Model year record

2004 Honda GL1800 recalls & problems

The 2004 Honda GL1800 has 5 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (3 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints10filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicOct 23, 2015

Foundation components › Master cylinder

Recall 15V700000145,219 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentDec 12, 2011

Equipment

Recall 11E0540007,446 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulicDec 1, 2011

Foundation components › Master cylinder

Recall 11V567000126,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

StructureJan 31, 2005

Frame and members

Recall 05V02700034,919 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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

Service brakes, hydraulicJan 24, 2005

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 05V01000036,046 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH COMBINED-BRAKE SYSTEMS HAVE A PROPORTIONING CONTROL VALVE (PCV) THAT MECHANICALLY PROPORTIONS BRAKE FORCE WHEN THE REAR BRAKE IS APPLIED. A SEAL IN SOME PCVS IS IMPROPERLY SHAPED, AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR.
Risk: IF THE MOTORCYCLE CONTINUES TO BE USED AFTER A LEAK OCCURS, THE REAR BRAKE WOULD EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE. A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FORCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE FORLEAKAGE. IF LEAKAGE IS CONFIRMED, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PCV FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 31, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 866-784-1870.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainManual transmission	3	0	0	49,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingCooling system › Radiator assembly	2	0	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulic	1	0	0	—
Unknown or other	1	0	0	—
EquipmentMotorcycle › Helmets	1	1	1	—
Service brakes	1	0	0	—
Electrical system	1	0	0	—
StructureBody	1	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA GL1800 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE EXHIBITED FRACTURES ALONG THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE LOWER FRAME, LOCATED AT THE PASSENGER SIDE FOOT REST. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
Jan 5, 2020 · 46,000 miles
Power train
TRANSMISSION "LOCKED UP" AND THE VEHICLE WILL NO LONGER MOVE. FORWARD OR REVERSE, NOTHING. THE REAR WHEEL WILL NOT TURN AT ALL. HAD JUST COME OUT OF DRIVEWAY WHEN IT STARTED MAKING A CHATTERING NOISE, THEN WHEN I GOT ON ROAD THE NOISE GOT LOUDER AND ABOUT THE TIME I SHIFTED TO SECOND GEAR THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP COMPLETELY AND SKIDDED TO A STOP. AFTER NUMEROUS TRIES THE MOTOR WOULD RUN AND CLUTCH WOULD WORK BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR..I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO BRING IT BACK TO MY HOUSE. I CANNOT SEE ANY EVIDENCE OF WHY THE TRANS/DRIVELINE IS LOCKED AND WHY THE VEH. WILL NO LONGER MOVE. FORTUNATELY I WAS GOING VERY SLOW ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET. DISENGAGING THE CLUTCH WILL NOT…
May 2, 2017 · 7,000 miles
Electrical system
AS YOU ARE DRIVING WHEN ENGINE GETS WARM KILLS ON YOU .FOUND OUT ITS THE COMPUTER HONDA IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THEM AND KNOW THEY ARE TRYING TO UPDATE HAS NOT MADE RECALL. *TR
Oct 4, 2013 · 14,000 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 HONDA GOLDWING MOTORCYCLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE FINALLY COMING TO A STOP. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BRAKES AND BRAKE PADS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Oct 1, 2013
Equipment › Motorcycle › HelmetsCrash1 injury
HJC SYMAX II MODULAR HELMET COMPLAINT BOTH MY FRIEND AND I, [XXX] (WITNESS), BOTH RIDING 30 YEARS, WERE TRAVELING.ON THE BLUE RIDGE PKWY ENTERING THE PARKWAY AT WAYNESBORO, VA TO AVOID THE SKYLINE DRIVE. AROUND 7:15 WE DECIDED TO HEAD TO ROANOKE WHERE WE WOULD HAVE CELL AND INTERNET. HEADED SOUTH ON BRP. I HAS EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT DEER. APPROX 5 MINUTES LATER, DEER RAN ACROSS THE ROAD FORCING BOTH OF US TO BRAKE HEAVILY. APPROX 5 MINUTES LATER, SEVERAL MORE DEER RAN ACROSS THE ROAD IN FRONT OF ME. 2 COMPLETED THE CROSSING A 3RD REVERSED DIRECTION. 5 MINUTES LATER AS WE APPROACHED (SOUTHBOUND) AN OVERLOOK, 3 MORE DEER DASHED ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE LEFT. AS BEST I CAN REMEMBER THEY WERE…
Oct 9, 2012 · 74,000 miles
Power train
THE GL1800 MOTORCYCLE HAS A REVERSE ON IT. THIS SHOULD ONLY BE ALLOWED TO ENGAGE, WHEN IN NEUTRAL & NEVER WHILE RUNNING. I FOUND A CIRCUMSTANCE THAT ALLOWED IT TO START ENGAGING, AND POSSIBLY COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS HAD I NOT ACTED QUICKLY. THE STEPS FOR THIS ARE: -BIKE IS IN 1ST GEAR -BIKE IS STARTED -THE REVERSE SWITCH IS ACCIDENTALLY HIT WHILE PRESSING THE START BUTTON (RIDING GLOVES MAKE THIS SOMEWHAT SIMPLE IN THE DARK - IT IS LOCATED RIGHT BY YOUR STARTER AND YOUR CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS) -YOU TAKE OFF IN 1ST GEAR (IN MY SCENARIO I WAS STRAIGHT, THEN WAS TAKING OFF AND MAKING A SOMEWHAT RIGHT SHARP TURN) -BEFORE THE BIKE IS STRAIGHTENED COMPLETELY (BUT MOSTLY), YOU TRY TO SHIFT TO…
Oct 21, 2011 · 49,500 miles
Power train › Manual transmission
2004 GOLDWING OCTOBER 2003 BUILD DATE. AT ROUGHLY 12,000 MILES SPRING 2005, THIRD GEAR ENGAGEMENT, UP OR DOWN, WOULD OCCASIONALLY RESULT IN A SINGLE LOUD CLUNK AS THROTTLE POWER WAS APPLIED. BY THE TIME THE BIKE WAS AT 55,000 MILES SUMMER 2009, THIS CONDITION OF CLUNKING (SKIPPING A GEAR DOG) WAS 100% LIKELY. I HAVE IN THAT TIME BEEN MINDFUL OF THIRD GEAR AND GENERALLY SKIP IT OR ONLY APPLY MODERATE THROTTLE WHEN I KNOW I AM IN THIRD GEAR; BUT BY 55,000 MILES EVEN SLIGHT ACCELERATION FORCE WOULD RESULT IN THE TRANSMISSION SKIPPING A DOG AND CLUNKING. IN THAT INTERVENING TIME, I RECALL THREE INCIDENTS WHERE I THOUGHT I WAS IN SECOND OR FOURTH, APPLYING POWER THROUGH A TURN AND THE CLUNK…
May 1, 2009 · 53,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
REAR BRAKES INEFFECTIVE ON ALL MODELS OF HONDA GOLDWING 1800 MOTORCYCLES. MANY, MANY WING OWNERS COMPLAIN OF HAVING TO PUMP THE REAR BRAKES TO GET THEM TO WORK. IF YOU'RE IN A PANIC SITUATION, YOU DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THAT. I'VE HAD MINE TO THE DEALER TWICE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH NO RESOLUTION. THEY CONTACTED HONDA OF AMERICA AND WERE GIVEN NO HELP. MINE HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE NEW AND IT IS NOW 2 YEARS OLD. MANY WING OWNERS STATE THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS, BOTH IN PERSON AND VIA THE INTERNET. THE "INCIDENT DATE" IS INVALID BUT YOUR WEB PAGE WON'T ALLOW CONTINUATION WITHOUT IT. *NM
Feb 12, 2004

