Owners have filed 49 complaints
about the 2012 Honda GL1800 with NHTSA between 2013 and 2016.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 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 — 47
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
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
2142.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2551.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
24.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
12.0%
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 2013peak 15Sep 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 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.
PE15014Opened 20 Apr 2015Closed 13 Nov 2015VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Inconsistent Throttle 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...
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 2012 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
18V045000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the rider resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2018001129,348 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. For the GL1800 model, dealers will replace the airbag module. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
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.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 14,000 milesOxford, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I AM HAVING SLOW SPEED HESITATION WITH THE THROTTLE WHILE RIDING ON THE ROAD. WHEN I ROLL THE THROTTLE ON THE BIKE SOMETIMES HESITATES, DOES NOTHING SO WHEN I TRY MORE FUEL THE THROTTLE CONTROL FINALLY DECIDES TO START WORKING AND HAS MADE FOR SOME WILD RIDES ESPECIALLY IN TURNS. IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE TOO MUCH FUEL ADDED WHEN NOT EXPECTING IT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10903036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,685 milesSchnellville, IN
ENGINE
MY GOLDWING HAS THE HESITATION PROBLEM LIKE SO MANY OTHERS. I HAVE ALMOST DROPPED THE BIKE A COUPLE OF TIMES BECAUSE OF THE STUMBLE. IT WILL HESITATE AND THEN THE ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY GET FUEL AGAIN AND LUNGE FORWARD DANGEROUSLY. IF I WOULD HIT SAND OR GRAVEL OR BE ON A GRAVEL ROAD OR GRAVEL PARKING LOT IT WOULD BE A BAD SPIN OUT AND LOSE CONTROL AND GO DOWN WITH DAMAGE TO MYSELF , MY WIFE AND THE BIKE. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES SO ONE DATE LISTED DOWN BELOW IS NOT ACCURATE. BOUGHT THE BIKE ON DEC 12,2015 WITH ONLY 1685MILES ON IT. PREVIOUS OWNER SAID IT STUMBLED. MY 1988 HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAD A SAFETY RECALL TO FIX IT. WHY NOT THESE NEWER GOLDWINGS?
NHTSA complaint #10839640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,685 milesSchnellville, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY GOLDWING HAS THE HESITATION PROBLEM LIKE SO MANY OTHERS. I HAVE ALMOST DROPPED THE BIKE A COUPLE OF TIMES BECAUSE OF THE STUMBLE. IT WILL HESITATE AND THEN THE ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY GET FUEL AGAIN AND LUNGE FORWARD DANGEROUSLY. IF I WOULD HIT SAND OR GRAVEL OR BE ON A GRAVEL ROAD OR GRAVEL PARKING LOT IT WOULD BE A BAD SPIN OUT AND LOSE CONTROL AND GO DOWN WITH DAMAGE TO MYSELF , MY WIFE AND THE BIKE. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES SO ONE DATE LISTED DOWN BELOW IS NOT ACCURATE. BOUGHT THE BIKE ON DEC 12,2015 WITH ONLY 1685MILES ON IT. PREVIOUS OWNER SAID IT STUMBLED. MY 1988 HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAD A SAFETY RECALL TO FIX IT. WHY NOT THESE NEWER GOLDWINGS?
