NHTSA vehicle safety data

2001 Honda GL1800 Recalls & Complaints

The 2001 Honda GL1800 has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 84 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Honda dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2001 Honda GL1800. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2001 Honda GL1800 owner complaints

Owners have filed 84 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Honda GL1800, describing incidents dated October 25, 2000 to June 26, 2021.

Most-cited components

Engine 42 complaints
Tires 16 complaints
Service Brakes 7 complaints
Structure 6 complaints
Power Train 5 complaints
Electrical System 3 complaints

Of the 84 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash; across all 84 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11422482 · Filed June 27, 2021
On 06/26/2021, Approx 4pm. Traffic heavy. Speed 20 mph or less. This caused consistent brake use. Rear brakes locked up. I was very close to the right edge of the road and bike stopped. I quickly activated emergency flashers and avoided any incident. This bike has ABS. There was a service recall…
ODI #11000691 · Filed June 22, 2017
CHAMPION SIDE CAR TRIKE KIT FRAME FAILURE ON A GL1800 WITH ONLY 28.K MILES AND NO ACCIDENTS.
ODI #11000149 · Filed June 20, 2017
I BOUGHT A 1800 HONDA GOLDWING TOURING BIKE 2-3 YEARS AGO HAD A BRAKE RECALL AND STILL DO? MINE WAS WORKED ON TWICE? AFTER I BOUGHT I DROVE IT 54 MILES THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP PULLING ME IN THE DITCH? FLIPPING THE BIKE AND SENDING IT END OVER END TOTAL? THAT WAS ALL DON,T BEFORE I GOT OUT OF THE ER…

Read all 84 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2001 Honda GL1800 in 4 investigations. Audit Queries and Equipment Queries are administrative investigations: they look at whether companies complied with federal vehicle safety requirements, such as reporting, recall and certification rules, not at a possible vehicle defect. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Audit Query AQ12-001: Southern Honda Powersports
Closed May 13, 2013
Recall Query RQ04-009: FRAME CROSSMEMEBER WELD FAILURES
Closed February 2, 2005
- Recall 05V-027
Preliminary Evaluation PE03-039: REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
Closed October 10, 2003
- Recall 03V-350
Preliminary Evaluation PE02-077: MOTORCYCLE COOLANT SPRAY ONTO REAR TIRE
Closed March 28, 2003

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Rear Brakes may Drag

NHTSA #15V700000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported October 23, 2015 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Potentially affected: 145,219 vehicles

Repair completion: 54.07% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Honda campaign JV6 · Owners notified December 7, 2015 · Vehicles built June 14, 2000 – May 5, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary brake master cylinder and the rear brake master cylinder, and flush the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on December 7, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is JV6. Note: This recall supercedes recall 14V-472.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

AFTERMARKET FLOORBOARD

NHTSA #11E054000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported December 12, 2011 · KURYAKYN HOLDINGS, LLC

Potentially affected: 7,446 vehicles

Owners notified January 13, 2012

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THE PASSENGER FLOORBOARD MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

KURYAKYN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE REPLACEMENT MOUNT KITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KURYAKYN AT 1-866-296-4728.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER

NHTSA #11V567000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported December 1, 2011 · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Potentially affected: 126,000 vehicles

Honda campaign S03 · Owners notified January 6, 2012 · Vehicles built March 8, 2001 – September 25, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 6, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.

Notes

HONDA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS S03.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

MOTORCYCLE/FRAME CRACKS

NHTSA #05V027000 · Structure — Frame and Members · NHTSA notice

Reported January 31, 2005 · HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)

Potentially affected: 34,919 vehicles

Honda campaign P66 · Owners notified February 9, 2005 · Vehicles built October 1, 2000 – May 25, 2001 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THE WELDED AREA COULD BREAK, RESULTING IN REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE OR LOWER CROSS MEMBER SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REINFORCE THE WELDS ON 2001-2002 MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. ON 2003-2004 MOTORCYCLES, THE UNITS WILL BE REPAIRED, NO INSPECTION WILL BE NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.

Notes

HONDA RECALL NO. P66.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

HONDA/ENGINE STOP SWITCH

NHTSA #01V162000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported May 9, 2001 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Potentially affected: 6,662 vehicles

Owners notified April 19, 2001 · Vehicles built October 2, 2000 – February 22, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ENGINE STOP SWITCH. THE ENGINE STOP SWITCH IS SENSITIVE TO ACCIDENTAL CONTACT OR STRONG JOLTING, SUCH AS HITTING A POTHOLE OR RIDING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS,WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CUT OUT MOMENTARILY OR EVEN SHUT OFF.

Safety consequence

SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CONTACT PLATE, E-CLIP, AND 2 CONTACT PLATE SPRINGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-310-532-9811.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

HONDA/PULSE ROTOR

NHTSA #01V133000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported April 23, 2001 · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.

Potentially affected: 8,107 vehicles

Owners notified April 19, 2001 · Vehicles built October 2, 2000 – March 23, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED PULSE ROTOR. THE CRANKSHAFT PULSE ROTOR, A DEVICE USED FOR IGNITION TIMING, COULD FAIL AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL.

