WITH THE STEREO SYSTEM INSTALLED WHICH INCLUDED THE 5 DISC CD CHANGER UNDER THE REAR TRUNK. FROM DAY 1 I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CD CHANGER NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, BECOMING JAMMED UP WITH ALL 5 DISCS IN ONE SLOT, ETC. I HAD TAKEN OUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM THE DEALERSHIP BUT ALL THEY EVER TOLD ME WAS THAT THEY WERE LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM. THEY DID PROVIDE ME WITH A PRINT OUT OF ALL OF THE WORK DONE FOR THE PREVIOUS OWNER WHICH ALSO SHOWED THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE CD CHANGER BUT THEY REPLACED IT TWICE FOR HIM YET NOTHING WAS EVER DONE TO HELP WITH MY PROBLEM EXCEPT " WE ARE LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM." SINCE THEN THE DEALERSHIP HAS FOLDED AND A NEW OWNER IS RUNNING THE PLACE AND OF COURSE THEY ARE NOT BACKING ANYTHING THAT THE OLD DEALERSHIP DID OR SAID ( CAN NOT BLAME THEM THERE THOUGH!) I WAS TOLD BY SOMEONE THAT THERE WAS SOME KIND OF A RECALL ON THE CD CHANGER WHICH IS MADE BY PIONEER, CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO GET THIS FIXED, REPAIRED, REPLACED, ANYTHING??
NHTSA complaint #10395158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evansville, IN
TIRES
METZELER ME880 MARATHON, 180/60R16, FOR HONDA GL1800 REAR TIRE OUT OF ROUND CAUSING MOTORCYCLE TO SHIMMY. TIRE WAS INSTALLED SUMMER OF 2009. SHIMMY BEGAN AFTER TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 5,000. THERE WAS NO DETECTABLE DEFLECTION IN TIRE, BUT PROBLEM STEADILY GOT WORSE. TIRE WAS CHECKED FREQUENTLY, PRESSURE CHECKED DAILY (KEPT AT 42PSI). AT ABOUT 9500 MILES ON TIRE, SHIMMY GOT WORSE, AND TIRE FOUND TO HAVE OVER 1/2 IN. RADIAL AND AXIAL RUNOUT. THIS IS THIRD METZELER ON MY GL1800. 1ST ONE, SUMMER OF 2006, HAD SLIGHT SHIMMY FROM START, LASTED ONLY 925 MILES - BLOWOUT FROM ROAD DEBRIS. HAD THAT TIRE REPLACED BY HONDA DEALER IN FERGUS FALLS, MINNESOTA. REPLACEMENT TIRE HAD NO SHIMMY UNTIL ABOUT 800 MILES. SHIMMY WORLENED UNTIL DANGEROUS CONDITION AND TIRE REPLACED WITH DIFFERENT BRAND. E-MAIL SENT TO METZELER WITH NO RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10358058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,457 milesWilmington, DE
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
MOTORCYCLE, HONDA GOLDWING, 2001 LEFT FRAME CRACK: THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF FRAMES BEING CRACKED AND UPON INSPECTION OF MY MOTORCYCLE FRAME I NOTICED THAT I HAVE THE IDENTICAL CRACK IN MY FRAME. THE CRACK IS LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE LEFT PASSENGER FOOTREST AND IS VISIBLE BY REMOVING THE REAR TIRE AND VIEWING IT FROM UNDER THE BIKE. THE CRACK EXTENDS DOWN FROM A WELD THAT ATTACHES THE LOWER LEFT REAR SUPPORT TUBE TO THE CENTER SECTION OF THE FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #10325068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,300 milesDarien, IL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
THE VEHICLE IS A 2001 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE WITH 56300 MILES. VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR POSSIBLE WELD DEFECTS IN THE FRAME SEVERAL YEARS AGO. VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION. NO WELD DEFECTS OR CRACKS WERE FOUND AT THAT TIME. UPON DOING CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE OVER THE PAST 10 DAYS I DISCOVERED A CRACK IN A FRAME WELD. THE CRACK IS LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF A WELD AND EXTENDS APPROXIMATELY 1.5 INCHES. THE CRACK IS AT THE JUNCTION OF A TUBULAR PROTRUBANCE OFF THE MAIN FRAME AND TUBULAR SUPPORT FOR THE MOTORCYCLE SEAT. THE ALUMINUM TUBULAR SUPPORT IS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I HAVE NOTIFIED AMERICAN HONDA IN CALIFORNIA. THE MOTORCYCLE IS AT THE FOX VALLEY HONDA DEALERSHIP IN AURORA, ILLINOIS. FOX VALLEY HONDA IS NOTIFYING THE DISTRICT MANAGER WHO WILL EVALUATE THE FRAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10258275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 650,000 milesFlagstaff, AZ
STRUCTURE
I'VE BEEN KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THE FRAME ISSUES SINCE I HAVE AN EARLY '01 STANDARD. DURING THE ONE RECALL THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE WELDS WERE TOO SMALL AND HAD THEM REPAIRED PER THE SERVICE BULLETIN. THEN LATER THEY FOUND A CRACK ON THE LEFT CROSSMEMBER ABOVE THE BATTERY WHERE WE'VE SEEN OTHERS CRACKED. THE DEALER CHECKED WITH HONDA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME AND HONDA SAID NO. THE DEALER DID REPAIR THE FRAME BY WELDING AND SPRAYED SILVER PAINT OVER THE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THREE YEARS LATER AND OUT OF BOTH THE ORIGINAL AND EXTENDED WARRANTIES I FOUND ANOTHER CRACK. THIS ONE EXTENDS FROM THE WELD AFT OF LEFT SIDE REAR FLOOR BOARD. IT IS JUST STARTING TO GROW WITH SEVERAL CRACKS EXTENDING AFT ABOUT AN INCH. THERE ARE ACTUALLY TWO CRACKS EXTENDING FROM THE WELD ON THE SUBFRAME. I HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER AND HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH NO COMMENT FROM EITHER.
