Owners have filed 27 complaints
about the 2006 Honda GL1800 with NHTSA between 2006 and 2024.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 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 — 26
Against the median year of the Honda GL1800. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
71% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2006 Honda GL1800
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
518.5%
Median failure at 1,800 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
518.5%
Median failure at 47,000 miles
Suspension
414.8%
Median failure at 4,650 miles
Brakes
414.8%
Median failure at 45,050 miles
Tires
311.1%
Median failure at 6,212 miles
Wheels
27.4%
Median failure at 41,560 miles
Other & Unspecified
13.7%
Median failure at 72,121 miles
Equipment & Accessories
13.7%
Fuel & Propulsion
13.7%
Electrical System
13.7%
Median failure at 16,800 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
312.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
833.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
416.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
312.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
520.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
14.2%
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.
Jul 2006peak 3Oct 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 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...
Recalls on the 2006 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
17V031000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2006-2009 and 2012 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A," Honda is recalling certain 2006-2009 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in Zone A or Zone B above, Honda is recalling certain 2006-2008 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped wi
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the operator resulting in serious injury or death.
16V347000
AIR BAGS
Honda (American Honda Motor, Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Honda GL1800 (Gold Wing) motorcycles manufactured February 8, 2006, to May 14, 2009 originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Honda GL 1800 (Gold Wing) motorcycles manufactured May 10, 2007, to May 14, 2009 originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Motorcycles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These motorcycles are equipped with an air bag inflator assembled as part of the air bag module, used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the air
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
06V270000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
Risk: THE LANGUAGE IN THE OWNER'S MANUALS IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.
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.
Honda/Garmin has not provided updates to the integrated navigation system since 2014. As a result, on numerous occasions, the navigation system has given the wrong information to the rider. My motorcycle is a 2006, but I know this problem exists through at least the 2009 model year. Contacted Garmin for updated navigation data. They said there will be none because Honda would not pay Garmin to create updated navigation data for the GPS. The navigation system is now unsafe because can give wrong directions. There are hundreds of Goldwings with built-in GPS that are unsafe. Honda should be required updates or reimburse owners for their purchase of an external GPS.
NHTSA complaint #11622832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcpherson, KS
TIRES
A Shinko SE890 size 180-60-16 prematurely started coming apart at 3850 miles. My wife and I were riding 2 up on a Honda Goldwing. Pressure of the tire was checked the day we went for this 480 mile ride. The temperature was 90 degrees and the road was very good. When we neared the end of the ride, the motorcycle started shaking violently. I kept control, and the others who were riding with me helped me figure out what just happened. The tire was coming apart and there was a big bulge on the left side. The tire was not over any rough road. Granted it was hot, and we had 390 lbs on the bike, which is not overloaded. The pressure was at 44 lbs, which was probaly due to the heat. Chapparal tire in San Bernadino Ca recieved pictures and commentary. Initially they said They would warrant the tire, then 2 days later said it was because of a road hazard. I know I hit nothing with the tire. I wanted money back not another Shink tire. These tires are not well made and on a motorcycle very dangerous