Safety consequence

THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED PULSE ROTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2001 Honda GL1800. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

84 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Honda GL1800.

Service Brakes

ODI #11422482

Incident: June 26, 2021 · Filed: June 27, 2021

On 06/26/2021, Approx 4pm. Traffic heavy. Speed 20 mph or less. This caused consistent brake use. Rear brakes locked up. I was very close to the right edge of the road and bike stopped. I quickly activated emergency flashers and avoided any incident. This bike has ABS. There was a service recall performed about 4 yrs ago- at Barneys MC shop, St Petersburg- related to brakes. I was able to shut off the bike twice. Pumped/tapped FR/R brakes twice and the brakes finally released. No further incident. Will have bike inspected tomorrow. No warning lamps. This bike has very low mileage at 21,000.

Suspension

ODI #11000691

Incident: June 13, 2017 · Filed: June 22, 2017

CHAMPION SIDE CAR TRIKE KIT FRAME FAILURE ON A GL1800 WITH ONLY 28.K MILES AND NO ACCIDENTS.

Service Brakes

ODI #11000149

1 injury

Incident: July 21, 2015 · Filed: June 20, 2017

I BOUGHT A 1800 HONDA GOLDWING TOURING BIKE 2-3 YEARS AGO HAD A BRAKE RECALL AND STILL DO? MINE WAS WORKED ON TWICE? AFTER I BOUGHT I DROVE IT 54 MILES THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP PULLING ME IN THE DITCH? FLIPPING THE BIKE AND SENDING IT END OVER END TOTAL? THAT WAS ALL DON,T BEFORE I GOT OUT OF THE ER AND HOSPITOL....UPDATED 06/21/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND SOLD. UPDATED 08/04/2017*JS

Unknown or Other

ODI #10970451

Incident: March 27, 2017 · Filed: April 4, 2017

ON 3/27/17 DURING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING IN MY GARAGE, I REMOVED THE SIDE COVERS AND FOUND THE FRAME WAS BROKEN COMPLETELY APART ON BOTH SIDES OF THE MOTORCYCLE. FRAME BRAKE WAS IN THE LOWER TUBE SECTION OF THE REAR TRIANGLE OF MAIN FRAME DIRECTLY AFT OF THE WELD. THIS IS A KNOWN WEAK SPOT, SINCE HONDA REINFORCED THIS AREA OF THE ALUMINUM FRAME IN MID-2004. THIS BREAK WAS REPORTED TO HONDA POWERSPORTS CUSTOMER SERVICE IN TORRANCE, CA ON 3/28/17. HAD THE BROKEN FRAME INSPECTED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY AUTHORIZED HONDA SERVICE MANAGER 3/31/17. NOW WAITING TO HEAR FROM HONDA.

Service Brakes

ODI #10885934

Incident: June 11, 2016 · Filed: July 19, 2016

HAD BRAKE RECALL WORK DONE AT HONDA DEALERSHIP. AFTER THAT & HAS TEMP GOT HOTTER I DEVELOPED A EXTREMELY VIOLENT BRAKE SHUTTER.RETURNED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY NOTIFIED HONDA AND ATTEMPTED TO REWORK THE BRAKES BUT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET GOLDWING BRAKE SHUDDERING & FOUND OUT I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM & HONDA IS AWARE OF IT.CALLED HONDA CS TOLD THEM WHAT IT WAS DOING. THEY INFORM ME IF I READ MY OWNER MANUAL ON BRAKE OPERATIONS THAT IT'S OPERATOR ERROR .I HAVE OWNED THIS BIKE SINCE IT WAS NEW. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT BRAKE COMBINATION YOU USE FRONT/REAR /SIMULTANEOUSLY IT CREATES THE SHUTTER. THIS STARTS WHEN THE TEMP GETS ABOVE 80 DEGREES IT DOES NOT MATTER SLOW OR HIGH SPEEDS IN CURVES OR TURNING A CORNER OR ONTO A PARKING LOT YOU HAVE TO RELEASE THE BRAKE TO GET IT TO STOP. THIS PROBLEM DID NOT START UNTIL AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE.THERE IS STILL SOME KIND OF BRAKE PROBLEM WITH THE GOLDWING GL 1800. I GUESS IT WILL TAKE SOMEONE GETTING KILLED BEFORE HONDA DOES SOMETHING ABOUT. I WISH YOU'D DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE BRAKE SHUTTERING. JUST LOOK UP GOLDWING BRAKE SHUTTER IT STARTED 2002 AND GOES TO 2015. I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS FILED A COMPLAINT?

Electrical System

ODI #10838942

Incident: January 20, 2016 · Filed: February 29, 2016

ENGINE STOP SWITCH IS OVERLY SENSITIVE. IF MOTORCYCLE HITS A BUMP THE ENGINE MAY SHUT OFF. IF SWITCH IS TOUCHED IT WILL STOP ENGINE.