NHTSA complaint #10839640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesMaiden, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY HONDA GOLD WING 2012 HAS A DANGEROUS STUMBLE THAT FREQUENTLY CAUSES THE ENGINE TO STUTTER AND NEARLY STALL. MANY TIMES, I OPEN THE THROTTLE TO ENTER AN INTERSECTION, OR TO PULL AWAY FROM A STOP, AND THE POWER DROPS OFF TO NOTHING, THEN, WHEN I OPEN THE THROTTLE TO COMPENSATE, THE MOTORCYCLE SURGES FORWARD CAUSING THE BIKE TO LUNGE AHEAD. IN TRAFFIC, IT LUNGES TOWARD THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AT A STOP SIGN IN THE COUNTRY, IT LUNGES TOWARD THE OUTSIDE OF THE TURN. THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE IS STARTED. IT DOES NOT HELP TO WARM UP THE ENGINE. LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN AS NO ONE BELIEVES ME EVEN THOUGH IT IS TRUE: WARMING UP THE ENGINE DOES NOT HELP!!! ONLY TRAVELLING A MILE OR TWO DOWN THE ROAD, OR REVVING THE ENGINE REPEATEDLY BEFORE STARTING OFF, WILL TEMPORARILY "FIX" THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES TO HAVE TIS FIXED. THEY "RESET THE ECM." THIS KINDA SORTA WORKED A LITTLE AND FOR A VERY SHORT TOME, THEN THE PROBLEM COMES RIGHT BACK. ONCE THE BIKE HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR SEVERAL MILES (NOT JUST WARMED UP), THE STUMBLE WILL GO AWAY. IN ADDITION, IF THE ENGINE IS WARM FROM RIDING, BUT I STOP FOR AS LITTLE AS 20 MINUTES, THE STUMBLE OFTEN COMES BACK EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE IS WARM. BY THE WAY, MODERN FUEL INJECTED ENGINES SHOULD NOT NEED ANY WARM UP. THIS FUEL SYSTEM ERROR IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE HURT OR KILLED WHEN THEIR BIKE STUMBLES AND FALLS IN A BUSY INTERSECTION, OR LUNGES OFF THE ROAD OR INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS FAULT IS WELL KNOWN BY GOLD WING RIDERS AND HAS BEEN WIDELY DISCUSSED ON GOLD WING FORUMS. THERE IS EVEN A $125.00 AFTERMARKET PART THAT TRICKS THE FUELING SYSTEM INTO PERFORMING PROPERLY. I WILL BE BUYING THIS PART IN THE SPRING. WITHOUT YOUR HELP, HONDA WILL CONTINUE TO IGNORE THIS SERIOUS, POTENTIALLY FATAL DEFECT. PLEASE HELP ME KEEP RIDERS SAFE BY MAKING THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10807146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesBrooksville, FL
POWER TRAIN
ON COLD START-UPS(EVEN IN THE SUMMER IN FLORIDA), THE MOTORCYCLE WILL STUMBLE OR HESITATE UNTIL WARMED UP. THIS CAUSES INCONSISTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE THROTTLE CONTROL IN SLOW TURNS. I HAVE NEARLY DROPPED THE MOTORCYCLE MULTIPLE TIMES AND ALSO HAVE ENCOUNTERED PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC AND NOT HAVING PREDICTABLE THROTTLE CONTROL TO GET GOING SAFELY. VERY DANGEROUS!
NHTSA complaint #10785837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesBrooksville, FL
ENGINE
ON COLD START-UPS(EVEN IN THE SUMMER IN FLORIDA), THE MOTORCYCLE WILL STUMBLE OR HESITATE UNTIL WARMED UP. THIS CAUSES INCONSISTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE THROTTLE CONTROL IN SLOW TURNS. I HAVE NEARLY DROPPED THE MOTORCYCLE MULTIPLE TIMES AND ALSO HAVE ENCOUNTERED PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC AND NOT HAVING PREDICTABLE THROTTLE CONTROL TO GET GOING SAFELY. VERY DANGEROUS!
NHTSA complaint #10785837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesBrooksville, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ON COLD START-UPS(EVEN IN THE SUMMER IN FLORIDA), THE MOTORCYCLE WILL STUMBLE OR HESITATE UNTIL WARMED UP. THIS CAUSES INCONSISTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE THROTTLE CONTROL IN SLOW TURNS. I HAVE NEARLY DROPPED THE MOTORCYCLE MULTIPLE TIMES AND ALSO HAVE ENCOUNTERED PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC AND NOT HAVING PREDICTABLE THROTTLE CONTROL TO GET GOING SAFELY. VERY DANGEROUS!