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Southern Honda PowersportsClosed
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 the recall remedy has been performed.(see 49 U.S.C. 30120(i); 49 C.F.R. 573.11)NHTSA issued an information request to Southern Honda on May 14, 2012 to which they responded on July 6, 2012.NHTSA?s inquiry led it to believe that Southern Honda had failed to complete the requirements of five recalls…
AQ12001 · opened May 14, 2012 · closed May 13, 2013
FRAME CROSSMEMEBER WELD FAILURESClosedLed to recall 05V027000
HONDA IS AMENDING THE SCOPE OF 03V-350 TO ADD 34,919 POTENTIALLY AFFECTED GL1800 GOLD WING MOTORCYCLES.THE INITIAL RECALL RANGE INCLUDED FRAMES MANUFACTURED WITH ONE OF A NUMBER OF WELDING PROCESSES.HONDA BELIEVED, ON THE BASIS OF DATA AVAILABLE AT THAT TIME, THAT ONLY THOSE GL'S BUILT WITH THAT ONE PROCESS WERE AT RISK OF FAILURE.WITH THE ORIGINAL RECALL (IN SEPTEMBER, 2003), HONDA INTRODUCED YET ANOTHER WELD PROCESS.SUBSEQUENTLY, HONDA BECAME AWARE OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING GL'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL, BUILT USING ANOTHER EARLY WELDING PROCESS.THUS, HONDA HAS DECIDED TO RECALL ALL GL1800'S BUILT PRIOR TO SEPTEMBER 20, 2003 REGARDLESS OF WHAT WELD PROCESS WAS BEING USED AT THE TIME.THIS RECALL EXPANSION AFFECTS THE 2001, 2002, 2003 AND 2004 MODEL YEARS AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AFFECTED U.S. GL1800 MOTORCYCLES INCREASES FROM 8,196 TO 43,115.
RQ04009 · opened Sep 21, 2004 · closed Feb 2, 2005