NHTSA complaint #10244765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,800 milesPensacola, FL
STRUCTURE
ON MY 2001 HONDA GOLDWING GL1800 MY FRAME IS CRACKED ON THE LEFT SIDE ABOVE THE PASSENGER FOOTREST. THIS CRACK WAS FOUND TODAY SEPT.22 2008. I WAS TOLD TO GO AHEAD AND REPORT THIS PROBLEM WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT. I WILL BE CONTACTING AMERICAN HONDA AS SOON AS I GO TO MY DEALER AND LET THEM INSPECT MY MOTORCYCLE. I DO NOT WANT MY FRAME PATCHED UP. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT HONDA IS AWARE OF ON ALL OF THEIR 2001 THROUGH 2004 HONDA GOLDWINGS. THE ONLY REPAIR IS A FRAME REPLACEMENT WITH AN UPDATED FRAME. THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS VEHICLE HAD A FRAME RECALL IN 2002 WHICH HONDA DID A PATCH REPAIR REWELD ON THE UNDERNEATH CROSSMEMBER.
NHTSA complaint #10243113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,999 milesFlagstaff, AZ
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
I'VE BEEN KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THE FRAME ISSUES SINCE I HAVE AN EARLY '01 STANDARD. DURING THE ONE RECALL THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE WELDS WERE TOO SMALL AND HAD THEM REPAIRED PER THE SERVICE BULLETIN. THEN LATER THEY FOUND A CRACK ON THE LEFT CROSSMEMBER ABOVE THE BATTERY WHERE WE'VE SEEN OTHERS CRACKED. THE DEALER CHECKED WITH HONDA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME AND HONDA SAID NO. THE DEALER DID REPAIR THE FRAME BY WELDING AND SPRAYED SILVER PAINT OVER THE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. NOW THREE YEARS LATER AND OUT OF BOTH THE ORIGINAL AND EXTENDED WARRANTIES I FOUND ANOTHER CRACK. THIS ONE EXTENDS FROM THE WELD AFT OF LEFT SIDE REAR FLOOR BOARD. IT IS JUST STARTING TO SHOW WITH SEVERAL HAIR LINE CRACKS EXTENDING AFT ABOUT AN INCH IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LOCATION.
NHTSA complaint #10239119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE FUEL INJECTOR FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE FUEL PUMP TO SHUT DOWN AUTOMATICALLY. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT AN FI LIGHT WAS SUPPOSED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE MOTORCYCLE PRIOR TO FAILURE OF THE FUEL INJECTOR; HOWEVER THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE A LIGHT ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA complaint #10166755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesCalifornia City, CA
SUSPENSION
THERE IS A NOTICEABLE WOBBLE IN THE FRONT END OF MY 2001 HONDA GL1800 AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. IT WASN'T THERE WITH THE FIRST TIRE I HAD, DUNLOP. IT HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AS THE FRONT TIRE AGES. THIS IS SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF ODI#10135765.
NHTSA complaint #10136112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesCalifornia City, CA
TIRES
THERE IS A NOTICEABLE WOBBLE IN THE FRONT END OF MY 2001 HONDA GL1800 AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. IT WASN'T THERE WITH THE FIRST TIRE I HAD, DUNLOP. IT HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AS THE FRONT TIRE AGES. THIS IS SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF ODI#10135765.