NHTSA complaint #10785837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesMarietta, OH
ENGINE
ENGINE HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH SEVERE HESITATION TO A MOMENTARY LOSS OF COMPLETE POWER DURING COLD OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND SAME SEVERE PROBLEM ON HOT SHUT DOWN AND RESTART. ALSO HESITATES AT ALL TIMES WHILE DRIVING BUT NOT AS SEVERE AS FIRST TWO. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN TRAFFIC AND PULLING OUT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC IN CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY WHILE TURNING AND GOING STRAIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10783109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,500 milesEvansville, IN
SERVICE BRAKES
I OWN A MOTORCYCLE REPAIR SHOP. I HAVE DOCUMENTS SHOWING AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. IS NOT COMPLYING WITH CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V472000. THEY STATE THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE BUT IN FACT THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED ONE. I SEND CUSTOMERS TO DEALERS AND THE DEALER AND HONDA MOTOR CO. CUSTOMER SERVICE DENY THEIR CLAIM AND EITHER CHARGE THEM FOR REPAIRS OR I DO THE REPAIR. WHAT GOOD IS A RECALL IF YOU DON'T ENFORCE IT? SOMEONE WILL HAVE A BAD CRASH AND DIE. I WANT TO KNOW WHERE TO SEND MY PAPER WORK AND GET SOMEONE TO ACT ON THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10726390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,200 milesPueblo, CO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA GOLDWING. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BRAKE ROTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200. UPDATED 1/23/15*CN UPDATED 9/8/2017
NHTSA complaint #10663709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesAvondale, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2012 GOLDWING GL1800 MOTORCYCLE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING OFF WHEN FIRST STARTED. UNLESS YOU ALLOW IT TO WARM UP COMPLETELY BEFORE TRYING TO DRIVE OFF, IT WILL TRY TO STALL OR SPUTTER AND NOT HAVE ANY POWER AT LEAST MOMENTARILY. THIS SITUATION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND A TIP OVER ACCIDENT WITH THIS 950LB BIKE. WHEN IT OCCURS WHILE ENTERING TRAFFIC FLOW, IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR DEATH. THIS CONDITION HAS EXISTED SINCE I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE NEW IN JUNE 2012. I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS WITH MANY OTHER GOLDWING OWNERS AND FOUND THAT THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAS CAUSED MANY OF THEM TO DROP THEIR BIKE WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE OFF. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO HONDA DEALERS WITH NO POSITIVE RESULTS. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. MANY HAVE COMPLAINED DIRECTLY TO HONDA TO NO AVAIL. THIS PROBLEM WILL EVENTUALLY RESULT IN DEATHS IF NOT RESOLVED. THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO A HUGE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION ON GOLDWING ONLINE FORUMS.
NHTSA complaint #10643482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesAvondale, AZ
ENGINE
2012 GOLDWING GL1800 MOTORCYCLE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING OFF WHEN FIRST STARTED. UNLESS YOU ALLOW IT TO WARM UP COMPLETELY BEFORE TRYING TO DRIVE OFF, IT WILL TRY TO STALL OR SPUTTER AND NOT HAVE ANY POWER AT LEAST MOMENTARILY. THIS SITUATION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND A TIP OVER ACCIDENT WITH THIS 950LB BIKE. WHEN IT OCCURS WHILE ENTERING TRAFFIC FLOW, IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR DEATH. THIS CONDITION HAS EXISTED SINCE I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE NEW IN JUNE 2012. I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS WITH MANY OTHER GOLDWING OWNERS AND FOUND THAT THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAS CAUSED MANY OF THEM TO DROP THEIR BIKE WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE OFF. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO HONDA DEALERS WITH NO POSITIVE RESULTS. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. MANY HAVE COMPLAINED DIRECTLY TO HONDA TO NO AVAIL. THIS PROBLEM WILL EVENTUALLY RESULT IN DEATHS IF NOT RESOLVED. THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO A HUGE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION ON GOLDWING ONLINE FORUMS.
