2003 Honda GL1800A: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure; the 2002 and 2004 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 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“In :march, 2016, I purchased a 2003 honda goldwing 1800a from the original owner, a private party. I took the motorcycle in repairs, as it was damaged. The mechanic found a crack in the rear frame near a weld, and referred me to redlands honda. I spoke to wes in service who inspected the frame and called honda. Honda sent redlands honda a frame. On 6/23/2016, wes informed me I would have to pay for the labor to replace the frame, estimated to be over $2500. As a safety recall, I should not have to pay for any parts or labor to have the safety recall procedure performed. No failure has occurred to date. I have a picture of the crack.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2016
“Bought the bike july 9. Private party. I was going thru the bike checking everything out and found the frame is broke behind the passenger floorboards on both sides. I have done some research and this is very common. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2014
“If the rear foot pedal brake is applied without also using the front hand brake the bike shudders, sometimes violently, and the braking power is diminished .applying the front brake usually eliminates the shudder. The greater the ambient temperature the worse the problem gets. (over 105 degrees it becomes unrideable) all brake components have been check by the dealer and found to be in good working order. Honda tech denies there is a problem and tells their dealers to instruct riders to apply both brakes at the same time. All mc riders know that applying the front break in certain situations can cause a crash. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“Located cracked frame (2)tubes on rear triangular area of the aluminum frame. The tube on each side of the bike is cracked. The left side is approximately half way through. The area supports the rear of the motorcycle and passenger. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2008
“Shift shaft seal dislodged from engine/transmission, causing engine oil to be dumped onto roadway ahead of rear tire. First occurrence-seal replaced under warranty. Second occurrence-owner charged for repair, even though vehicle is covered by extended warranty. Cause of problem not corrected, therefore safety hazard remains should problem recur.*jb”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2006
“Engine appears to be overheating during slow speed operation. Temperature gauge enters the red danger zone during "parade mode riding" (heavy traffic). Cooling fan operation and brake (light) operation have dramatic impact on gauge indication when the engine is warm. According to honda's records the heating system recall has been performed on this motorcycle. Local dealer is not aware of this problem or its solution. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2005
“Unsatisfactory servicing of recall work on the 2003 honda goldwing. *mr the consumer requested reimbursement in the form of a gift certificate for the inconvenience and wrongful delay. *sc *jb”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2005
“The dealership indicated that the motorcycle's frame was not repairable. The frame cracked more that the frame weld recall stated (03v350000). *ak *nm”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2004
“2003 gl 1800a excessive front end wobble beginning shortly after the purchase of the motorcycle of which honda has made clear is "normal" when in reality it's highly dangerous. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2003
“The gl1800 overheats to the point of spilling coolant. The coolant overflow hose is in front of the rear tire. Honda has identified the problem and attempted a fix by installing a new ecm, however the problem still exists. *la”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2003
Recalls - 4 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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact GL1800A 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 GL1800A reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Honda GL1800A. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 2003 Honda GL1800A have open recalls?
4 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.