NHTSA complaint #10136112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,500 milesColorado Springs, CO
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
FRAME TUBBING FRACTURE IN THE REAR TRIANGLE OF THE MAIN FRAME ON THE EDGE OF A WELD. NOTE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE POINT ON THIS MODEL OF HONDA GOLDWING WHICH OCCURS IN THE TUBING AT THE EDGE OF THE WELD TO A FRAME CASTING.*AK NO REPAIR IS RECOMENDED ON THIS 7003 TYPE OF ALUMINUM WHEN THE FAILURE IS OUTSIDE OF THE WELD
NHTSA complaint #10114054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT BRAKE ANTILOCKED UP. WHEN HITTING A SEVERE BUMP IN THE ROAD, NOT A POTHOLE, THE LEFT FORK SEAL BLEW OUTWARD, RELEASING A MASSIVE AMOUT OF SUSPENSION OIL COVERING THE LEFT FRONT OF THE BIKE INCLUDING SATURATING THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. I REPLACED THE FAILED SEAL WITH A NEW ONE AND EXAMINED THE ANTI DIVE VALVE FOR OPERATION. IT OPERATED NORMALY AT THAT TIME, BUT ON FURTHER EXAMANATION AT A LATER DATE WAS FOUND TO AGAIN BE LOCKED UP, AND AT THAT TIME I REPLACES THE DEFFECTIVE PLUNGER MECHANISM ON THE TOP OF THE ANTI DIVE UNIT THAT OPERATES IT WITH FRONT BRAKE PRESSURE. NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DATES. INITIAL FAILURE WAS IN LATE 2003, AND THE SECOND WAS IN LATE 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10104604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mechanicsville, MD
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
MOTORCYCLE TIRE: AVON VENOM FOR HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING REAR TIRE 1.TIRE CRACKED AND TREAD SEPERATED- LESS THAN 5000 MILES 2. TIRE HAD BULGE IN TREAD, READY TO SEPERATE-LESS THAN 5K MILES 3. TIRE IS GETTING BULGE IN IT, CAN FEEL WHEN RIDING-LESS THAN 2000MILES ALL OF THESE WERE REPLACED BY AVON. I OWN A SMALL MOTORCYCLE SHOP AND HAVE HEARD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THESE TIRES. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.*AK SOME ONE WILL DIE BECAUSE OF THESE TIRES. I ASKED THE REP. AT AVON IF THIS WAS A PROBLEM AND HE DENIED THERE IS A PROBLEM. I ALSO ASKED IF I SHOULD NOTIFY MY CUSTOMERS OF THE DANGER, HE REPLEID "NO". PLEASE FELL FREE TO CALL ME TO DISCUSS THESE TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10091362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,050 milesGonzales, LACrash2 injured
TIRES:SIDEWALL
FAILURE OF REAR TIRE ON MOTORCYCLE. SEPARATION OF SIDEWALL FROM TREAD.
NHTSA complaint #10049390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,450 milesWoodbourne, NY1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
OVERHEAT/SPEWING OF COOLANT ON REAR BRAKES AND REAR TIRE OF MY GL 1800/A HONDA MOTORCYCLE. SITUATION WAS ON THE WASHINGTON DC BELTWAY, NO SHOULDER TO PULL OVER ONTO, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. MOTORCYCLE WAS SPEWING COOLANT ON THE THE BRAKES AND REAR WHEEL, CAUSING A VERY HOT STEAM TO RISE ON OUR LEGS AND LOWER TORSO, ALSO CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL & BRAKES TO BECOME EXTREMELY SLIPPERY, AS WELL AS UNCONTROLLABLE UNDER EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. HONDA HAS NOT FULLFILLED IT'S PROMIS TO REPAIR THESE MOTORCYCLES AS OF YET!
NHTSA complaint #10030580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,450 milesWoodbourne, NY1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OVERHEAT/SPEWING OF COOLANT ON REAR BRAKES AND REAR TIRE OF MY GL 1800/A HONDA MOTORCYCLE. SITUATION WAS ON THE WASHINGTON DC BELTWAY, NO SHOULDER TO PULL OVER ONTO, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. MOTORCYCLE WAS SPEWING COOLANT ON THE THE BRAKES AND REAR WHEEL, CAUSING A VERY HOT STEAM TO RISE ON OUR LEGS AND LOWER TORSO, ALSO CAUSING THE REAR WHEEL & BRAKES TO BECOME EXTREMELY SLIPPERY, AS WELL AS UNCONTROLLABLE UNDER EXISTING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. HONDA HAS NOT FULLFILLED IT'S PROMIS TO REPAIR THESE MOTORCYCLES AS OF YET!
NHTSA complaint #10030580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesValparaiso, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
HONDA GOLD WING OVERHEATED AT LOW SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10008090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Algonquin, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
ENGINE OVERHEATS WHEN RIDING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AT OR ABOVE APPROX. 80 DEG. FAHRENHEIT. COOLANT MAY ESCAPE THE RECOVERY TANK, AND LAND ON THE ROAD JUST AHEAD OF THE REAR TIRE. DT
NHTSA complaint #770515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.