NHTSA complaint #10643482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesAvondale, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2012 GOLDWING GL1800 MOTORCYCLE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING OFF WHEN FIRST STARTED. UNLESS YOU ALLOW IT TO WARM UP COMPLETELY BEFORE TRYING TO DRIVE OFF, IT WILL TRY TO STALL OR SPUTTER AND NOT HAVE ANY POWER AT LEAST MOMENTARILY. THIS SITUATION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND A TIP OVER ACCIDENT WITH THIS 950LB BIKE. WHEN IT OCCURS WHILE ENTERING TRAFFIC FLOW, IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR DEATH. THIS CONDITION HAS EXISTED SINCE I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE NEW IN JUNE 2012. I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS WITH MANY OTHER GOLDWING OWNERS AND FOUND THAT THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAS CAUSED MANY OF THEM TO DROP THEIR BIKE WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE OFF. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO HONDA DEALERS WITH NO POSITIVE RESULTS. THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. MANY HAVE COMPLAINED DIRECTLY TO HONDA TO NO AVAIL. THIS PROBLEM WILL EVENTUALLY RESULT IN DEATHS IF NOT RESOLVED. THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO A HUGE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION ON GOLDWING ONLINE FORUMS.
NHTSA complaint #10643482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesWaukon, IA
POWER TRAIN
THE ENGINE STUMBLES AND LOSES POWER AT APPROXIMATELY 1500RMP AND MAKES THE MOTORCYCLE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10641998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesBackus, MN
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE RODE ROUGHLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
NHTSA complaint #10640285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300 milesMacomb, MI
ENGINE
AT LOW SPEED THE MOTORCYCLE SEEMS TO HAVE A DECREASE OF POWER FOR APPROXIMATELY 20-30 SECONDS THEN ITS OK. HAS GONE ON SINCE I OWNED THE MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA complaint #10639538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesLenoir City, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS BIKE HAS A BAD STUMBLE PROBLEM. IT WILL STUMBLE WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC CAUSING ME TO NEARLY FALL AND GET HIT SEVERAL TIMES. THIS HAPPENS AFTER YOU HAVE STOPPED FOR 15 TO 30 MINS AND YOU START TO GO AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN RIDING BIKES SINCE 1954 SO I AM NOT NEW TO RIDING BIKES. THIS IS GOING TO GET SOME ONE KILLED. I HAVE TRIED TO GET HONDA TO FIX IT BUT THEY SAY ITS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL ITS DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS YOU GIVE IT MORE THROTTLE AND THEN IT LUNGES STRAIGHT AHEAD THE WAY YOU ARE POINTED. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE FIXED. I HAVE BEEN RIDDING HONDA GOLDWINGS SINCE 1975 AND THEY DID NOT DO THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10639483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,500 milesWinnsboro, TX
ENGINE
THE PROBLEM I'M ABOUT TO DESCRIBE IS COMMON ON THE 2012 AND NEWER GOLDWINGS. EARLIER GOLDWINGS DID NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM AS I HAVE HAD 3 AND I HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS WHOSE OLDER GOLDWINGS DO NOT DO THIS. THE PROBLEM IS THAT UNLESS THE ENGINE HAS HAD TIME TO WARM UP WHICH TAKES ABOUT 5 MINUTES IT WILL NOT RUN PROPERLY. I FOUND THIS OUT THE HARD WAY AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TURNING LEFT WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I ALMOST LAID IT DOWN. ANOTHER DANGEROUS INCIDENT WAS WHEN I WAS TURNING ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC COMING BUT I NORMALLY WOULD HAVE HAD ENOUGH TIME TO GET OUT OF THE WAY IT STALLED AGAIN. THE POWER KICKED IN JUST IN TIME TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, IT CONTINUES TO DO THIS AND FROM WHAT I READ AT GOLDWING WEBSITES MOST OTHERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET HURT IF THIS IS NOT FIXED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HONDA DID TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN ON NEWER GOLDWING BUT IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND SO FAR HONDA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. I HOPE YOU WILL FORCE HONDA TO DEAL WITH THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10633110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesWoodsboro, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AT LOW OPERATING TEMPERATURE, AT LOW RPMS (ABOUT 1700) ACTS LIKE IT IS STARVED FOR FUEL (STUMBLES) AND ACTS LIKE IT WILL NOT TAKE FUEL. TRIED A HOT RESET OF THE ECM, LETTING THE BIKE WARM UP, STILL DOES IT. SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS ON THE GL1800.ORG WEBSITE ARE REPORTING THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10632624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40 milesPearland, TX
ENGINE
EVERY DAY WHEN I START THE MOTORCYCLE AND PROCEED TO DRIVE, IT STUMBLE OR STALLS ALMOST FALLING OVER INTO THE STREET AS IF IT HAD CARBURETORS AND THE CHOKE WAS NOT ON. TO AVOID THIS HAPPENING I MUST TURN THE THROTTLE SEVERAL TIMES TO INCREASE THE ENGINE RPM'S AND THEN MANAGE TO KEEP THE MOTORCYCLE FROM OVER COMPENSATING AND CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE IS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND OR THE MOTORCYCLE IS OPERATING WITHIN NORMAL PARAMETERS. THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON THAT A FUEL INJECTED, COMPUTER CONTROLLED ENGINE NEEDS TO IDLE 5 MINUTES BEFORE TAKING OFF. BASICALLY THIS FUEL INJECTED, COMPUTER CONTROLLED ENGINE IS THE SAME AS ANY AUTOMOBILE ENGINE AND NONE I AM FAMILIAR WITH EXHIBIT THIS PROBLEM. OVER 150 DOCUMENTED CASES ARE DISCLOSED AT IPETIONS.COM.
NHTSA complaint #10631910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40 milesPearland, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
EVERY DAY WHEN I START THE MOTORCYCLE AND PROCEED TO DRIVE, IT STUMBLE OR STALLS ALMOST FALLING OVER INTO THE STREET AS IF IT HAD CARBURETORS AND THE CHOKE WAS NOT ON. TO AVOID THIS HAPPENING I MUST TURN THE THROTTLE SEVERAL TIMES TO INCREASE THE ENGINE RPM'S AND THEN MANAGE TO KEEP THE MOTORCYCLE FROM OVER COMPENSATING AND CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE HONDA DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE IS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND OR THE MOTORCYCLE IS OPERATING WITHIN NORMAL PARAMETERS. THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON THAT A FUEL INJECTED, COMPUTER CONTROLLED ENGINE NEEDS TO IDLE 5 MINUTES BEFORE TAKING OFF. BASICALLY THIS FUEL INJECTED, COMPUTER CONTROLLED ENGINE IS THE SAME AS ANY AUTOMOBILE ENGINE AND NONE I AM FAMILIAR WITH EXHIBIT THIS PROBLEM. OVER 150 DOCUMENTED CASES ARE DISCLOSED AT IPETIONS.COM.
NHTSA complaint #10631910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesBenson, MN
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT TIRE FELT ABNORMAL WHILE RIDING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,500.
NHTSA complaint #10625977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,300 milesPolk, PA
ENGINE
COLD STUMBLE HAPPENS WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS WARMED ABOVE THE COLD RIDE MARK SPECIFIED BY THE GL1800 OWNERS MANUAL BUT BEFORE THE ENGINE GETS TO THE FULLY WARM TEMPERATURE MARK, WHEN I STOP AT THE END OF MY DRIVEWAY AND GIVE THROTTLE TO THE MOTORCYCLE IT WILL STUMBLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN AND ALMOST CAUSE THE RIDER TO DROP THE MOTORCYCLE. WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS RIDDEN FOR AN HOUR AND PARKED AT A SHOPPING MALL FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES IN 75* WEATHER AND THE MOTORCYCLE IS STARTED UP STILL HOT, IF I RIDE ABOUT 10FEET TO 15 FEET TO A STOP SIGN, THEN GIVE THROTTLE THE ENGINE STUMBLES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN ALMOST CAUSING THE RIDER TO DROP THE MOTORCYCLE. PARTS AFFECTED "ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE'.
