What Honda GL1800 owners have reported to NHTSA, the service bulletins the manufacturer sent dealers, and any federal defect investigations, by model year. See Honda GL1800 safety recalls or check your VIN.
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA, by the model year of the vehicle. A high count can also mean a popular year, so compare it with how many were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injured | Deaths | TSBs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 2019 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2018 | 34 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 12 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 2016 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| 2015 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| 2014 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 |
| 2013 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| 2012 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| 2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
| 2010 | 24 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 23 |
The vehicle systems named most often in Honda GL1800 complaints (one complaint can name several).
In the owners’ own words, as filed with NHTSA. Unverified reports; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
With less than 10k miles I have excessive tire cupping. Upon a deep dive inspection of the motorcycle I found the bolts to the upper control arm coming loose/ backing out. Excessive amount of threads showing on all 4 corners of the control arm. I Contact the dealer, who informed me that this is normal. Doesn't look like it should be especially with grease showing on the bolts. I have examined other same year similar bikes with about the same mileage and they are having the same tire issue and bolt problem.
On XXX, while I was operating my 2019 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT (GL1800D, VIN [XXX]) on the freeway at approximately ~26k miles, the motorcycle suddenly lost drive and came to a stop and could not be restarted, leaving me stranded on the freeway â the same type of sudden power-loss hazard that Safety Recall 24V-820 was issued to prevent. The motorcycle had to be towed. Approximately 1,000 miles earlier, on 9/30/2026, Tri-County Powersports (Moorpark, CA) had performed NHTSA Safety Recall 24V-820 on this motorcycle, replacing the primary drive gear bolt on the crankshaft as the recall remedy. After the failure, the motorcycle was taken to Tri-County Powersports on April 22, 2026 (Repair Orde…
The contact owns a 2019 Honda GL 1800. The contact stated that while riding at 50 MPH, the engine shut off without warning. Due to the failure, the motorcycle was towed to an independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
There is a Service Bulletin on the steering handle bars. The dealership I take it to is Go Az Flagstaff, AZ (928)526-7959. On a recall service appointment I was advised by the service manager of the loose handle bar service bulletin. It was addressed at that time. I had my motorcycle in for another recall and told them that the handle bars are still loose and American Honda told them they wouldn't cover it. This seamed illogical to me. It is obvious that their problem that generated the steering SB was not fixed by the direction Honda has given them. I am asking for assistance in raising the issue with American Honda. I don't feel comfortable riding a motorcycle with loose handle ba…
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.
2024 Honda Gold Wing GL1800DR Tour fails to detect the keyfob intermittently. The vehicle does not require a standard key to start, unlock or closing/opening the paniers, except for emergency situation and requires at that time a sequence to be followed. For this, it requires that you have the fob in your person while operating the motorcycle. The concerns around the fob/remote is that it looses communication with the vehicle intermittently, inhibiting access, say, to ignition start button or properly closing paniers/top case. The case of the storage containers not properly locking, resulted on highway opening of the paniers, releasing its contents. The vehicle also not starting the igni…
The contact owns a 2018 Honda GL1800 Motorcycle. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal at speeds of 40 MPH or higher, whether on cruise control or not, the motorcycle experienced the death wobble. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the bearings on the handlebar were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The motorcycle was taken to another dealer, Xtreme Machines (700 NJ-33, Millstone, NJ 08535); who did not diagnose the failure and confirmed that the motorcycle was not safe to ride. The dealer tightened the bolts on the 2nd set of bearings underneath the bearings on the handlebar; however, the failure persisted. T…
The speedometer is faded and the lense is cloudy and the driver is unable to see the speed of the vehicle during the day at all.
Repair instructions and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about known issues. A TSB is not a recall, and the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty; ask your dealer for the bulletin number.
Dealer Message - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts for the new kit are available for future repairs.
Service Bulletin - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts for the new kit are available for future repairs.
Service Bulletin - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts for the new kit are available for future repairs.
Service Bulletin - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts for the new kit are available for future repairs.
Dealer Mesage - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts for the new kit are available for future repairs.
Service Bulletin - Honda has sourced a new supplier for the 2009 ~ 2017 GL1800 Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The new TPMS supplier parts are not compatible (will not communicate) with the original equipment parts. Therefore, if the original TPMS sensor/valve or receiver requires replacement, it will require the TPMS kit listed in this bulletin. Individual parts in the kit are available for future repairs.
"Newsletter - If the LCD screen is blank/inoperative and asterisks appear in place of the riding modes, perform the following test. ⢠Inspect the number five (15 amp) audio fuse next to the battery in the main fuse box. ⢠If failed, replace the fuse and disconnect the main multi pin connector from the Navi/audio unit. Power up the unit, and the fuse should not blow. You can also test with a known good Navi/audio unit. TechLine may be able to loan a known good Navi/audio unit if one is not available. ⢠If the fuse does not fail, the original Navi/audio unit is internally s
The Wrench - When performing the Service Bulletin GL1800 #1- Loose Handlebar Repair on 2018 GL 1800, or removing the Steering Bridge to adjust the upper steering stem nut on any 2018 and newer GL1800, the left rear tie rod bolt needs to be held by a 14 mm open wrench to prevent the bolt from turning when loosening the 17 mm upper nut. If the bolt is not supported, the rubber bushing will be damaged, which will then need to be replaced. Bushing damage will not be covered by warranty.
The Wrench - If DTCs appear on a new 2018 and newer GL1800, these are likely ABS related and are generated when the factory runs the freshly built unit on a dyno to verify proper engine and transmission operation. These stored codes are easily cleared using MCS, and will not return unless there is a problem related to the front (1-1) or rear (1-3) wheel speed sensors, or there is a CAN communication error (8-7) related to the ABS system.
"Dealer Message - The December 2020 edition of The Wrench publication is now available on iN. If DTCs appear on a new 2018 and newer GL1800, these are likely ABS related and are generated when the factory runs the freshly built unit on a dyno to verify proper engine and transmission operation. These stored codes are easily cleared using MCS, and will not return unless there is a problem related to the front (1-1) or rear (1-3) wheel speed sensors, or there is a CAN communication error (8-7) related to the ABS system."
Video Message - It concerns how to replace a leaky front rocker arm oil control valve. Due to a deteriorated lower gasket or an out-of-spec gasket groove, the front rocker arm oil control valve can leak in certain V6 models with variable cylinder management. To fix this issue service bulletin A20-023 was posted. Please let us know if you would like a copy of the video sent to you on a DVD or thumb drive.
Video Message - It concerns how to replace a leaky front rocker arm oil control valve. Due to a deteriorated lower gasket or an out-of-spec gasket groove, the front rocker arm oil control valve can leak in certain V6 models with variable cylinder management. To fix this issue service bulletin A20-023 was posted. Please let us know if you would like a copy of the video sent to you on a DVD or thumb drive.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opens these when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Many end in a recall.
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 spee
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
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation public data (complaints, manufacturer communications, investigations), model years 2010 and later. Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA.
In complaints filed with NHTSA for model years 2010–2024, owners most often name: engine, fuel/propulsion system, service brakes. 140 complaints are on record.
No. A complaint is an unverified report from an owner. A technical service bulletin (TSB) is the manufacturer telling dealers how to fix a known issue; it is not a safety recall and is usually covered only under warranty. A recall is a formal safety action, and its repair is free.
File a vehicle safety complaint at NHTSA.gov. NHTSA reads every report, and patterns of complaints are what open defect investigations and, eventually, recalls.