Owners have filed 210 complaints
about the 2002 Honda GL1800 with NHTSA between 2001 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Honda GL1800. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 12
2.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
77% 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
9168.4%
Frame AND Members
1914.3%
Gasoline
64.5%
FAN
53.8%
Underbody Shields
43.0%
Body
43.0%
Engine
21.5%
Windshield
21.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
47.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1936.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1019.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
815.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
47.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
11.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
11.9%
150,000+ miles
59.6%
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.
Oct 2001peak 45Oct 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 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 2002 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.
05V010000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
Risk: 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.
03V350000
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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.
02V340000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: IF THE SENSOR DETACHES, THE ENGINE WILL STOP UNEXPECTEDLY. SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, ESPECIALLY WHILE TURNING, COULD CAUSE 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 27,980 milesEustis, FL1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10243006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
SINCE NEW I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT A WOBBLING WHEN BRAKING MY GOLD WING. THE VARIOUS DEALERSHIPS HAVE STATED TIME AND AGAIN THAT "THE PROBLEM WAS NOT EVIDENT". ON JANUARY 3, 2003 I WAS RIDING MY 2002 GL1800A AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN I LIGHTLY APPLIED MY REAR BRAKE PEDAL TO "CHECK MY SPEED" AND THE BIKE WOBBLED VIOLENTLY CAUSING ME TO CRASH AND SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSE ALMOST $10,000 DAMAGE TO MY BIKE, AS WELL AS PERSONAL INJURY. THE BIKE WAS "FIXED" ONLY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RESURFACE SEVERAL TIMES. HONDA HAS STATED THEY "HAVE NO CLUE" AS TO HOW TO REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA complaint #10033254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rome, GACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THROTTLE STUCK OPEN IN THE MATTER OF FULL THROTTLE VERY HIGH RPMS . DRIVER LEFT THE ROADWAY . A GRASS AND DIRT SHOULDER IN ATTEMPTS TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN CAUSING 12 POINTS OF INITIAL CONTACT UNTIL VEHICLE AND DRIVER LANDED OFF ROADWAY NOT ENTERING A TRAFFICWAY AHEAD . INJURIES WHERE SERIOUS AND EMS WAS NOTIFIED .ACCIDENT # 020600158
NHTSA complaint #763396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sequim, WA
WHEELS
I recently found a problem with a motorcycle tire that the tread appears to be coming lose from the casing. It has several blisters in the center of the tire t 63v date of manufacture is 01/22 the mileage is approximately 16,000
NHTSA complaint #11548512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sequim, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I recently found a problem with a motorcycle tire that the tread appears to be coming lose from the casing. It has several blisters in the center of the tire t 63v date of manufacture is 01/22 the mileage is approximately 16,000
NHTSA complaint #11548512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,000 milesTehachapi, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GL1800 (GOLDWING) MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRAME WHERE AN ALUMINUM TUBE ENTERED INTO THE MAINFRAME. THE DEALER (FRED CUMMINGS MOTORSPORTS, 2211 CHESTER AVE, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301, (661) 324-9695) STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER HAD A RECORDED MESSAGE STATING THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT EMAILED THE MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE AND WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.
NHTSA complaint #11203989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,000 milesTehachapi, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GL1800 (GOLDWING) MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE REAR BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND HAD THE BIKE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE REAR MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER SUB-ASSEMBLY HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.
NHTSA complaint #11203994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesInverness, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HAVE A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING NEVER HADE ANY PROBLUMS AT ALL
NHTSA complaint #11196578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,177 milesRiverview, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY F1 LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. SINCE MY GOLDWING IS A CONVERSION TO A TRIKE, THE KICKSTAND WAS FIXED AND IS INOPERABLE. ON THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY, TRIKE WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND SMELLED OF A VERY LEAN FUEL MIXTURE AND STALLING AT EVERY TRAFFIC LIGHT AND HAD TO BE RESTARTED. A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. I TOOK IT TO MY LICENSED HONDA MECHANIC AND HE KNEW IMMEDIATELY THAT IT WAS THE COMPUTER. HE STATED IF I WOULD HAVE DRIVEN IT IN THAT CONDITION THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD HAVE MELTED AND REALLY CAUSED PROBLEMS. ANOTHER UNSAFE CONDITION. MY MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE LOCATION OF THE O2 SENSOR BEING PLACED TOO FAR BACK IN THE EXHAUST IN 2001-2005 MODELS. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BY HONDA IN 2006 AND FOLLOWING. THE COMPUTER AND INSTALLATION COST $997.23 AND THE PROBLEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN SUBJECT OF A RECALL. HONDA APPARENTLY KNEW IT BUT DIDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #11092226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,950 milesTulsa, OK
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONSUMER STRUCK A SMALL OBJECT IN THE ROAD AND A POP WAS HEARD. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE WELDS FRACTURED IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT PLACES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V027000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,950. UPDATED 01/04/17*LJ UPDATED 01/05/17.
