Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2021 Honda GL1800 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2025.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 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 — 12
Against the median year of the Honda GL1800. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2021 Honda GL1800
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Acceleration & Cruise Control
323.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Brakes
215.4%
Steering
215.4%
Median failure at 22,000 miles
Electrical System
215.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Fuel & Propulsion
17.7%
Suspension
17.7%
Body & Structure
17.7%
Engine & Cooling
17.7%
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 2021peak 3Jun 2025
Recalls on the 2021 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20246602,385 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain motorcycles, the primary drive gear bolt may break. If this happens, the engine could stall suddenly and cause the rear wheel to lock up while riding. Safety Risk: A rear wheel that locks up suddenly could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your motorcycle to a dealership to replace the primary drive gear bolt.
Recall 20240963,811 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain motorcycles, the fuel pump could fail. If this happens, the engine could stall while riding and you may not be able to restart it. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your motorcycle to a Honda Powersports dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump module.
Recall 2022332374 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain motorcycles equipped with a manual transmission, incorrect programming in the engine control unit (ECU) may cause the engine to stall. This could happen when the clutch lever is pulled in, with the transmission in 2nd gear or higher, and a closed throttle. Safety Risk: A sudden engine stall could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Honda will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your motorcycle to a dealership to update the engine control unit (ECU) software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Houston, TXCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was pulling into a parking spot to turn the bike around and back into the spot. While sitting sideways in a parking spot, I increased the throttle slightly to pull forward. The throttle acted as if it was stuck and the bike lurched forward after I released the throttle. I applied the front brake but the bike continued moving forward pushing the front tire which left a skid mark on the pavement. I continued forward until the bike ran into the driver's door of a parked car. This was the second time the throttle stuck in this manner. The first time I was leaving my driveway when the bike acted in the same manner and caused me to run over some Christmas lights on the edge of my driveway. The first time I did not realize what happened therefore I did not file a complaint. I researched this on a motorcycle forum and found many instances of other GL 1800 owners experiencing the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11449495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was pulling into a parking spot to turn the bike around and back into the spot. While sitting sideways in a parking spot, I increased the throttle slightly to pull forward. The throttle acted as if it was stuck and the bike lurched forward after I released the throttle. I applied the front brake but the bike continued moving forward pushing the front tire which left a skid mark on the pavement. I continued forward until the bike ran into the driver's door of a parked car. This was the second time the throttle stuck in this manner. The first time I was leaving my driveway when the bike acted in the same manner and caused me to run over some Christmas lights on the edge of my driveway. The first time I did not realize what happened therefore I did not file a complaint. I researched this on a motorcycle forum and found many instances of other GL 1800 owners experiencing the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11449495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 22,000 milesGreenville, TX
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
The contact owns a 2021 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while operating the motorcycle, the handlebars had become loose and were wobbly. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the nut used to secure the handlebars was loose. The contact tightened the steering nut, but eventually the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not yet been contacted. The failure mileage was 22,000.
NHTSA complaint #11667669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deridder, LA
STEERING
Shortly after purchasing brand new in July of 2021, this motorcycle developed a violent shake and wobble at 40mph, which could be felt between 35mph and 45mph, but was much worse at 40mph. It also developed at the same time a constant, uncommanded pull to the right. I have tried for three years to get this problem fixed and addressed under warranty. I have not been successful thus far. I have spent thousands of dollars myself because I have not gotten resolution from the manufacturer or dealer, and to this date, April 19, 2024, it is unresolved. You should know that there are many riders that own the 2018+ model of the Honda Gold Wing GL1800 that have the same issues. Not all, but enough that it is a common finding online, with professionals saying that they believe 1 out of every 1000 of these bikes have a bent or twisted frame, to a very well documented (by Traxxion Dynamics) defect in the right tie rod due to inferior components. I feel like I a being ignored until my warranty expires. I can provide extension high quality footage of these issues. I have included my letter to Honda Corporation, as well as a timeline of events since purchase. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11584058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deridder, LA
SUSPENSION
Shortly after purchasing brand new in July of 2021, this motorcycle developed a violent shake and wobble at 40mph, which could be felt between 35mph and 45mph, but was much worse at 40mph. It also developed at the same time a constant, uncommanded pull to the right. I have tried for three years to get this problem fixed and addressed under warranty. I have not been successful thus far. I have spent thousands of dollars myself because I have not gotten resolution from the manufacturer or dealer, and to this date, April 19, 2024, it is unresolved. You should know that there are many riders that own the 2018+ model of the Honda Gold Wing GL1800 that have the same issues. Not all, but enough that it is a common finding online, with professionals saying that they believe 1 out of every 1000 of these bikes have a bent or twisted frame, to a very well documented (by Traxxion Dynamics) defect in the right tie rod due to inferior components. I feel like I a being ignored until my warranty expires. I can provide extension high quality footage of these issues. I have included my letter to Honda Corporation, as well as a timeline of events since purchase. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11584058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deridder, LA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Shortly after purchasing brand new in July of 2021, this motorcycle developed a violent shake and wobble at 40mph, which could be felt between 35mph and 45mph, but was much worse at 40mph. It also developed at the same time a constant, uncommanded pull to the right. I have tried for three years to get this problem fixed and addressed under warranty. I have not been successful thus far. I have spent thousands of dollars myself because I have not gotten resolution from the manufacturer or dealer, and to this date, April 19, 2024, it is unresolved. You should know that there are many riders that own the 2018+ model of the Honda Gold Wing GL1800 that have the same issues. Not all, but enough that it is a common finding online, with professionals saying that they believe 1 out of every 1000 of these bikes have a bent or twisted frame, to a very well documented (by Traxxion Dynamics) defect in the right tie rod due to inferior components. I feel like I a being ignored until my warranty expires. I can provide extension high quality footage of these issues. I have included my letter to Honda Corporation, as well as a timeline of events since purchase. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11584058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mechanicsburg, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
