2006 Honda GL1800: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 2004 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Honda/Garmin has not provided updates to the integrated navigation system since 2014. As a result, on numerous occasions, the navigation system has given the wrong information to the rider. My motorcycle is a 2006, but I know this problem exists through at least the 2009 model year. Contacted Garmin for updated navigation data. They said there will be none because Honda would not pay Garmin to create updated navigation data for the GPS. The navigation system is now unsafe because can give wrong directions. There are hundreds of Goldwings with built-in GPS that are unsafe. Honda should be required updates or reimburse owners for their purchase of an external GPS.”Owner report · Equipment · Jul 2024
“2006 honda gl1800 motorcycle, the transmission pops out of gear occasionally. It has been happening for about a year and more often now to almost once every tank of gas or 230 miles. Two days ago while entering a corner it dropped out of gear then into a lower gear and temporarily locked up the rear tire. The price to look into the transmission is between $3,500 and $4,000. If the problem isn't serious enough to be covered by manufactures warranty I have to pay. I was advised to drive it until it breaks. My concern is if the transmission breaks in a turn or while on the freeway it may take my wife and myself with it. Thanks in advance. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · May 2010
“While riding at approximately 50 mph in 5th gear proceeding normally I felt the transmission 'clunk' as though the transmission had slipped out of gear. Then a loud 'clunkety clunk' as the engine seems to now rev free, then a 'clunk' as the transmission 'fell' back into gear. At no time during this event, which took place over a period of 2-3 seconds were my fingers touching either the brake or clutch, nor was my foot touching the brake or shifter. The balls of my feet were planted on both footpegs during the entire event. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“Transmission failure 4th to fifth gear. After shifting into 5th gear the transmission will jump as a ratchet does on a rounded bolt. Then runs ok. Started at around 40,000 miles and was intermediate but at 47,000 miles it is constant. Local honda dealer feels it is a bent shift fork and is in process of rebuilding. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2006 honda gl1800 goldwing. While driving the vehicle and shifting between 4th and 5th gear, without warning the transmission would shift into neutral. The dealer stated that the shift forks needed to be replaced. The contact observed prior to the failure that the clutch needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 118000 and the failure mileage was at 80232.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2008
“Instrument gauge face plate melting due to direct sun light. Speedometer, tachometer, and fuel/temp gauge are affected by this condition which results in erratic readings. The motorcycle is a 2006 and still under warranty, however, the company will not honor the warranty. I have not replaced the gauges yet. In december 2001 a service bulletin was issued for replacement gauges for this same condition (service bulletin gl1800 #8). I first noticed the tachometer giving erratic readings in july 2008, at which time I contacted the repair shop. I do have digital pictures of the affected gauges. This defect could cause an accident resulting in injury or death. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2008
“When riding my honda goldwing, a 2006 model the front end wobbles when decelerating at around 40 -45 mph down until the bike is going under 30mph. At that point it stops happening. This happens every time I decelerate and is noticeable when my hands are on the grips. This has happened ever since the bike was new in 2006. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2008
“My honda goldwing 1800 shakes when I use my back brakes after it is hot. The dealer and honda corp. State they know about it but offer no answers on how to fix it. Honda say's to use both brakes at the same time. This is not acceptable. There are times when this is not possible. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2006 honda gl1800 goldwing. The contact smelled gas fumes when riding the vehicle. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. The o rings were replaced. The contact does not know if this has corrected the failure because he has not ridden the vehicle. A police report was filed. The # of cylinders and the failure mileage were unknown. The current mileage is 11,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 55 mph, the front fork of the motorcycle wobbled. The dealership determined there was a known problem and the manufacturer would not do anything about it. There was a repair kit available to remedy the problem at the owner's expense.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2006
Recalls - 6 campaigns
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.
Honda (American Honda Motor, Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Honda GL1800 (Gold Wing) motorcycles manufactured February 8, 2006, to May 14, 2009 originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Honda GL 1800 (Gold Wing) motorcycles manufactured May 10, 2007, to May 14, 2009 originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Motorcycles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These motorcycles are equipped with an air bag inflator assembled as part of the air bag module, used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module containing the inflator, free of charge. Honda distributed an interim notification to owners on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KA8.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES, THE OWNER'S MANUALS CONTAIN INCORRECT CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S (NHTSA) VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE.
Remedy: HONDA WILL SEND A POSTCARD TO DEALERS AND OWNERS WITH THE CORRECT NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE INFORMATION AND WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO INSERT THE CARD INTO THE "REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS" SECTION OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009, ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238 OR HONDA MOTORCYCLES AT 1-866-784-1870.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2006-2009 and 2012 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A," Honda is recalling certain 2006-2009 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in Zone A or Zone B above, Honda is recalling certain 2006-2008 Honda GL1800 (Goldwing) motorcycles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Support at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is KE5.
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.
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 2006 Honda GL1800 reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Honda GL1800. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2006 Honda GL1800 have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder. 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.