NHTSA complaint #10926526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,950 milesTulsa, OK
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONSUMER STRUCK A SMALL OBJECT IN THE ROAD AND A POP WAS HEARD. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE WELDS FRACTURED IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT PLACES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V027000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,950. UPDATED 01/04/17*LJ UPDATED 01/05/17.
NHTSA complaint #10926526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Humboldt, KS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRAKE FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND FROM THE REAR MASTER CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V700000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10816956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesNicholson, PA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING EQUIPPED WITH A 2015 RALLY WAGON PRL. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE AXLE FOR THE TRAILER FRACTURED AND THE TIRES DETACHED. THE TRAILER WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MATERIAL USED WAS DEFECTIVE. THE TRAILER WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
NHTSA complaint #10750105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesSterling Heights, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A HUGE CRACK ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE FOOT REST. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF DRIVING OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE CRACK WOULD PROCEED TO SPREAD AND CAUSE A SEVERE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 04/11/12 *BF UPDATED 05/10/12
NHTSA complaint #10450510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesHarrisburg, PA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-37 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE IN THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE STEERING BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE BUSHINGS. THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #10443550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesHoagland, IN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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!
NHTSA complaint #10288800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,100 milesSavoy, IL
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10286524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesWestfield, NJ
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 PROVIDED BECAUSE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #10276054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 249,200 milesLivermore, CA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
CRACKED MOTORCYCLE FRAME ON 2002 GL1800A : LOCATION OF CRACK: DIRECTLY UNDER SADDLE CONSEQUENCES: MOTORCYCLE UNSAFE TO RIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10251097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLivonia, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10246770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,177 milesEthridge, TN
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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 complaint #10244241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,980 milesEustis, FL1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10243006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesRialto, CA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10236931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesDayton, OH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
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
NHTSA complaint #10215332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,500 milesHollister, CA
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 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).
NHTSA complaint #10204727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesSaluda, SC
SUSPENSION
2002 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. THE REAR SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT MOTOR DOES NOT ENGAGE UNTIL THE NUMBER ON THE INDICATOR DISPLAY REACHES 7 OR 8. THIS MEANS THAT THERE IS NO SUSPENSION LIFT UNTIL THAT POINT, (7 OR 8), IS REACHED. HONDA MAINTAINS THE UNIT IS WORKING PROPERLY. IF IT WERE WORKING PROPERLY THE BIKE SHOULD BEGIN RISING WHEN THE DISPLAY READS 1. I HAVE READ THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS DEFECT, BUT HONDA WILL NOT REPAIR THE ITEM, I SUSPECT BECAUSE IT IS A COSTLY REPAIR, AND OBVIOUSLY WIDESPREAD. AIKEN MOTORCYCLE SALES & SERVICE WILL NOT REPAIR, SAYING THAT THE SUSPENSION MECHANISM IS WITHIN HONDA SPECS.
NHTSA complaint #10199752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,732 milesCresskill, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 HONDA GOLDWING 1800. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SHOP AND SEVERAL PARTS WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK IN THE SHOP NOW FOR FIVE WEEKS AND THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 16,732.
NHTSA complaint #10192226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,918 milesLeesburg, FL
STEERING
FRONT WHEEL WOBBLE WHEN REDUCING SPEED BETWEEN 55 AND 20 MPH. INDUCED ALSO BY THE USE OF CRUISE CONTROL WHEN IT DECREASES SPEED. NEAR LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN IT HAPPENS UNEXPECTED. MUCH WORSE ON ROUGH SURFACES. DEALER UNABLE TO REPAIR UNDER WARRENTY BECAUSE FACTORY WILL NOT PAY AS A AUTHORIZED FIX ????
NHTSA complaint #10180986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.