NHTSA complaint #11594301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,121 milesGalt, CA
WHEELS
BRAKE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED IN MAY. A COMPLETE BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT AND BLEED DON. A BRAKE SHUDDER PROBLEM HAS BEEN EVIDENT SINCE PURCHASE NEW AND AN ABNORMAL NUMBER OF TIRES HAVE FAILED DUE TO BLISTERING OF THE TREAD AND IN ONE CASE THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. I HAVE LONG CONTENDED THIS IS DUE TO A BRAKING ENGINEERING PROBLEM. ROAD BIKE 400 MILES AFTER RECALL SERVICE AND RETURNED TO DEALER. HE THEN STATED THAT MY REAR BRAKES PADS WERE COMPLETELY GONE AND THE REAR ROTOR MARRED. THE BRAKE PADS HAD LESS THAN 3000 MILES ON THEM. AFTER REPLACING THE ROTOR AND BRAKE PADS I WAS CALLED AND TOLD THE CALIPER WAS DRAGGING AND HONDA IN TORRANCE HAD BEEN CONTACTED , THEY ASKED THAT THE MECHANIC TAKE THE CALIPER APART AND HE STATED IT SEEMED NORMAL BUT WAS NOT. SHOP INSTALLED A NEW CALIPER AND NOW WAITING FOR NEXT BRAKE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THE FIRE AND SHUDDER PROBLEM IS CAUSED PRIMARILY FROM REAR BRAKE CALIPER DRAGGING AND OVERHEATING THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY.. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY THAT MY TIRES BLISTER AND FAIL AND THAT I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WITH THE TREAD SEPARATION. THIS IS NOT ONE BRAND OF TIRE ..HAPPENED ON METZELER, AVON AND 3 DUNLOP E3 ALL AT CORRECT TIRE PRESSURES.THIS PROBLEM IS EVIDENT IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS
NHTSA complaint #10883678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,121 milesGalt, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BRAKE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED IN MAY. A COMPLETE BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT AND BLEED DON. A BRAKE SHUDDER PROBLEM HAS BEEN EVIDENT SINCE PURCHASE NEW AND AN ABNORMAL NUMBER OF TIRES HAVE FAILED DUE TO BLISTERING OF THE TREAD AND IN ONE CASE THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. I HAVE LONG CONTENDED THIS IS DUE TO A BRAKING ENGINEERING PROBLEM. ROAD BIKE 400 MILES AFTER RECALL SERVICE AND RETURNED TO DEALER. HE THEN STATED THAT MY REAR BRAKES PADS WERE COMPLETELY GONE AND THE REAR ROTOR MARRED. THE BRAKE PADS HAD LESS THAN 3000 MILES ON THEM. AFTER REPLACING THE ROTOR AND BRAKE PADS I WAS CALLED AND TOLD THE CALIPER WAS DRAGGING AND HONDA IN TORRANCE HAD BEEN CONTACTED , THEY ASKED THAT THE MECHANIC TAKE THE CALIPER APART AND HE STATED IT SEEMED NORMAL BUT WAS NOT. SHOP INSTALLED A NEW CALIPER AND NOW WAITING FOR NEXT BRAKE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THE FIRE AND SHUDDER PROBLEM IS CAUSED PRIMARILY FROM REAR BRAKE CALIPER DRAGGING AND OVERHEATING THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY.. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY THAT MY TIRES BLISTER AND FAIL AND THAT I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WITH THE TREAD SEPARATION. THIS IS NOT ONE BRAND OF TIRE ..HAPPENED ON METZELER, AVON AND 3 DUNLOP E3 ALL AT CORRECT TIRE PRESSURES.THIS PROBLEM IS EVIDENT IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS
NHTSA complaint #10883678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,121 milesGalt, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED IN MAY. A COMPLETE BRAKE FLUID REPLACEMENT AND BLEED DON. A BRAKE SHUDDER PROBLEM HAS BEEN EVIDENT SINCE PURCHASE NEW AND AN ABNORMAL NUMBER OF TIRES HAVE FAILED DUE TO BLISTERING OF THE TREAD AND IN ONE CASE THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. I HAVE LONG CONTENDED THIS IS DUE TO A BRAKING ENGINEERING PROBLEM. ROAD BIKE 400 MILES AFTER RECALL SERVICE AND RETURNED TO DEALER. HE THEN STATED THAT MY REAR BRAKES PADS WERE COMPLETELY GONE AND THE REAR ROTOR MARRED. THE BRAKE PADS HAD LESS THAN 3000 MILES ON THEM. AFTER REPLACING THE ROTOR AND BRAKE PADS I WAS CALLED AND TOLD THE CALIPER WAS DRAGGING AND HONDA IN TORRANCE HAD BEEN CONTACTED , THEY ASKED THAT THE MECHANIC TAKE THE CALIPER APART AND HE STATED IT SEEMED NORMAL BUT WAS NOT. SHOP INSTALLED A NEW CALIPER AND NOW WAITING FOR NEXT BRAKE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THAT THE FIRE AND SHUDDER PROBLEM IS CAUSED PRIMARILY FROM REAR BRAKE CALIPER DRAGGING AND OVERHEATING THE WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY.. