2003 Honda GL1800: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 101 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (51% of complaints); the 2004 and 2005 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Told by honda the frame recall was done in 2012. In 2020 I inspected the frame and there are cracks in the frame again where the recall stated they would be. The replacement frame is cracking. Both major cracks are at the welds at the rear passenger foot pegs”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda gl1800. The contact stated that upon inspection it was discovered that the frame was fractured. The contact indicated that the fracture was located at the mid section of the left side of the motorcycle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer trikes by rodney located at 1672 linden ave, zanesville, oh 4370 was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 05v027000 (structure). The failure mileage was 138,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2020
“Honda safety recall service bulletin gl1800 #14 revised: september 2008 states that my motorcycle is one of the affected units for the recall (I.e. The frame welds need to be reinforced). That work has never been done. However, the records for doing a VIN check only go back 15 years, and a local honda dealer says no fix is needed.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2019
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“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda gl1800. While driving at 65 mph, the brake pedal was applied however failed to respond. The contact noticed there was no brake fluid in the reservoir. The motorcycle was taken to cycle shack north (1101 interstate 45 s, conroe, tx 77301 (936) 756-9711) where it was diagnosed that brake fluid was leaking and the position control valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer stated that NHTSA campaign number: 05v01000 (service brakes, hydraulic) was completed in 2005 and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 42,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2019
“The engine run hotter than usual in heavy traffic and going up hill at higher rpm . All fans are running ok as expected but still when ever stuck in traffic at 75 degree temperature outside the engine temperature seem to creep up higher towards the red mark . This is a safety issue as if the engine spill coolant , I and my passage risk getting into an accident due to slippery surface. Had it check by the pro and they are pointing at the ecm . This should be fix and is honda's responsibility . Many other owners had previously complained of similar issues.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda goldwing. The dealer inspected the vehicle and found premature cracks in two places under the passenger side floorboards. The mechanic was to further diagnose the motorcycle to determine what parts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. Updated 09/29/16*lj *tr”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2016
“2003 honda goldwing. Consumer writes in regards to motorcycles sudden power loss and brake system failure accident. *smd *cn”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda goldwing. While idling with the rpms under 1,000, the motorcycle made a loud abnormal noise. The contact stated that when the motorcycle exceeded 1,000 rpms, the noise seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 honda goldwing gl 1800 motorcycle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by the dealer, the dealer advised the contact that the left side of the motorcycle frame was cracked. The manufacturer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 103,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2012
“2003 honda goldwing motorcycle. Consumer writes in regards recall 2001-2010 and rear brakes campaign *tgw the consumer stated shortly after having his brakes serviced, he heard an unusual grinding noise coming from the rear wheel. When he took the motorcycle to the dealer, he was informed the rotor and brakes were completely destroyed. The dealer indicated the consumer must have ridden the rear brakes even though the brakes were linked and the front brakes were in good condition. The consumer has since traded the motorcycle. The consumer referenced recall# 11v567000. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REINFORCE THE WELDS ON ALL FRAMES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING OCTOBER 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-866-784-1870.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE BANK ANGLE SENSORS DESIGNED TO SHUT OFF THE FUEL PUMP AND THE ENGINE ELECTRICAL POWER IN THE EVENT THE MOTORCYCLE FALLS OVER, WERE INSTALLED USING THE WRONG SIZE SCREWS ALLOWING THE SCREWS TO EVENTUALLY DETACH FROM THEIR MOUNTING POINT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOUNTING SCREW SIZE AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL SCREWS OF THE CORRECT SIZE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 23, 2002. 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 1-800-289-8226.
How other years compare
Check your exact GL1800 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Honda GL1800 reliable?
NHTSA has 101 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Honda GL1800. The most complained-about area is structure (51% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Honda GL1800 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 15,090 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Honda GL1800 have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning structure:frame and members:underbody shields. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.