NHTSA complaint #10621114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35 milesBuckley, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE MOTORCYCLE HAD A HESITATION AT LOW SPEED. THIS RESULTED IN A LOSS OF BALANCE WHILE IN A TURN REQUIRING THE RIDER TO PUT THEIR FOOT DOWN TO PREVENT THE 900 LB MOTORCYCLE TRAVELING AT 8-10 MPH FROM FALLING IN ON A TURN. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS IN FIRST GEAR CLUTCH FULLY ENGAGED RPM 1250 WHICH PUTS THE SPEED ABOUT 8MPH. WHEN THE TROTTLE WAS INCREASES SLIGHTLY THE ENGINE WOULD HESITATE IN A ON -OFF FASHION. WHEN THIS OCCURED WHILE IN A SLOW SPEED TURN THE RESULTS WHERE THE MOTORCYCLE DID NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED POWER TO KEEP THE TURN GOING AND THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD FALL INTO THE INSIDE OF THE TURN. HONDA WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE HESITATION. WA LEMON LAW ARBITRATION FORCED HONDA TO REPURCHASE THE MOTOCYCLE FILE # 130066.
NHTSA complaint #10577493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5 milesEast Stroudsburg, PA
ENGINE
I OWN A 2012 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. THIS IS THE THIRD GOLDWING MODEL I HAVE OWNED SINCE 1978. I'VE BEEN RIDING MOTORCYCLES FOR ABOUT 46 YEARS NOW AND AM A SKILLED MECHANIC. MY REASON FOR THE COMPLAINT IS TO PROTECT MYSELF AND OTHER OWNERS FROM INJURY AND TO SEEK HELP WITH THE PROBLEM PLAGGING THE 2012/2013 MODEL GOLDWINGS. THERE IS A LOW END BOG WHEN ACCELERATING AND WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE TO BECOME UNSTABLE DURING THIS PERIOD OF TIME. MY MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR A TOTAL OF 12 WEEKS FOR THIS ISSUE WITHOUT RESOLVE. MY DEALER SENT MANY COMPUTER SCANS TO THE HONDA TECH DEPARTMENT, THE DEALER CAN SEE ON THESE GRAPHS THE GLITCH IN THE FUEL DELIVERY AND HONDA HAS TRIED SOME PARTS TO CORRECT THE GLITCH, SO THEY ARE ADMITTING THERE IS A PROBLEM PUT DON'T HAVE A FIX FOR IT. I RODE MY 2001 GOLDWING ACROSS COUNTRY IN ALL TEMPS AND ELEVATIONS WITHOUT THIS PROBLEM. MY DEALER TELLS ME THEY HAVE RIDDEN MULTIPLE 2012/2013 GOLDWINGS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, SOME WORSE THAT MINE. I SPOKE WITH MY DEALER TODAY AND WITH HONDA AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS BUT HONDA WILL DO NO MORE TO THE BIKE. HONDA SAYS IT'S A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE MOTORCYCLE BUT IF THAT IS THE CASE WHY DID THEY TRY TO FIX IT? SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE HURT OR WORSE YET KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS "CHARACTERISTIC". I'VE BEEN WORKING ON MOTORS AND RIDING LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW WHEN THERE IS A PROBLEM. OLDER MODELS OF THIS BIKE HAVE NONE OF THESE PROBLEMS SO I'M THINKING HONDA KNOWS THIS WILL BE AN EXPENSIVE RECALL TO FIX THE ISSUE BUT REFUSE TO DO SOMETHING UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT. THERE ARE A LOT OF THIS MODEL ON THE ROAD SO IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME.UNTIL SOMEONE GETS HURT. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP AND I WOULD BE GLAD TO GIVE YOU ANY INFO THAT I HAVE. WE ALL PAID FOR A MOTORCYCLE THAT SHOULD PERFORM AND BE SAFE...PLEASE HELP...HONDA WON"T.
NHTSA complaint #10550566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.