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY THAT MY TIRES BLISTER AND FAIL AND THAT I WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WITH THE TREAD SEPARATION. THIS IS NOT ONE BRAND OF TIRE ..HAPPENED ON METZELER, AVON AND 3 DUNLOP E3 ALL AT CORRECT TIRE PRESSURES.THIS PROBLEM IS EVIDENT IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS
NHTSA complaint #10883678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesLake Jackson, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
I APPLIED THE BRAKES IN A NORMAL NOT A PANIC SITUATION. THE BRAKES APPARENTLY LOCKED UP AND LEFT A 22' SKID MARK ON THE BLACK TOP ROAD. WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS WERE PERFECT AND I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED GOLDWING RIDER HAVING RIDDEN APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MILES. I WAS RIDING WITH MY WIFE ON BOARD AND PULLING MY ESCAPADE TRAILER AS I HAVE DONE FOR APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES FOR 20 YEARS. MY WIFE AND I WERE EJECTED FROM THE BIKE AND SUSTAINED NON LIFE THREATENING INJURIES. WE WERE TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL IN FAYETTEVILLE AR AND WERE TREATED AND RELEASED WITH ROAD RASH AND I HAVE CRACKED RIBS AND A BROKEN FINGER. OUR FULL FACE HELMETS AND OTHER PROTECTIVE GEAR AND LUCK SAVED US FROM MORE SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURIES. I HAVE THOUGHT LONG AND HARD ABOUT THIS ACCIDENT AND CAN FIND NO EXPLANATION OTHER THAN BRAKE FAILURE / LOCK UP. IN MY 299,000 MILES OF GOLDWING RIDING I HAVE NEVER LOCKED THE BRAKES NOR HAVE I LEFT A SKID MARK BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT. NOTE HONDA ISSUED A SAFETY ALERT WARNING OF POTENTIAL BRAKE PROBLEMS BUT THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED AND SAID THEY WILL REPAIR WHEN THEY DETERMINE HOW TO REPAIR. MY BIKE WAS INSURED AND MY WIFE AND I HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE BUT I ESTIMATE MY OUT OF POCKET MEDICAL COSTS AT $5,000.
NHTSA complaint #10650072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesBirmingham, AL
WHEELS
FRONT END WOBBLES AT A LOW SPEED AN AT HIGH SPEEDS, MAKES THE MOTORCYCLE VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10585152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesBirmingham, AL
SUSPENSION
FRONT END WOBBLES AT A LOW SPEED AN AT HIGH SPEEDS, MAKES THE MOTORCYCLE VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10585152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,100 milesHouston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP USING BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES, A VIOLENT SHUDDER WAS NOTED FROM THE REAR BRAKE CAUSING THE ENTIRE MOTORCYCLE TO SHAKE NOTICEABLY. THE SHUDDER HAS RE-OCCURRED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS (APPROX 25). MY GL1800 WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP (NW HONDA-HOUSTON) FOR THE REAR BRAKE RECALL AND THE ISSUE WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SERVICE WRITER AND DIRECTLY/PERSONALLY TO THE ATTENTION OF THE MECHANIC PERFORMING THE RECALL INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC TEST RODE THE MOTORCYCLE BUT STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO GET A REPEAT OF THE SHUDDER. WHILE 2 UP WITH MY WIFE IN NORTH CAROLINA, THE SHUDDER OCCURRED DURING BRAKING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC CAUSING US TO ALMOST IMPACT THE REAR OF A CAR STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN THE SHUDDER OCCURS, BRAKING DISTANCE INCREASES DRAMATICALLY. SHUDDER OCCURS DURING REAR BRAKE ACTIVATION AND DOES NOT STOP REGARDLESS OF FRONT BRAKE ACTIVATION. SHUDDER SOMETIMES STOPS AFTER RELEASING AND RE-APPLYING THE REAR BRAKE OR SHUDDER WILL RETURN DIRECTLY UPON REAR BRAKE APPLICATION.