Electrical System; Equipment

ODI #10395158

Incident: April 15, 2009 · Filed: April 7, 2011

I PURCHASED MY 2001 GOLDWING 1800 USED FROM A LOCAL DEALER IN PLAINFIELD, CT. THE GOLDWING WAS SOLD TO ME WITH THE STEREO SYSTEM INSTALLED WHICH INCLUDED THE 5 DISC CD CHANGER UNDER THE REAR TRUNK. FROM DAY 1 I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS CD CHANGER NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, BECOMING JAMMED UP WITH ALL 5 DISCS IN ONE SLOT, ETC. I HAD TAKEN OUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM THE DEALERSHIP BUT ALL THEY EVER TOLD ME WAS THAT THEY WERE LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM. THEY DID PROVIDE ME WITH A PRINT OUT OF ALL OF THE WORK DONE FOR THE PREVIOUS OWNER WHICH ALSO SHOWED THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE CD CHANGER BUT THEY REPLACED IT TWICE FOR HIM YET NOTHING WAS EVER DONE TO HELP WITH MY PROBLEM EXCEPT " WE ARE LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM." SINCE THEN THE DEALERSHIP HAS FOLDED AND A NEW OWNER IS RUNNING THE PLACE AND OF COURSE THEY ARE NOT BACKING ANYTHING THAT THE OLD DEALERSHIP DID OR SAID ( CAN NOT BLAME THEM THERE THOUGH!) I WAS TOLD BY SOMEONE THAT THERE WAS SOME KIND OF A RECALL ON THE CD CHANGER WHICH IS MADE BY PIONEER, CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO GET THIS FIXED, REPAIRED, REPLACED, ANYTHING?? *TR

Tires

ODI #10358058

Incident: August 20, 2009 · Filed: September 28, 2010

METZELER ME880 MARATHON, 180/60R16, FOR HONDA GL1800 REAR TIRE OUT OF ROUND CAUSING MOTORCYCLE TO SHIMMY. TIRE WAS INSTALLED SUMMER OF 2009. SHIMMY BEGAN AFTER TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 5,000. THERE WAS NO DETECTABLE DEFLECTION IN TIRE, BUT PROBLEM STEADILY GOT WORSE. TIRE WAS CHECKED FREQUENTLY, PRESSURE CHECKED DAILY (KEPT AT 42PSI). AT ABOUT 9500 MILES ON TIRE, SHIMMY GOT WORSE, AND TIRE FOUND TO HAVE OVER 1/2 IN. RADIAL AND AXIAL RUNOUT. THIS IS THIRD METZELER ON MY GL1800. 1ST ONE, SUMMER OF 2006, HAD SLIGHT SHIMMY FROM START, LASTED ONLY 925 MILES - BLOWOUT FROM ROAD DEBRIS. HAD THAT TIRE REPLACED BY HONDA DEALER IN FERGUS FALLS, MINNESOTA. REPLACEMENT TIRE HAD NO SHIMMY UNTIL ABOUT 800 MILES. SHIMMY WORLENED UNTIL DANGEROUS CONDITION AND TIRE REPLACED WITH DIFFERENT BRAND. E-MAIL SENT TO METZELER WITH NO RESPONSE. *TR

Structure

ODI #10325068

Incident: April 11, 2010 · Filed: April 12, 2010

MOTORCYCLE, HONDA GOLDWING, 2001 LEFT FRAME CRACK: THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF FRAMES BEING CRACKED AND UPON INSPECTION OF MY MOTORCYCLE FRAME I NOTICED THAT I HAVE THE IDENTICAL CRACK IN MY FRAME. THE CRACK IS LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE LEFT PASSENGER FOOTREST AND IS VISIBLE BY REMOVING THE REAR TIRE AND VIEWING IT FROM UNDER THE BIKE. THE CRACK EXTENDS DOWN FROM A WELD THAT ATTACHES THE LOWER LEFT REAR SUPPORT TUBE TO THE CENTER SECTION OF THE FRAME. *TR

Structure

ODI #10258275

Incident: February 1, 2009 · Filed: February 10, 2009

THE VEHICLE IS A 2001 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE WITH 56300 MILES. VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR POSSIBLE WELD DEFECTS IN THE FRAME SEVERAL YEARS AGO. VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION. NO WELD DEFECTS OR CRACKS WERE FOUND AT THAT TIME. UPON DOING CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE OVER THE PAST 10 DAYS I DISCOVERED A CRACK IN A FRAME WELD. THE CRACK IS LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE OF A WELD AND EXTENDS APPROXIMATELY 1.5 INCHES. THE CRACK IS AT THE JUNCTION OF A TUBULAR PROTRUBANCE OFF THE MAIN FRAME AND TUBULAR SUPPORT FOR THE MOTORCYCLE SEAT. THE ALUMINUM TUBULAR SUPPORT IS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I HAVE NOTIFIED AMERICAN HONDA IN CALIFORNIA. THE MOTORCYCLE IS AT THE FOX VALLEY HONDA DEALERSHIP IN AURORA, ILLINOIS. FOX VALLEY HONDA IS NOTIFYING THE DISTRICT MANAGER WHO WILL EVALUATE THE FRAME PROBLEM. *TR

Other Honda GL1800 model years

Check your 2001 Honda GL1800 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Honda GL1800 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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