Found that the front brake rotors were on the wrong side. Honda specifies different part numbers for each rotor. Went to dealer to resolve this issue and express my concern about it being a safety issue. The dealer contacted Honda, and they agreed to pay to have the rotors installed the right way and replace the brake pads. But not replace the rotors. My concern is after 14000 miles they are now the rotors are rotating in the opposite. And that this may have compromised structural integrate of the rotors themselves
NHTSA complaint #11492330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was pulling into a parking spot to turn the bike around and back into the spot. While sitting sideways in a parking spot, I increased the throttle slightly to pull forward. The throttle acted as if it was stuck and the bike lurched forward after I released the throttle. I applied the front brake but the bike continued moving forward pushing the front tire which left a skid mark on the pavement. I continued forward until the bike ran into the driver's door of a parked car. This was the second time the throttle stuck in this manner. The first time I was leaving my driveway when the bike acted in the same manner and caused me to run over some Christmas lights on the edge of my driveway. The first time I did not realize what happened therefore I did not file a complaint. I researched this on a motorcycle forum and found many instances of other GL 1800 owners experiencing the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11449495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was pulling into a parking spot to turn the bike around and back into the spot. While sitting sideways in a parking spot, I increased the throttle slightly to pull forward. The throttle acted as if it was stuck and the bike lurched forward after I released the throttle. I applied the front brake but the bike continued moving forward pushing the front tire which left a skid mark on the pavement. I continued forward until the bike ran into the driver's door of a parked car. This was the second time the throttle stuck in this manner. The first time I was leaving my driveway when the bike acted in the same manner and caused me to run over some Christmas lights on the edge of my driveway. The first time I did not realize what happened therefore I did not file a complaint. I researched this on a motorcycle forum and found many instances of other GL 1800 owners experiencing the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11449495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
At approximately 800 miles, the throttle became sticky. The return spring will close the throttle; however, there is excessive friction that developed while riding. Temperatures were approximately 85-95 degrees. The problem is that fine feathering of the throttle is not possible. By the time enough hand control pressure is released to ease off the throttle, the throttle closes aggressively and by the time I can stop the throttle closure, the engine and dual clutch transmission are downshifting--in Sport mode the downshifts are aggressive and vehicle speed decelerates more than desired. Worse, this condition occurred while riding US129 in Tennessee and North Carolina at inopportune time such as at the apex of a curve. This resulted in the motorcycle changing lean angle and straying from the intended arc through the curve. Other instances happened when encountering slow traffic and the throttle needs to be feathered to slow. The motorcycle engine and dual clutch transmission interpret this larger throttle closure as an intent to slow resulting in unintentional downshifts and excessive speed reduction. Not an ideal situation with traffic following closely because the brake lights are not activated leaving the drivers behind the motorcycle wondering what is happening. To continue riding with the throttle in this condition, the rider has to increase throttle twist force and counter twist force in an attempt to control. This technique doesn't really help and should not be required to ride a motorcycle. This condition has been brought to the attention of the selling dealership service department for which they contacted a Honda technical representative whom never heard of this condition. Therefore, no action was taken to date. This sticky throttle condition can be seen on new Goldwings sitting on the showroom floor; however, the friction/stickiness is not to the degree being experienced at 800.
NHTSA complaint #11432523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mccalla, AL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The throttle is sticking open at low speeds that makes for a dangerous situation dealer could not duplicate at time of visit the throttle is sticky will not operate smooth no accident has happened at this time
NHTSA complaint #11428738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mccalla, AL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The throttle is sticking open at low speeds that makes for a dangerous situation dealer could not duplicate at time of visit the throttle is sticky will not operate smooth no accident has happened at this time
NHTSA complaint #11428738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooksville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
when just starting out using foot brake and handbrake , handbrake came in towards grip real far and throttle cut out but not off for a few seconds. Then abs and traction control lights came on along with mode selector lights until bike was shut down and restarted. Upon restarting all would be ok for a few miles or even the whole day or would just do it all over again. It did this from june until now where it is presently at the honda dealer while honda tries to figure it out. So far they have not.
NHTSA complaint #11425731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooksville, FL
ENGINE
when just starting out using foot brake and handbrake , handbrake came in towards grip real far and throttle cut out but not off for a few seconds. Then abs and traction control lights came on along with mode selector lights until bike was shut down and restarted. Upon restarting all would be ok for a few miles or even the whole day or would just do it all over again. It did this from june until now where it is presently at the honda dealer while honda tries to figure it out. So far they have not.
NHTSA complaint #11425731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooksville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
when just starting out using foot brake and handbrake , handbrake came in towards grip real far and throttle cut out but not off for a few seconds. Then abs and traction control lights came on along with mode selector lights until bike was shut down and restarted. Upon restarting all would be ok for a few miles or even the whole day or would just do it all over again. It did this from june until now where it is presently at the honda dealer while honda tries to figure it out. So far they have not.
NHTSA complaint #11425731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.