NHTSA complaint #10483951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,100 milesAshland, OH
POWER TRAIN
I WAS ACCELERATING IN THE ENTRANCE LANE ON THE INTERSTATE. AUTO AND TRUCK TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND AS I MERGED INTO THE TRAFFIC LANE THE MOTORCYCLE SHIFTED FROM 5TH GEAR TO FOURTH AND BACK SURPRISING ME AND CAUSING ME TO QUICKLY SLOW AND TAKE ACTION TO THE RIGHT TO AVERT BEING REAR ENDED BY A SEMI TRUCK. THE TRUCK HAD NOWHERE TO GO AS THE LANE TO HIS SIDE WAS OCCUPIED. I PROCEEDED TO GAIN SPEED AND THE MOTORCYCLE DID THE SAME SHIFTING ACTION EVERY MILE OR SO. I TOOK THE CYCLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I AM AT PRESENT HAVING THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AT MY COST. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THIS EPISODE. THE MECHANIC SAID THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILED COMPONENTS IN THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10468581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesBethel, VT
STEERING
I BOUGHT THIS BIKE WITH ONLY 8000 MILES ON IT BACK IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR. AT SPEEDS BELOW OR AROUND 30MPH, THE FRONT END WOBBLES. HONDA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS AS A WARRANTY ISSUE, YET ALL THE DEALERS TELL ME THAT IT IS A PROBLEM THEY HAVE HEARD ABOUT FROM MANY GOLDWING OWNERS. THE DEALER RECOMMENDS ALLS BALLS TAPERED STEERING BEARINGS FOR CORRECTION BUT I HAVE TO PAY. I HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN AND IT IS NOT COVERED. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE STEERING ON THE GOLDWING AND HONDA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO RECALL AND FIX THIS ISSUE AT THEIR COST. I REMEMBER THE GAS TANKS EXPLODING ON THE FORD PINTO THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WAS NOT. LIVES WERE LOST OVER A LOW COST REPLACEMENT GASKET THAT FORD KNEW ABOUT BUT CHOSE TO IGNORE. THIS ISSUE WILL CAUSE GOLDWING OWNERS TO HAVE ACCIDENTS, WHICH ULTIMATELY COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10433147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesSanta Rosa, CA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2006 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE, THE TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR OCCASIONALLY. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND MORE OFTEN NOW TO ALMOST ONCE EVERY TANK OF GAS OR 230 MILES. TWO DAYS AGO WHILE ENTERING A CORNER IT DROPPED OUT OF GEAR THEN INTO A LOWER GEAR AND TEMPORARILY LOCKED UP THE REAR TIRE. THE PRICE TO LOOK INTO THE TRANSMISSION IS BETWEEN $3,500 AND $4,000. IF THE PROBLEM ISN'T SERIOUS ENOUGH TO BE COVERED BY MANUFACTURES WARRANTY I HAVE TO PAY. I WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT BREAKS. MY CONCERN IS IF THE TRANSMISSION BREAKS IN A TURN OR WHILE ON THE FREEWAY IT MAY TAKE MY WIFE AND MYSELF WITH IT. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10328937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,899 milesCosta Mesa, CA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WHILE RIDING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH IN 5TH GEAR PROCEEDING NORMALLY I FELT THE TRANSMISSION 'CLUNK' AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION HAD SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. THEN A LOUD 'CLUNKETY CLUNK' AS THE ENGINE SEEMS TO NOW REV FREE, THEN A 'CLUNK' AS THE TRANSMISSION 'FELL' BACK INTO GEAR. AT NO TIME DURING THIS EVENT, WHICH TOOK PLACE OVER A PERIOD OF 2-3 SECONDS WERE MY FINGERS TOUCHING EITHER THE BRAKE OR CLUTCH, NOR WAS MY FOOT TOUCHING THE BRAKE OR SHIFTER. THE BALLS OF MY FEET WERE PLANTED ON BOTH FOOTPEGS DURING THE ENTIRE EVENT.
NHTSA complaint #10293784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesSomerville, AL
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILURE 4TH TO FIFTH GEAR. AFTER SHIFTING INTO 5TH GEAR THE TRANSMISSION WILL JUMP AS A RATCHET DOES ON A ROUNDED BOLT. THEN RUNS OK. STARTED AT AROUND 40,000 MILES AND WAS INTERMEDIATE BUT AT 47,000 MILES IT IS CONSTANT. LOCAL HONDA DEALER FEELS IT IS A BENT SHIFT FORK AND IS IN PROCESS OF REBUILDING.
NHTSA complaint #10293123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,232 milesJacksonville, FL
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING BETWEEN 4TH AND 5TH GEAR, WITHOUT WARNING THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SHIFT FORKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT OBSERVED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AT 80232.
NHTSA complaint #10281240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,800 milesPhilpot, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT GAUGE FACE PLATE MELTING DUE TO DIRECT SUN LIGHT. SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, AND FUEL/TEMP GAUGE ARE AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION WHICH RESULTS IN ERRATIC READINGS. THE MOTORCYCLE IS A 2006 AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER, THE COMPANY WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE GAUGES YET. IN DECEMBER 2001 A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED FOR REPLACEMENT GAUGES FOR THIS SAME CONDITION (SERVICE BULLETIN GL1800 #8). I FIRST NOTICED THE TACHOMETER GIVING ERRATIC READINGS IN JULY 2008, AT WHICH TIME I CONTACTED THE REPAIR SHOP. I DO HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES OF THE AFFECTED GAUGES. THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10261109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesPendleton, IN
STEERING
WHEN RIDING MY HONDA GOLDWING, A 2006 MODEL THE FRONT END WOBBLES WHEN DECELERATING AT AROUND 40 -45 MPH DOWN UNTIL THE BIKE IS GOING UNDER 30MPH. AT THAT POINT IT STOPS HAPPENING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DECELERATE AND IS NOTICEABLE WHEN MY HANDS ARE ON THE GRIPS. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVER SINCE THE BIKE WAS NEW IN 2006.
NHTSA complaint #10237563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,200 milesGoshen, KY
SUSPENSION:FRONT
PREMATURE WEAR-OUT OF FRONT TIRE ON HONDA GL-1800, ALSO HANDLEBAR WOBBLE, "HEAD SHAKE" AT 45 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10209368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,200 milesGoshen, KY
TIRES
PREMATURE WEAR-OUT OF FRONT TIRE ON HONDA GL-1800, ALSO HANDLEBAR WOBBLE, "HEAD SHAKE" AT 45 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10209368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY HONDA GOLDWING 1800 SHAKES WHEN I USE MY BACK BRAKES AFTER IT IS HOT. THE DEALER AND HONDA CORP. STATE THEY KNOW ABOUT IT BUT OFFER NO ANSWERS ON HOW TO FIX IT. HONDA SAY'S TO USE BOTH BRAKES AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE.
NHTSA complaint #10199688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tuscon, AZ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA GL1800 GOLDWING. THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS FUMES WHEN RIDING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE O RINGS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW IF THIS HAS CORRECTED THE FAILURE BECAUSE HE HAS NOT RIDDEN THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE # OF CYLINDERS AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 11,000.
NHTSA complaint #10193734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,225 milesSouth Bend, IN
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
FRONT TIRE UNUSUAL WEAR ON 2006 HONDA GOLDWING GL 1800, MANUFACTURED FOR HONDA BY DUNLOP TIRE. "CUPPING" OCCURRED AT 4,000-4,100 MILES ON THE FRONT TIRE. THIS SEEMED TO BE A ISSUE WITH GOLDWINGS ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PURCHASED FROM. THE SERVICE MANAGER RECOMMENDED INFLATING BOTH FRONT AND REAR TIRE PRESSURE 2-5 PSI ABOVE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS TO INCREASE LIFE OF TIRE. HONDA MOTORCYCLES OF AMERICA IS NOT BEING MADE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, AND CONSUMERS NEED TO CONTACT HONDA BEFORE THEY AGREE TO HAVE THE TIRE REPLACED AT THE DEALERSHIPS SO THAT HONDA CAN START ASSESSING THIS ISSUE. HOPEFULLY, HONDA WILL CONSIDER AN ALTERNATIVE TIRE AND ISSUE A RECALL TO GOLDWING OWNERS FOR PROBLEMS WITH THESE TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10190794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,100 milesPoynette, WI
SUSPENSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE FRONT FORK OF THE MOTORCYCLE WOBBLED. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THERE WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THERE WAS A REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #10169391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,800 milesChurch Hill, TN
STEERING:COLUMN
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE STEERING HANDLE BARS WOBBLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY BUSHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. UPDATED 9/5/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10165784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesCorona, CA
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
MY 2006 HONDA GOLDWING HAS A LOW SPEED WOBBLE AT SPEED AT OR ABOUT 35-45 MILES PER HOUR. THIS IS A VERY BAD FEELING, AND DANGEROUS FOR THE RIDER. I HAVE TALKED WITH OTHER GOLDWING OWNERS AND THEIR BIKES HAVE ALSO DEVELOPED THE SAME WOBBLE.
NHTSA complaint #10164998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.